From Ancient times, we have found that the people have had faith in Nature, Animals, Birds and Trees and the balance maintained , The reasons could be felt from experience, faith, unknown threats, norms followed from generations together from different parts of the world, different culture has streamed down till the present/or modern times too, we find this belief knowingly or unknowingly is sown in one’s mind, hence we find the believers and followers even today, One cannot frame it, but yes to this day there are various beliefs and faith people follow and an interest in finding the root cause of Tradition its origin has attracted the literates to dig the history, scrutinize and reach to its originating place, the reason behind its belief, tradition if existing what are its fruits and results, where and how it has been followed or performed? Where rituals are concerned ,these beliefs and Faith in a particular field and area has interested the individuals to study and pen down their piece of research or rather investigation so as to enlighten the present and the future generation interested to know by torch enlightening the alley of Culture, Faith and Beliefs and to keep the tradition alive, We still have people believing in nature viz. Sun, Moon. Planets, Birds, Animals which are considered to be lucky and unlucky so also animals sacred and menace. Studies have found that Snakes and Spirits (Daiva-Demigods Tutelary, Animistic etc ) are worshipped by most of the Indians and Asians ,as they are believed to be protectors.

This study and research has concluded that the beliefs and Faith in Divine spirit or Daiva or Bhuta (Demi/Tutelary/Animistic) Gods , is one of the most ancient tradition and culture which has a geographical and historical base and in various forms is believed in different parts of the world. In India we can trace its existence and presently being widely followed in most part of coastal region of South Karnataka and Kerala and throughout South-East Asia (Austro-Asean )countries having the similar worshipping Demigods Animals and Venerated Spirits.

In South Karnataka and North Kerala region known as TULUNADU, the Tulu speaking community are known as Bunts –Tuluvas are the ones with strong faith in these divine forces and spirits. Since the ancestral time the Tuluvas have been worshipping both Devas and the Daivas, Daivas is the Spirit worship ,that has been the back bone of their belief and according to them these Bhuta’s protect individual and their families. Hence we have Ancient God /Devas worshipped in Temples through the vedic pattern by the Brahmins(Priests) and The Daivas/ Spirits(Demi-Gods) worshipped and considered to be the family deity and closely associated to every individual of the family as the said Bhuta/Daiva or divine spirit or Daiva is considered to be as personal deity who can be approached through Bhuta- impersonator, Who is from the Nalikke caste, showing the balance of castism ,respect and honour given in distributing worshipping hierarchy.

The said Bhutas/ Daivas are considered and believed to be the guardians and protector of the family, village ,their livestock, etc .In turn the devotees on periodical basis perform an offering in the form of pooja by the families and popularly known as “KOLA”

Pic Courtesy; from Shanbhags Diaries

The Social System of the Tulunadu or the Bunts Community are strong believers of joint family system and although vast migration due to various reasons has taken place ,their roots are strong and so is their belief and faith., They are religious and have a strong cultural unity. Their dedication towards their faith and beliefs can be traced and found in their culture and sincerity by supporting and participating during their offering of Pooja for the Devas and the Daivas.

As mentioned above every Tulu Community family posses these deity and religiously worship,by following the rituals framed by their ancestors and head of the family and known as “Bhuta Kola”

Research has traced many types of Bhutas or Daivas which is approximately 400- 500 of which the Tulunadu worship most out of the said nuber of Bhutas. “JUMADI” is one of the widely worshipped in Tulunadu.The said Daiva too has many forms and names ,People from Tulunadu, irrespective of their caste have great belief in “JUMADHI” also known as Dhumavati one from the Mahavidyas ,The 10 Hindu Tantric Goddesses . It is believed that Lord Shiva and Parvati merged and transformed into JUMADHI an androgynous entity, who then destroyed Dhumasura.the demon who had a boon bestowed on him that no woman or man individully could kill him.Hence JUMADHI an Androgynous Daiva originated.

One can find hundreds of Shrines of Jumadi in Tulunadu as there were and are large number of devotees .Some of the Popular shrines are Padre-in Suratkal-Mangalore, Jumadi was worshipped by the royal Chowta family and in their palatial palace like place at Moodbidri holds a Jumadi Shrine too. Jumadi is family deity of almost all the bunts Community and have shrines in their family house.

Jumadhi is offered vegetarian foods by some of the devotees where as they also find offering of roosters by some for other bhutas example GULIGE and PANJURLI (Boar)

With this introduction I would like to bring in light on the Spirits DemiGods who are worshipped in Tulunadu their Reason , Why? When? And How? Shall be written in parts , hoping to introduce you all to the beautiful connection between Man and Nature , a culture that keep surrounding sustainable livable and peace conglomerated in today’s time too, which is much needed.

These snippets are from my Thesis which shall be sent on intervals for your perusal.

The text represents the point of view of the author

Brand&PR Incubator,Facilitator (Socio/Life/Behavioral Skills) /PhD -Indologist/Cul-Anthropo/Ethno( Research&Curri)Edu/Psycho-Paralinguist (ENG)/Artist/Art Evangelist/Conciousness Facilit/Therapist/Gender(GBV)DEWĪ Author