Guliga Daiva

Hare Krishna

Daivas are worshiped in Southern Karnataka and part of Kerala. They are considered as Demigods (Bhuta) to whom certain responsibilities are given by the almighty. Every house in Tulunadu has a particular Daiva to whom they worship. For them they organize Kola also known as Bhuta Kola. There are many Demigods to whom people of Tulunadu worship namely Varthe, Panjurli, Koragajja, Guliga, Jumadi, Kallurti, Kalkuda, Koti Chennayya and others. Daivas are called Kshetrapals or the guardian deities of a particular land. 

Guliga Daiva is the oldest daiva of Tulunadu. He is known with different names in different places. Guliga daiva is considered among Shiva Gana.

According to legends, One day in Kailasa, Parvati found a stone in ashes she took it to Shiva who threw the stone and Guliga appeared from that stone. He was sent to serve Lord Vishnu, but due to his destructive behavior Vishnu cursed him to take birth from the stomach of Nellaulla-Sanke. 

When Nellualla Sanke was 9 months pregnant, the baby in her stomach asked her from which path of stomach should he take birth, the mother replied him to take birth as a normal baby. The baby rejected  her advise and came out tearing his mother's belly. He was uncontrollably hungry and started eating everything, he even tried eating the sun, he drank all the water from Vishnu's Lake and ate all fishes. He was even given blood to drink but his hunger did not end. 

Lord Vishnu appeared in front of him and gave his little finger to eat, his stomach was full and he was sent on earth for evil sacrifice. One day Jala Durge were sailing on the sea when they saw Guliga and gave shelter to him. Later he was blessed and appointed as the Protector (Kshetrapal) of that temple. When a battle was fought between Guliga Daiva and Panjurli Daiva, Jala Durge calmed them and advised to live like a sibling. That's why in some places they are worshiped together.

In different places and merging with different spirits he is worshipped in the form of Subbi Guliga,  Raja Guliga, Mantra Guliga, Rahu Guliga, Mookamba Guliga and many others 

The Daiva is considered to get rid of evil and infuse discipline among his devotees. His Idol is unstructured stone mostly placed in open space under the tree.

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Radhe Radhe!!!