Story of Mantradevathe

                                                

Mantradevathe 

         

Kantu Baida a person from Suntradi Barke⁽⁰¹⁾  from Iruvailu⁽⁰¹⁾  village, During his time, robber's torchers were out of the limit. coconuts from coconut tree, Nuts did not last in Areca palm. There was no paddy heap in the courtyard. The yoke was stollen. Female were not safe at home. This instilled deep distress, leaving Kantu Baida with tears in his eyes.

At the break of dawn, Kantu-Baida carries a coconut and sets out in search of Daiva ⁽⁰²⁾. He arrives at his brother-in-law Paddanja Baida's house. Paddanja Baida looks at Kantu-Baida and inquiries about his arrival. Kantu Baida explained his predicament and expresses his need for Daiva ⁽⁰²⁾ , Divine capable of apprehending thieves. Paddanja Baida and Kanthu Baida then decided to travel together to Kerala state in search of Daiva ⁽⁰²⁾.

They reached Kerala state and wanted visit Kuṇṭala Jantiri, an astrologer and worshiper of many Daivas⁽⁰²⁾ . The while there, they  heard the girl sweeping the yard.  Paddanja Baida approaches her and inquired about Kuntala Jantri, She informed him that " Kunatala Jantri was performing afternoon Po Pooja ⁽⁰³⁾ inside".

After some time when he came out, Paddanja Baida and Kanthu Baida who were waiting respectfully greeted him with respect. Kanthu Baida explained his issue with Kuntala Jantri and shared the purpose of his visit. 

Kuntala Jantri asked Kanthu Baida “what kind of Daiva^(02).you want to take along with you?, Daiva with six- arms ?,Daiva with three-Muga?, Maisandaya? or Pilibuta?”.

Kanthu Baida exclaimed, "In our village, there are numerous powerful Daivas like those. Please grant me the one that resides on the right side of your household's main deity, tailored to my needs." 

Kuntala-Jantiri declined to offer the Mantradevathe and suggested choosing an alternative. he elaborated that the Mantradevathe is exceedingly potent, and it might pose challenges if taken along due to its complexity. 

Kantu Baida tearfully pleaded for Mantradevathe, to which Kuntala Jantiri agreed under certain conditions. he stipulated that he must travel the country, learn six languages including Konga, Malayalam, Hindi, Marathi, and acquire profound knowledge, only then would she grant him the Daiva.

Kanthu Baida returned after one year and six months near Kuntala Jantri after completing his assigned tasks. On 13th day of the Aati ⁽⁰⁴⁾ month, which fell on a Wednesday. Kuntala Jantri instructed him to stand in the lower spot and make a bag from his cloth. Kuntala Jantri enchanted the Daiva in an Arecanut flower and a ball made of sandalwood paste and placed enchanted  Mantradevathe items into Kanthu-Baida's bag. Kuntala Jantri advised him not to look back until he reached his destination.

Mantradevathe followed Kanthu Baida just like a mother follows her child. Upon reaching home, Kanthu Baida placed a stone under the tree, kept all the enchanted items on it and began worshipping there. That same night, the Mantradevathe appeared in Kanthu-Baida's dream and said, "O Kantu Baida, I am not a Daiva⁽⁰²⁾ to be worshipped under a tree; instead, you have to worship me on Mane-Manchaavu⁽⁰⁵⁾ inside the house." Kanthu Baida agreed and started worshipping Mathara-devathe in Mane-Mancha⁽⁰⁵⁾ in his kitchen.

As time passed, Mantradevathe began to show her extraordinary miraculous abilities, resulting in the injury of ten individuals. She started apprehending thieves and swindlers, inciting family members to turn against each other. Besides Kantu Baida, she caused distress to everyone around him.

The people united and reported this to kattemaru ⁽⁰¹⁾Doddanna arasu ⁽⁰⁶⁾. Arasu⁽⁶⁾ summoned Kantu Baida and presented him with two options: either expel the divine spirit from the house or leave the place before sunrise.

Kanthu Baida expressed “i might live the house but I will not throw Mantradevathe who is like my mother”. He returned home and stood before Mandra-devathe’s Mane-mancha⁽⁰⁵⁾ and Tears streamed down from his face. 

Mantradevathe appeared before Kantu pooja as a 7-year-old girl and reassured him not to worry. She promised to protect him and gently wiped away his tears. Mantradevathe began to trouble Arasu ⁽⁰⁶⁾.

Later, Arasu ⁽⁰⁶⁾ implored for forgiveness. He vowed to honor Mantradevathe in his palace, revoked his previous order, and allowed Kanthu Baida to remain in the kingdom, granting him twelve acres of land to cultivate.

Eventually, Kanthu-Baida was also punished by Mantra-Devathe for becoming arrogant and developing a sense of superiority after acquiring the land. Kanthu-Baida was pardoned and sought forgiveness. Mantradevathe informed Kanthu Baida, "This is just the beginning; I will visit many places and display miracles, compelling them to worship me".

Mantra Devathe blessed Kanthu-Baida, saying, "You brought me to Tulu Nadu. So, whenever people worship me and make offerings, a portion will be allocated to you as well."

Kanthu Baida, overwhelmed with gratitude, took blessing and pledged to faithfully serve Mantra Devathe. From that day forward, with her strength and divine power, Mantra Devathe established her influence across Tulu Nadu.

she became known as the guardian and protector of the sacred deity, ensuring that her worship and offerings were carried out with utmost devotion. Kanthu Baida's unwavering dedication further solidified Mantradevathe's presence and reverence in Tulu Nadu, making her a revered figure among the people. 

©️ vishal kadri

Mantradevathe kola

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01) [VK1] Iruvailu  kattemaru Suntradi barke is located in Moodabidri  town and a taluk in Dakshina Kannada district., Mangalore city, in Karnataka, India.

02) [VK2]Daiva / Bhoota are basically demi-god worshipped throughout Tulunadu. Which helps people during their difficulty as invisible source.

03) [VK4]Puja or pooja is a prayer ritual performed in the morning/ afternoon / night by Hindus to offer devotional worship to one or more deities,

04) [VK5] Tulu speaking people of Tulunadu, basically followers of this calendar system. The first day of this calendar falls on Bisu  (middle of month in April) which is also celebrated in Kerala region as Vishu. The first day of a Tulu Month is known as Singode and the last day known as Sankrathi.

            Aati is the 4^th month according to this calendar which fall in between July–August

05) [VK6]It is basically   made out of wodden plank. Were daivas are worshiped on it and all the thing which is related to specific Daivas are kept on it. It is belived that Daiva stays in their respective Mancha and protect us.

Mantradevathe daiva

There is different type of Mane-Manchaavu most comman once are,

1)        Mandana kai – these are the mancha which is made two wodden log which has been fixed to wall.

2)       Kateri-Mancha – its is made of  wodden plank  which has leg and looks alike handled chair

3)       Tugu-mancha – it is also the wodden plank is hanged using chain. Just like swing.

06) [VK7]Chief of kattemaru place