Mawphlang Sacred Forest of Khasi Tribe, Shillong, Meghalaya
Why you must visit the Sacred Grove (or Law Kyntang) of Hima Mawphlang in Shillong?
Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited this place in May 2016!
The road to Mawphlang:
About 25 kilometers from Shillong in the “Abode of the Clouds” of Meghalaya, nestled in the Khasi hills and preserved by traditional religious sanction lies the remarkable Mawphlang Sacred Forest. Spread over 192 acres, the Sacred Grove is in sharp contrast to the surrounding green grasslands and is rimmed by a dense growth of Castanopsis Kurzii trees. The entrance is protected by 3 monolith stones similar to menhirs.
The local Khasi tribe has been preserving this forest for thousands of years and believe it to be the abode of the local deity called Labasa, who protects the forest. This Forest is guarded by one strict rule – “Nothing is allowed to be taken out of this Sacred Grove, not even a leaf, a stone or a dead log”.
Network of interconnected trees:
The Forest reveals an astonishing network of interconnected plants and trees, some of which are believed to be more than 1000 years old. The splendid flora presents a dramatic visual spectacle and worth capturing in digital memory.Over the years the forest ground has got a thick cover of hummus that supports growth of myriad varieties of plant life, many of which are found nowhere else.
Rudraksh tree, mushrooms, ferns, pines and other plant species:
There are several Rudraksh tree inside the grove, the seeds of which are used in religious ceremonies. The Sacred forest has rich flora of colourful mushrooms, pipers, ferns, orchids and endemic plants some of which are believed to pocesses medicinal properties. Locals believe some plants have the ability to cure TB and cancer.One of the peculiar plants that can be easily spotted inside is a Lily Cobra, which has a leaf and a twig that looks like head of the cobra.
Monoliths and sacrifice places:
Animal sacrifices are performed for the deity at stone temples inside the forest.The sacred forest is protected by the Lyngdoh clan, who believe that the deity protects the village. The local lore says that in 1970, the Army tried taking out the dead wood and trees from this forest but were unable to do so as the truck didn’t start even after trying multiple times.
These are monoliths or stone temples inside the forest. Locals visit these stone temples to pray, elect kings and discuss important matters concerning the tribe. Animal sacrifices are offered to the forest Gods at these stone temples as thanksgiving when the devotee’s prayers are answered or when a new King is elected.
The sprawling forest comes alive during the 3 day monolith festival organized by Khasi Heritage Conservation Forum to celebrate Mei Ramew (mother nature).
The Sacred Forest attracts tourists because of its physical beauty, sheer majesty, its many legends and folklore myths. Locals believe one cannot disrespect the forest rules else the deity would get angry. This belief has helped preserve the eco diversity of the Sacred Forest for thousands of years.
Additional tourist attraction - A Khasi Heritage Village has been set up by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council opposite the Mawphlang Sacred Forest.
Sacred Forest-- Mawphlang, Meghalaya. Is it worth your time ? Find out
A trip to Sacred Forest,Mawphlang. An amazing experience .
MAWPHLANG | SCARED FOREST | MEGHALAYA | NORTH EAST | INDIA |
Meghalaya Mawphlang Sacred Forest
Mawphlang Sacred Forest
Location: East Khasi Hills District
One of the most remarkable features of the Khasi Hills are the sacred forests, which have been preserved by traditional religious sanction, since the ancient days. One of the most famous sacred forests is the Mawphlang Sacred Forest, about 25 kilometres from Shillong. The sacred grove has an amazing life form of plants, flowering trees, orchids and butterflies. An ideal destination for nature lovers.
The sacred-groves which have been preserved since time immemorial, are in sharp contrast to their surrounding grasslands. These groves are generally rimmed by a dense growth of Castanopsis kurzii trees, forming a protective hedge which halts intrusion of Pinus kasia (Khasi pine) which dominates all areas outside the sacred groves. Inside the outer rim, the sacred groves are virtually Nature's Own Museum. The heavily covered grounds have a thick cushion of humus accumulated over the centuries. The trees in every sacred groveare heavily loaded with epiphytic growth of aroids, pipers, ferns, fern-allies and orchids. The humus-covered grounds likewise harbour myriad varieties of plant life, many of which are found nowhere else
Song : warmth of the sun on her skin
MAWPHLANG SACRED FOREST ; AMAZING MEGHALAYA Part 2
31 May - 06 Jun 2019 4K/FHD....Part Two..Meghalaya India.....Mawphlang Sacred Forest as the name goes by spread across 78 hectares of land and protected by the local deity -Labasa and Lyngdoh clan for more than thousand years. Cutting down any tree or branch here is taboo..The forest is treasure trove of 450 species of trees and plants as well as rare species of animals and birds. It is also home to severaL species of trees that work as climate indicators...as well several medicinal plants too...we had a brief visit to this place....background music courtesy bgmusic (Arpology) Longzijun, my sincere thanks to the artist
Mawphlang Sacred Grove Forest, Meghalaya - A Inside Tour.
