Religious Faith and Ecology: A Cultural Re-reading

Abstract

This research paper offers a cultural re-examination of the intricate relationship between religious beliefs and ecological consciousness in Indian traditions. The practice of venerating nature embodied in deities representing trees, rivers, mountains, animals, and birds serves not only as an expression of spiritual devotion but also as a culturally embedded strategy for ecological stewardship. By analyzing religious rituals, folklore, and belief systems, the study highlights how these traditions have historically provided a moral framework for environmental conservation.

In light of contemporary ecological crises, the paper advocates for a reinterpretation of religious practices to bridge traditional wisdom with modern environmental discourse. It argues that the ecological dimensions of religious symbolism have been marginalized due to the forces of modernity and urbanization. The central aim is to foster a meaningful dialogue between cultural heritage and ecological sustainability, thereby reaffirming the relevance of indigenous knowledge systems in shaping environmentally responsible futures.