The different patterns of worshipping divine
forces of the nature can be seen in different parts of the world. Traditionally
the herb basil or Tulasi, which has excellent medicinal properties as recognised by our ancestors, has been the divine symbol of health, sanitation and prosperity for Hindus and we can see pedestal
structures in front of houses wherein the herb of holy basil (tulasi) is devotedly planted for regular nurture and worship.
The holy basil is utilised by members of all communities, irrespective of religions, in the coast for the beneficial medicinal properties.
The conventional pedestal erected for the implant of Tulasi herb in front of the Hindu houses is known as Tulasi katte in Kannada as well as in Tulu. In south Indian devout houses the Tulasi is being worshipped on regular basis and annually special pooja are offered on the designated day of Tulasi pooje that follows twelve nights after the joyful festival of lights, the Deepavali.
Tulasi worship in Ankola
The holy basil is utilised by members of all communities, irrespective of religions, in the coast for the beneficial medicinal properties.
The conventional pedestal erected for the implant of Tulasi herb in front of the Hindu houses is known as Tulasi katte in Kannada as well as in Tulu. In south Indian devout houses the Tulasi is being worshipped on regular basis and annually special pooja are offered on the designated day of Tulasi pooje that follows twelve nights after the joyful festival of lights, the Deepavali.
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| Tulasi pedestal with image of Venkataramana in Hichkad Village, Ankola, Uttara Kannada. |
In Uttara Kannada district especially around
Ankola we can see the modification of the Tualsi pedestal structures in front of
the traditional houses into a small shrines structure comparable to the Spirit (‘boota’) shrines of
Tulunadu. These shrines in front of the traditional joint family houses are
commonly known as the “Tulasi”. Normally one joint family shall have a common Tulasi which shall have adesignated member of the family to look after routine pooja rituals for the Tulasi shrine.
It is interesting to note that the Tulasi shrines especially in Ankola region have been modifed to accommodate images of Lord Venkataramana (usually along with other village deities or spirits). Thus we can see the vestiges of ancient spirit worship as well well the worship of Venkataramana fused into the worship and legends of the holy herb Tulasi. Probably this amalgamation occurred in this region about five to six centuries ago when a few Nadava families migrated from the Kundapura region
It is interesting to note that the Tulasi shrines especially in Ankola region have been modifed to accommodate images of Lord Venkataramana (usually along with other village deities or spirits). Thus we can see the vestiges of ancient spirit worship as well well the worship of Venkataramana fused into the worship and legends of the holy herb Tulasi. Probably this amalgamation occurred in this region about five to six centuries ago when a few Nadava families migrated from the Kundapura region
A wooden plaque containing sculptures of
Venkataramana -and other wooden dolls probably representing village deities - are
placed in front of the Tulasi pedestal which is housed inside a small shrine like structure. Routine rituals connected with Tulasi with Venkataramana (with
other minor deities)are conventionally conducted by a designated senior member of the joint family.
Such Tulasi-Venkataramana shrines are not newly constructed in newly built houses these days. Only the older composite Tulasi shrine structures belonging to the particular joint families of the yester years are being renovated and maintained.
Such Tulasi-Venkataramana shrines are not newly constructed in newly built houses these days. Only the older composite Tulasi shrine structures belonging to the particular joint families of the yester years are being renovated and maintained.
Tulasi
marriage
In Karavali West Coast on the twelfth night (“dwadashi”), traditionally people
celebrate a festive night known as “Tulasi
parba”. The Tulasi festival conducted with lamps lighted up around the
decorated pedestal of Tulasi in front of the house is traditionally considered to be the
annual celebration of the ancient event of marriage of the Lady Tulasi with Lord Vishnu.
R
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