Significance of Western Ghats

The Western Ghats is a significant mountain range in India, noted for its extensive biodiversity and rich flora and fauna. It serves as a vital habitat for numerous endemic species and medicinal plants, making it a critical area for conservation. This range, recognized as one of the 12 biodiversity hotspots globally, is also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its ecological significance is underscored by the presence of various plant species and its role in local ethnomedicine.

In Dutch: Westelijke Ghats; In Finnish: Länsi-Ghatit; In Spanish: Ghats occidentales; In German: Westghats; In Malay: Ghats Barat

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Western Ghats'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the Western Ghats represents a significant mountain range recognized since the Sangam period, linked to the title Vanavarampan and associated with sunlight direction, influencing rainfall predictions.

Significance in Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology):
Jyotisha Books

From: Brihat Samhita

(1) A mountain range mentioned in relation to the direction of sunlight and its potential to indicate rain.[1]

Jyotisha (ज्योतिष, jyotisha or jyotish) refers to ‘astronomy’ or “Vedic astrology” and represents the fifth of the six Vedangas (additional sciences to be studied along with the Vedas). Jyotisha concerns itself with the study and prediction of the movements of celestial bodies, in order to calculate the auspicious time for rituals and ceremonies.

The concept of Western Ghats in local and regional sources

History Books

The Western Ghats is a significant mountain range in India, noted for its scenic beauty, as it is the source of major rivers like Krishna and Godavari, and features prominently in regional descriptions of nature.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A mountain range along the western coast of India, which is mentioned in relation to the picturesque descriptions provided by the author.[2] (2) A mountain range in India from which the Krishna river emerges, known for its scenic beauty and natural tributaries.[3] (3) The Western Ghats is the mountain range near Nasik where the Godavari rises.[4]