Sacred Forest is a famous local sight seeing point from shillong in the Mawphlang village. Mawphlang is a village in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya state in north-eastern India, 25 kilometers from Shillong. The sacred grove is a house of many medicinal plants, flowering trees, orchids, insects and other animals which makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers. This Sacred forest is preserved by Lyngdoh clan since the ancient days. The Beautiful story of this forest is narrated here in this video.
1.How to go :
Mawphlang is located 25 kilometers from Shillong. It will take about an hour to go there.
2.Timing :
Entrance is open from 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily.
3.Entry Fees and Charges :
The entry fee is 20 rupees per person, plus 20 rupees for a camera. Taking a guide is mandatory, they are people from local Lyngdoh clans who will charges around 300 rupees for one hour. You can pay extra to be taken deeper into the forest.
4.Staying option :
If you want to stay at Mawphlang Maple Pine farm house is there.
Sound Track : Most beautiful Asian Flute song.
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Voice Courtesy : M.Sharma.
In Shillong, PM Modi visits Mawphlang sacred forests, plays drum
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Mawphlang sacred grove tour : Meghalaya diaries part3
First ever exclusive video tour and introduction to the Mawphlang sacred grove. It is a protected area of forest, that has been kept in pristine and natural condition since centuries. People can't take out wood, plants, seeds, water, fruits, anything at all from this area. Visitors are allowed though. One can also consume any fruits, etc inside this forest if one wishes. Outsiders are not allowed during the ritual times.
It was started and still believed to be a sacred place, protected by deities. However, the ecological significance is huge. This kind of protected forest/groves needs to be replicated all around the world.
It is around 30mins walking trail for outer area and one hour for the full forest. We highly recommend it to the tourists. You can ask for guides at the entrance they are happy to help. Without guides, you won't understand the cultural significance and the identify the trees like the Rudraksha tree, medicinal plants,etc.
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***Music and SFX source:
A daydream by Mark Tyner at
Soundbible.com
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***Special Thanks to our guide:
Taebok Langbla
Mawphlang Sacred Forest | Lawkyntang | Shillong Scotland of the East
Shillong Episode 2 | Things to do in Shillong, Meghalaya
Just in case if you missed watching Episode 1 of Shillong, you can check out the link: . We spent about 15 days in Meghalaya, traveled to all the 3 Tribe regions. You will see the episodes one after the other.
This episode has information on things to do in Shillong, top places to see and visit.
Details of places visited by as part of this tour is given below:
Delhi Mistan Bhandar: Restaurant opens at 7 am. And continues till 8 pm.
Poori Bhaji Rs 75
Halwa Rs 50
Jalebi Rs. 35
Address: Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001
Location:
Mawphlang Sacred Forest: Guide Mac contact number: 8787488041
Trekking Details
Rs. 300 for 40 mins Trekking
Rs. 500 for 1.5 hours Trekking
Rs. 1000 for 3 hours Trekking
Address: Nongrum, Meghalaya 793121
Location:
Jadoh Food Stall: This is just opp entry gate of Mawphlang sacred forest.
Jadoh Nei Iong Rs. 30
Address: Opp. Mawphlang Sacred Forest Gate Entry 793121
Location:
David Scott Trail: This is about 3 km from entry gate of Mawphlang forest. This is a 16 km trek, if you decide to travel through this you will exit at near Sohra. There is no entry charge there but you need to travel with guide.
Guide charge for this travel is Rs 1500.
Shillong View Point:
Address: Peak Viewing Point, Shillong, Meghalaya 793004
Location:
ML 05 Cafe
Chicken Thukpa Rs. 260
Address: AH 1, Near Eastern Air Command, Mawsynram-Shillong Rd, Shillong, Meghalaya 793005
Location:
Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
Address: Laitumkhrah, Shillong, Meghalaya 793003
Location:
Hope you enjoyed watching this episode, if you have any query with regard to Meghalaya travel, please feel free to write to me in the comment section, I will try my best to reply back to this.
Thanks for your time, regards. Harish Bali
Mawphlang Sacred Grove Forest
A Historic and scenic forest part of the Khasi heritage
Mawphlang Forest, Shillong, Meghalaya. India
Mawphlang is a village in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya state in north-eastern India, 25 kilometers from Shillong. The word maw means stone, maw phlang means grassy stone, and is one of many settlements in the Khasi hills named after monoliths. The forest is called as the Sacred Forest. There are tour guides available to narrate a story of why the forest is sacred.
