Of Grove and Lore: Dichotomic Spaces of Sacred Grove in Ananthabhadram

Abstract

The paper explores the dichotomic spaces of the Sacred Grove, Sivakavu, in the
Malayalam movie Ananthabhadram (Santhosh Sivan, 2005). The article intends to
study the reason for and the reason of the creation of the sacred space. “Of Grove and
Lore: Dichotomic Spaces of Sacred Grove in Ananthabhadram” refers to the polarity
of existence with reference to space and identity contestation in relation to the sacred
grove. The paper attempts to argue that Sacred Grove, a holistic space is manipulated
by Digambaran as it is a powerful centre of social control and dominance. It will also
analyse the relationship between women and sacred groves and its representation in the
movie. The study contributes to the debate on the creation of sacred/sacrilege spaces,