6.Bermer II

In response to my blog on Bermer, Manjunath at Incoherent theories suggests that Tulu Bermer (u) was a later adaptation of Brahma in Tulunadu. The Bermer of Tulunadu is not a Boota (spirit) and now is not worshipped like other Gods or Bootas anywhere in the coast regularly. Earlier, the Bermer was definitely a worshipping diety in the early period (ca. 500 BC to 14 Century AD) for Tulu people, as (partly) evident from folklores like that of Koti-Chennaya. With the ascent and dominance of Shiva, Shakthi (Durga) and Krishna cults in Tulunadu, the primal Bermer was slowly forgotten. In many villages, dilapidated and neglected Bermer temples existed until seventies. Subsequently, the title of creator Bermer has been shifted gradually to another powerful concept in Tulunad, Nagaaradhane (Naga worship), and Naga God is often referred to as Naga Bermer.

The available historical data suggests that Brahmins were brought to Tulunadu ca. 4 century AD by Kadamba king Mayura Varma to conduct regular puja ceremonies at temples of Tulunadu. The installation of Shiva temples took place during the period as expounded by Dr.Gururaja Bhat on the basis of dating temple idols. Brahma of later date, a member of Trimurthis, was a four faced creator whereas primal Brahma Tulu/Vedic was a horse riding male God.

The Bermer was worshipped as God of creation by Tulu and other tribes dwelling around Pirak-Mehrgarh areas (dated ca. 1700 BC). At that period the creator must have been visualized (especially by the Tulu tribes) as a heroic male figure straddling on a horse. Mysterious horse figures reported from Pirak archeological sites possibly represent the creator Bermer worshipped by Tulu tribes in that area. Horse was an animal prevalent in that region. It represented power, agile ness, activity and efficiency. (Then horse was not a common animal within India). It is not certain whether the contemporary and coeval Vedic tribes also conceived Brahma as a horse riding God. But the early Vedic texts have attached paramount significance to the concept of the Almighty Brahman. In this regard, the origin of the word ‘Brahma’ (as cited in Incoherent theories) is pertinent.

Br (semetic root) = to create. > creator (Brahma)

Br (Sanskrit) =to expand, swell > brahmanda, expanding universe.

The rivalry between Vedic Aryans and Iranians is documented by Michael Witzel. As a consequence of rivalry between two dominant factions antagonists of Brahmas followers created Abraham, in the same way as Suras had ahura/ asuras pitted against them.

Brahma (Vedic & Tulu tribes) > <>