A trip to Mawphlang Sacred Grove, Meghalaya (Shorter Version)
One of the most remarkable features of the Khasi Hills are the sacred forests, which have been preserved by traditional religious sanction, since the ancient days. One of the most famous sacred forests is the Mawphlang Sacred Grove in East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. The sacred grove has an amazing life form of plants, flowering trees, orchids and butterflies. An ideal destination for nature lovers. This was no ordinary forest, but home to a protective deity called ‘U Ryngkew U Basa’, revered by the Chief and Elders of the village to protect it from all harm. If anyone enters with bad inten¬tions, they face dire consequences.
A sacred grove or Law Kyntang, this forest has stood for at least 800 years and one of the reasons the forest still survives is because cuttting down any tree or branch here is taboo. Nature holds much significance in traditional Khasi culture and the spirit of conservation is deeply embedded in the people through a complex social matrix of religious beliefs. According to a Khasi saying, a village (hima) has no identity without its own sacred grove.
Covering almost 80 hectares, the Mawphlang Sacred Grove is a treasure trove of rare medicinal trees and plants like the English yew, the Chinese sumac, chinquapin, etc. It is also home to several species of trees that work as climate indicators, such as the Japanese blue oak and griffitti. In total, there are about 450 species of trees and plants in this forest as well as rare species of animals and birds. The biodiversity of this community- protected forest is impressive. The trees in every sacred grove are heavily loaded with epiphytic growth of aroids, pipers, ferns, fern-allies and orchids. The humus-covered grounds likewise harbour myriad varieties of plant life, many of which are found nowhere else
The forest also serves as an important ritual site for the people of ‘Hima Mawphlang’ who perform various thanksgiving and blessing ceremonies in the area. This has evidently been going on for a while, attested by scattered mounds of ritual stones and menhirs, some of which are over 800 years old.
SACRED GROOVES MAWPHLANG | SACRED FOREST | KHASI HERITAGE VILLAGE | MEGHALAYA | VLOG 10 |
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Mawphlang - The sacred forest of Khasi tribe, Shillong, Meghalaya| Meghalaya Tourism - Places to see
Allow me to take you to a world of over 600 species of trees, with some tall trees, some poisonous trees, some as tiny as mushrooms and a lot more. There is a lot of history too at Mawphlang, the holy forest of Khasi Tribe of Meghalaya, right outside Shillong.
Why you must visit the Sacred Grove (or Law Kyntang) of Hima Mawphlang in Shillong?
Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited this place in May 2016!
The road to Mawphlang:
About 25 kilometers from Shillong in the “Abode of the Clouds” of Meghalaya, nestled in the Khasi hills and preserved by traditional religious sanction lies the remarkable Mawphlang Sacred Forest. Spread over 192 acres, the Sacred Grove is in sharp contrast to the surrounding green grasslands and is rimmed by a dense growth of Castanopsis Kurzii trees. The entrance is protected by 3 monolith stones similar to menhirs.
The local Khasi tribe has been preserving this forest for thousands of years and believe it to be the abode of the local deity called Labasa, who protects the forest. This Forest is guarded by one strict rule – “Nothing is allowed to be taken out of this Sacred Grove, not even a leaf, a stone or a dead log”.
Network of interconnected trees:
The Forest reveals an astonishing network of interconnected plants and trees, some of which are believed to be more than 1000 years old. The splendid flora presents a dramatic visual spectacle and worth capturing in digital memory.Over the years the forest ground has got a thick cover of hummus that supports growth of myriad varieties of plant life, many of which are found nowhere else.
Rudraksh tree, mushrooms, ferns, pines and other plant species:
There are several Rudraksh tree inside the grove, the seeds of which are used in religious ceremonies. The Sacred forest has rich flora of colourful mushrooms, pipers, ferns, orchids and endemic plants some of which are believed to pocesses medicinal properties. Locals believe some plants have the ability to cure TB and cancer.One of the peculiar plants that can be easily spotted inside is a Lily Cobra, which has a leaf and a twig that looks like head of the cobra.
Monoliths and sacrifice places:
Animal sacrifices are performed for the deity at stone temples inside the forest.The sacred forest is protected by the Lyngdoh clan, who believe that the deity protects the village. The local lore says that in 1970, the Army tried taking out the dead wood and trees from this forest but were unable to do so as the truck didn’t start even after trying multiple times.
These are monoliths or stone temples inside the forest. Locals visit these stone temples to pray, elect kings and discuss important matters concerning the tribe. Animal sacrifices are offered to the forest Gods at these stone temples as thanksgiving when the devotee’s prayers are answered or when a new King is elected.
