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Murshidabad Sacred Groves (Kiriteswari, Babulbona, Pataleswar)
Murshidabad district (Bhagirathi River), West Bengal
India
Active
Regional cluster
- Location
- Murshidabad district (Bhagirathi River), West Bengal
- Coordinates
- 23°43'–24°52'N, 87°49'–88°44'E
- Size
- Varies (district holds ~153 groves)
- Age / Founded
- Traditional (Kiriteswari = Shakti Peeth)
- Status
- Active
- Deity & Religion
- Kiriteswari (Sati Shakti Peeth), Pataleswar (Shiva), Residency cemetery; Hindu
- Community & Guardians
- Local Murshidabad communities
- Vernacular name
- Than (Garamthan/Jaherthan)
- Record type
- Regional cluster
Cultural practices & uses
Temple/shrine worship; herb supply; insect/biodiversity refuge
Plant species
Virgin woodland flora; rich insect fauna (Hymenoptera 69%)
Biome & fauna
Lower Gangetic plain forest; diverse insects
Threats & protection
Maintained by traditional institutions, little govt help
Source
Mondal & Mondal 2024, J. Entomology & Zoology Studies 12(3):162-171