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oi-Pundreeka Valli
Koragajja is a very important deity for the inhabitants of Tulu Nadu in present-day Karnataka. It is irreverent to say that the deity is a spirit from the Tulu Nadu region, as he is the presiding deity of almost every household in Tulu for whom life simply does not go on without his blessings.
His blessings are powerful and widely sought by the inhabitants of the Tulunadu belt for all the reasons that call for divine interference. Widely revered in the region and known by various names, he is popularly referred to in Mangalore as Swami.
There are several deities, whose temples are found in abundance in the Mangalore region, the oldest of them being that of Kuttar which has a historical background. Other popular temples especially those of Jaregekatte, Padavangady, Ullal, Urwa and Udupi also look after the welfare of the whole city.
Folk songs are the main sources of the legends surrounding Swami’s miracles and grace. As the songs or pardanas are passed down orally to later generations, the stories are most likely a bit distorted in the process. Parts of the story are missing; it probably reflects the evolution of the generations, culturally and on their general vision of the world.
There are people who, to get Swami’s blessings, offer the Kola festival which is a traditional cultural event celebrated in order to appease Koragajja. This is actually done every year for the total welfare of the Tulu community. There are songs dedicated to Koragajja which are dedicated to him during ritual observances. Read on to find out more
Swamy Koragajja Temple: History
It is believed that Koragajja incarnated in human form on earth at some point in the history of Tulunadu. Koraga, is a name given to a particular community, and ajja means grandfather, used mainly as a mark of love and respect when addressing the swami. He was born Koraga Thaniya who lost his mother Maire when he was a 30 day old baby. His father died shortly afterwards.
Since he had hardly anyone to defend himself, he left his hometown and reached a place near Kallapu and spent time there, eating sand for food, as he was hungry. At that time, Bairakke Baidyedi, his children Manjakke and Chenniya set foot in this place, carrying a pot of grog. Moved by Thaniya’s condition, Bairakke adopted him and raised him as her own son with her other children, Thaniya grew up in difficult circumstances.
The arrival of Koraga Thaniya in his family helped the family to prosper and the family business to prosper successfully. Thaniya, along with the other family members, learned the art of basketry and the creation of bamboo items from her hands. It can be seen during Koragajja Kola, the basket is usually slung over his shoulder during Kola).
One day a particular observance of nema was conducted for the village gods Marlujumadi, Maisandaya and Kinnikodangade Daivas, who were closely related to the family of Bairakke and it was the turn of the Bairakke family to bring tender coconuts , banana trees, coconut leaves to name a few. It took the strength of seven men to carry him to the temple. When no one was found able to do so, Thaniya was asked to see if he could handle this task on his own, as the task was of an extremely important nature.
Finally, he agreed on the condition that he be provided with food sufficient for seven people, rice, curry made from 30 mackerels and grog. Relieved, Bairakke organized the rest of the event as the issue had been resolved by Thaniya for them. Thaniya carried the entire immense load of food on his own shoulders, the superhuman feat of which bewildered onlookers who were overwhelmed by surprise, as well as respect for Thaniya.
Although Thaniya was able to carry him to the temple, he was not allowed inside as he was from a lower caste. Asked why he was being discriminated against, he was pushed away and ignored. Unable to bear this, Koraga Thaniya remembered something in this context and tried to climb the tree in the temple premises as he had a fruit used for pickling but could not reach the fruit.
It was then that he stepped on the Kalasha of God in the temple in order to gather its fruits. Koragaja Swami. Koraga Thaniya, is believed to have attained salvation on the spot, by pleasing God in the temple. At this time, a miracle happened, and Thaniya was absorbed into godhood and merged with the main idol, attaining godhood. Miracles have happened in the house of every worshiping devotee.
Many stories of how he attained godhood are popular among the people here, but the pardanas, being folk songs, are not very reliable sources to rely on, usually because they are transmitted orally from generation to generation and undergo various distortions. every step and step. Even though he attained godhood in middle age; people started calling her Ajja because of her love and affection towards him. Later he was worshiped as Koragajja and people hold rituals.
Swamy Koragajja temple: Prasad offered to the deity
The usual offerings are country wine (alcohol), betel nut (Beeda), chakkuli (a snack also called murukku in other parts of India). These offerings are considered Swami’s favourites. According to folk songs or Pardanas, he was brought up in a family involved in the grog trade. Consuming Kali was a family ritual that has continued until now. To adapt to the modern context, toddy has been replaced by packaged alcohol, such as prasad.
Swamy Koragajja Temple: Women and Koragajja Kola
Women are forbidden to attend Kolas or main pujas because the medium who manifests Koragajja is scantily clad and dances to the beat of drums and songs that extol his miracles. Moreover, this whole event takes place in dim lights with offerings of alcohol like prasad. Therefore, women are prohibited from participating in the event.
Swamy Koragajja Temple: Legend
There is a legend associated with the Swamy Koragajja temple. Two people have been arrested for desecrating the Koragajja temple in Mangalore. The three young Muslims had put a condom in the Daan peti and urinated inside the temple complex. The police were unable to find them after several attempts. Some time after this incident, two Muslim men came to the temple priest constantly asking for forgiveness because the person who was the main conspirator who had dropped the condom died under mysterious circumstances and the other two men who had urinated in the complex, went crazy, vomited blood and suffered from continuous diarrhea. The chief conspirator died banging his head against the wall shouting that Lord Koragajja was angry with the culprits. The other two defendants ran to the priest at the time to ask for forgiveness. Later they were called to attend the Nemotsava and made confess to the heinous act.
Swamy Koragajja Temple: Meaning
When people are embroiled in difficulties regarding family, health or business, or if something valuable is lost, or if a task takes longer than usual, Swami will solve it by simply hearing their prayers. When the wish is granted by Koragajja, people offer something in thanks to Swami. There are innumerable miracles of Swami which have every time proved the existence of Swami in the life of the Tulu people.
People are inspired to carry on with their daily lives, despite the troubles it entails, thanks to the constant miraculous help and guidance offered by Koragajja. Annadhan (donation of food for those in need), marriage, ear piercing, head shaving, danaas or charity, and providing facilities for education on behalf of Koragajjas and carrying out many social campaigns in this regard.
Disclaimer: The information is based on assumptions and information available on the Internet and the accuracy or reliability is not guaranteed. Boldsky does not confirm any entry or information related to the article and our sole purpose is to provide information. Boldsky does not believe in or endorse any superstitions.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