The sprawling forest comes alive during the 3 day monolith festival organized by Khasi Heritage Conservation Forum to celebrate Mei Ramew (mother nature).
The Sacred Forest attracts tourists because of its physical beauty, sheer majesty, its many legends and folklore myths. Locals believe one cant disrespect the forest rules else the deity would get angry. This belief has helped preserve the eco diversity of the Sacred Forest for thousands of years.
Additional tourist attraction - A Khasi Heritage Village has been set up by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council opposite the Mawphlang Sacred Forest.
Watch the whole video to not miss a bit of the amazing forests of Meghalaya.
Mawphlang Sacred Grove || Shillong Tours & Travels
At a distance of 27 km from Shillong, Mawphlang Sacred Grove is a reserved forest located at Mawphlang village near Shillong, Meghalaya. Also known as Lawkyntang, it is an ideal destination for nature lovers and among the best places to experience Shillong Tourism.
Situated in the East Khasi Hills, Mawphlang Sacred Forest is preserved by the natives since ancient times as a part of their religious beliefs, in which forests are considered as a sacred entity. Covering over an area 80 hectares, the Mawphlang Sacred Grove is a treasure trove of rare medicinal trees and plants like the English yew, the Chinese sumac, chinquapin, etc. It is also home to several species of trees that work as climate indicators like Japanese blue oak and graffiti. In total, there are about 450 species of trees and plants in this forest as well as rare species of animals and birds.
According to the locals, the sacred forest is protected by the Lyngdoh clan, who believe that the deity Labasa resided here. The villagers believe that the deity protects their village during crisis. The forest also serves as an important ritual site for the people of Hima Mawphlang who perform various thanksgiving and blessing ceremonies in the area. Members of the Khasi tribe also burn the bones of their dead inside the forest.
The only rule of the forest is one cannot allowed to take anything from here, not even a leaf! There are tales of people who have broken this taboo becoming sick and even dying. In fact, local lore says that in 1970, the army tried taking out the dead wood and trees from this forest, but they were not able to do so as the truck didn't start even after trying multiple times. This sprawling forest comes alive during the three day monolith festival held here that showcases the tribal heritage and culture. The David-Scott Trail, one of Meghalaya's most popular trekking routes, is located behind the forest.
The whole trek inside the forest will be around 3 to 4 km and one has the option of either going for the short trek which is about 30-40 minutes or for the long trek which is about 90 minutes duration. A tourist guide is required to visit the place and you will not be allowed inside without him.
Timings: 9 AM - 4.30 PM
The Sacred Grove | Mawphlang | Meghalaya
One of the Important features of the Khasi Hills are the sacred grove, which have been preserved by traditional local tribals, since the ancient days.
One of the most famous sacred grove is the Mawphlang Sacred Grove, about 25 kilometres from Shillong.
The sacred grove has an amazing fresh green plants, flowering trees, orchids and butterflies.
The sacred-groves which have been preserved since time immemorial, are in sharp contrast to their surrounding grasslands.
The local deity, called Labasa. The tribal people have a firm belief that Labasa protects this forest and their community from any mishap. That is the reason of one strict rule – ‘NOTHING is allowed to be taken out of this Sacred Grove. Not even a leaf, stone or a dead log’. Failing to comply may lead to death.
Removing even the tiniest thing from the forest means you’re disrespecting the deity. It is said that whoever attempts to break this rule is punished with illness, which can even lead to death. In fact, our guide says that once the army tried taking out the dead wood and trees from this forest, but they were not able to do so as the truck didn’t start even after trying multiple times.
Mystic Sacred Forest Mawphlang near Shillong | Incredible India | Little Travel Blogger | S01E07
Welcome to an unbelievable place in INDIA, a mystic sacred forest preserved for thousands of years, just adjoining a beautiful big grassland just outside Shillong, Meghalay
An amazing place to witness few species of plants which you might have never seen before.
Check out the video of the LITTLE TRAVEL BLOGGER taking you deep inside the mystic sacred forest
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Mawphlang Sacred Forest
A scenic place to walk around with some standing stones and sacred forest.
Mawphlang Sacred Forest near Shillong, Meghalaya
Mawphlang sacred forests are protected forests deemed to be sacred by people of the Khasi tribe. The area is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The forests are surrounded by grasslands. According to local legends, even a twig taken out of the forest is a sin. Ancient Khasi ritual sacrifices used to be held inside the forest. You can still see the stone tables that were used as altars for the sacrifices.
A woman who took some flowers from the forest reportedly had her head turned backwards. The condition cured after the elders of the tribe performed some rituals in the forest.
In another case, a couple that engaged in sexual intercourse got attached to one another that a surgery had to be conducted to separate them. Both died later.