Guardians of Peace: Addanapettu as a Symbol of Conflict Resolution

  •   Mon, May 06 2024
  •   By Bhavya Shetty

May 6, 2024

For centuries, Daivaradhane has been a cornerstone of cultural life in Tulu Nadu, with certain deities revered for their popularity and notoriety. These deities' abodes have become cultural hubs, particularly in rural Tulunadu, holding a special place in the hearts of the people.

One such unique ritual, Addanapettu, is practiced every year in Mandekolu village of Sulya taluk, the day after the annual fair of Vishnu Murthi temple. The annual nema of Ullakulu Daiva continues to resonate with people, carrying a divine message from the past, symbolizing the belief that God intervenes to resolve conflicts and restore peace.

The Ullakulu Daiva

The Ullakulu Daiva, also known as Arasu Daiva, are revered as kings among deities in Tulunadu. They are unique in that they are not twins by birth but they are worshipped together as brothers. Known by various names such as Eruvaru Ullakulu, Poomani Kinnimani, and Mallane Yelliyanne, the origin of these Daivas is a subject of varied interpretations in oral and written traditions. According to folklore, these brother gods descended from Devaloka to Bhuloka under the guidance of Lord Sri Adinarayana, arriving in a ship of Maya, with the purpose of vanquishing evil and protecting the earth.

Historic Background

In Kukke Sri Subrahmanya Volume-1, Professor A Subbanna Rai recounts a tale about the Arasu Daiva. According to this narrative, Barkur, the former capital of Tulunad, was ruled by a deity named ‘Mantra Rajya’, who served as the clan deity of the dynasty. When the deity's worship was not conducted properly, it resulted in the burning down of the palace. To resolve this, two brothers and their only sister from the royal family journeyed to Kashi Vishwanatha seeking a solution. Kashi Vishwanath gifted the brothers a pair of horses and a pair of kodambu (Bow and arrow), while bestowing power upon the younger sister as the main strength, declaring that they would be the gods of Energy. After departing from Kashi, they bathed in the sacred waters of Talakaveri, descended from the Western Ghats, and finally arrived at Kukke Subramanya.

The Addanapettu Ritual

Every year during the annual Nema for Ullakulu Daiva in Mandekolu, Sulya Taluk, a unique ritual called Addanapettu is performed. Addana means shield, and Pettu means to hit. In Mandekolu grama, there is a place called Mavanje where the Kalari moolae (small corner place) and the Maada (shrine) of the Ullakulu Daiva are located. The ornaments of the Ullakulu Daiva are brought from the Kalari moolae to the field close to the Vishnu Murthi temple. Once the Daiva's ornaments are brought here, the Nema is performed.

This ritual involves representatives from the Kenaje, Mururu, Mavaje, and Bolugallu Gowda communities dressing up like traditional soldiers, wearing knee-high dhotis, white turbans around their heads, and applying gandha (sandalwood powder) on their faces. Carrying shield sticks, they participate in a stick fight in a field at midday, aiming to avoid being hit by their opponents. Any contact with the body is seen as a flaw in devotion to God, shedding blood on the ground is considered inauspicious for the village. Spectators gather around to watch the performance, and no one intervenes. The Ullakulu Daiva, dressed as a king with a huge Sirimudi (ornament tied to his shoulder and back) and armed with weapons (a bow and arrow), stands opposite the Addanapettu performers and recites an oral text called Nudikattu. Following this, the Ullakulu Daiva eventually intervenes and halts the fight. Subsequently, the representatives kneel and bow to the Daiva, signifying the conclusion of the ritual.

Symbolism

The rituals and stories surrounding the revered brothers and their conflicts serve as powerful symbols in the Addanapettu practice today. Dr. Sundar Kenaje's research highlights how these rituals symbolize the historic struggles against oppression and discrimination faced by the brothers, potentially by the ruling Ballas or due to caste-based bias. The brothers' valour and bravery, depicted in the rituals, continue to be revered, emphasizing the importance of upholding peace and harmony, which are central to the Bhutharadhane belief system.

Similarly, Amrita Someshwar's article suggests a historical event involving Lord Subramanya, where the "Brother Daivas" overcame challenges to enter Tulunadu. This narrative, too, can be seen as a symbol of overcoming obstacles and conflicts, resonating with the themes of the Addanapettu ritual. These stories, rituals, and historical events remind the people of Tulunadu of their cultural heritage and the significance of resolving conflicts to maintain peace and harmony, making them relevant symbols in the practice of Addanapettu.


 

Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

 

 

 
By Bhavya Shetty
Bhavya Shetty is an assistant professor at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University).
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Comment on this article

  • Citizen, DK

    Mon, May 06 2024

    We Indians had only kuti/ donne, bow and arrow (that used to fall two inches in front of you). Invaders came with swords, far better bows & arrows, guns and their culture - and flattened us. We are now left with pant and shirts and some culture (for entertainment purposes and delusion of past glory). Internal conflicts eventually led to some becoming traitors and sided with the enemy and ultimately led to the downfall of Indian sub-continent. Same internal story with around 560 princely states that existed before the Mughals/ British.

  • Sense_shetty, Kudla

    Mon, May 06 2024

    The unique culture, language, and lifestyle of the Tulu people face a significant threat due to the lack of recognition of the Tulu language by both the state and central governments. What essentially constitutes a core Dravidian culture is endangered by the widespread imposition of a Brahminical way of life. This is evident in the treatment at temples, where the Bhoothas and Tulu Daivas are relegated to subordinate positions, being considered demigods and companions of the main deities. The caste system and discrimination against fellow humans are perpetuated by adherents of this patriarchal culture

  • Prakash, Mangalore

    Mon, May 06 2024

    If Tulu Nādu people strictly follow their cultural heritage and the significance of resolving conflicts to maintain peace and harmony, religious tolerance etc... how peaceful our society will be.

  • Agnello, Mangalore

    Mon, May 06 2024

    Really wonderful when we go into the culture and traditions. Understand and appreciate them. The village deities enable the protection from evil and brings out local people together to strive for well well-being of the village as a whole. These traditions should be actively preserved and appreciated. Thanks to Bhavya for doing her bit.


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Title: Guardians of Peace: Addanapettu as a Symbol of Conflict Resolution



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