Deekshith D V
Pics: Athul Capture
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Mar 9: As Bootharadane is a prominent ritual in Tulunadu (Dakshina Kannada, Udupi) and some parts of North Kerala, even the Nagaradhane is a unique tradition practised in Tulunadu.
Nagaradhane is a ritual form of serpent worship. 'Nagamandalostava' is also a part of Nagaradhane.
In the past, there was a period of misconception in society when it was thought that god and certain rituals should be revered only by the upper class in society. Social reformer Sree Narayana Guru is the philosopher behind the famous saying "One Caste One Religion, and One God to Mankind".
He played a vital role by holding several movements against the casteist society. Through his teachings, he uplifted the suppressed section of society and he worked tirelessly to end the caste system. He showed that even the suppressed sections of society can worship Lord Shiva by building a temple and installing a Shivalinga in Kudroli.
In the history of the Garodi temple in Mangaluru. Nagamandalostava was performed by two brothers from the Billawa community during the 150th anniversary of the Garodi temple. Nagaradhane and Nagamandalostava rituals were performed by a particular community.
Breaking all the barriers, the duo, Abjith and Ajith have performed Nagamadalostava by adhering to certain principles of the rituals under the guidance of Manoj Shanthi.
Speaking to daijiworld.com, Manoj Shanthi said, "Before performing Nagamandalaostava, they have been trained, taught, which was practiced for over a year. Nagamandalostava is the worship of a deity held nearly for five hours. In ancient books, there is a mention of Nagaradhane. People from the community had observed this ritual.
Gradually, it has declined due to various causes. Nagaradhane in Tulunadu is practised especially for 'Santhana Abhirudhi'. There are many books on the practice of Nagaradhane. Eminent scholar Dr Lakshmi G Prasad has written a book on Nagaradhane. These books too helped us."
Manoj Shanthi added that he learnt the knowledge of Vedic rituals practiced and propagated by Sree Narayana Guru from his father. His father had imbibed it from his grandfather.
During the Nagamandalostava, Manoj Shanthi performed as Naga. Abhijith Poojary Kerekadu performed as Nagakanike. The entire Nagamandalostava was performed with devotion and diligence.
Jayanth Amin father of Abhijith Poojary Kerekadu and Ajith Poojary Kerekadu said, "Both were interested in the folklore of Tulunadu. Especially, they actively performed various roles in Yakshagana since their childhood. It is at their own will that they have supported the culture of Tulunadu. They are actively participating in Shri Vinayaka Yakshagana Kala Thanda, Kerekadu, Mulki. The mela also showcased various shows in the country as well as abroad."
Abjith Poojary Kerakadu speaking over the phone to daijiworld informed that both brothers are getting good support from the community as well as people from other communities. “They have appreciated our performance. Manoj Shanthi guided us to perform in the Nagamandala. We have made this attempt by adhering to certain rules as guided by Manoj Shanthi,” he said.
He also informed that both brothers began to master the Yakshagana from class fifth. And, this attracted them to perform in Nagamandala. This is an effort to save the culture.