V3I2P3

Symbolism, Ritual, and Ecology: An Interdisciplinary Study of the Twelve Rasi Trees in Telugu Tradition

Dr. C. Rama Raju¹, Dr. R. Yadagiri² , Dr. Balaraju Parshaveni³, Dr. Mathe Anil Kumar^4*

Abstract

The Rasi Vanam system represents an indigenous knowledge tradition integrating Vedic cosmology, Jyotisha (astrology), sacred ecology, and ethnobotanical wisdom through the association of twelve specific trees with the twelve zodiac signs. Although widely practiced in South India, especially in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, its academic documentation remains limited. This review examines the philosophical foundation, cultural practice, ethnomedicinal relevance, astrological symbolism, ecological significance, and conservation implications of the Rasi Vanam tradition using an interdisciplinary, narrative review approach. Findings reveal that while the system is deeply rooted in cultural continuity and symbolic ecology, there is limited canonical textual evidence directly pairing each zodiac sign with a specific tree. The spiritual–ecological framework indicates the potential role of Rasi Vanam in biodiversity restoration, traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) preservation, and community-based conservation models. Research gaps, ethical considerations, and future academic directions are presented to facilitate scholarly dialogue and policy-based applications.

Keywords:

Rasi Vanam, Jyotiṣa, Vṛkṣayurveda, Telugu culture, sacred trees, ecological astrology