ಮಾಯಂದಾಲ ಭೂತ (Mayandaala Bhuta) | Bhuta Worship | Living Cultures of Tulunadu

Bhutas are the deities of Tulu people which are revered by the community, representing the very essence of the land. This tradition is deeply intertwined with the idea of community justice, social cohesion, and kinship relations. Bhuta worship also involves an oral storytelling tradition which is an integral part of the cultural memory of Tulu people.
Bhutas are often described as the “truths of the soil,” embodying the forces responsible for upholding truth and safeguarding those who adhere to it. The idea of human beings, who stood for justice and truth, being worshipped as Bhutas after their death is a significant part of this tradition. Bhuta worship, deeply ingrained in the cyclical time of the Tulu people, is a recurrent practice with rituals observed throughout the year, forming an enduring and timeless tradition.
Mayandaala, a female Bhuta, is associated with the protection of women during childbirth and as a symbol of fertility. It is women who mainly participate in the worship of Mayandaala. While Mayandaala’s story is entwined with the larger Jumadi Paaddana, the Kola ritual dedicated to her is an event of deep reverence. It is celebrated alongside the worship of deities, such as the twin brothers Koti and Chennaya in Garodis across Tulunadu.
Kola or Nema is a ritual offered to the Bhutas which involves a creation of a temporary realm for the divine to meet the worldly through a performance ritual. Kola rituals also function as spaces of community justice where community issues and disputes among family or community members are earnestly addressed…
Unlike the male or androgynous Bhutas, whose rituals often center around male participation, the worship of Mayandaala is uniquely feminine. It is a space where women come together to honor the divine protector, seeking her blessings for a safe delivery and the well-being of their children.
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Direction - Praveen Shetty & Nitesh Anchan
Cinematography - Ganesh, Dhruv Khanna & Nitesh Anchan
Edit - Ganesh
Production - Centre for Intercultural Studies and Dialogue, Manipal Centre for European Studies
Support - Manipal Academy of Higher Educationi
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