Religious Customs Of The Kadar Tribes In Anaimalai Region

Abstract

The usual elements of tribal religion, such as Animism, Naturalism, Totemistic belief and taboos, magic, polytheism, and the fourth figure, are also found in the tribes of south India. The Malarayans of Kerala, for example, consider some kinds of stones to be symbols of deities and believe that the dead ancestors have become gods who protect their families. Belief in animism prevails among the Todas. According to this form, man’s life is supposed to consist of powers, elements, ghosts, etc., which is impersonal and also “sapless phantoms’ of which no image can be mode” and no definite idea can be formed. Tribal religion is considered to come in line with popular Hinduism. Hutton has remarked that tribal religions represent, as it were, surplus material not yet built into the temple of Hinduism. Elwin is of the view that the distinction between tribal religions and Hinduism is the previous classification into animism, and Hinduism is meaningless. Tribes make offerings to the spirits of local hills, steams and other objects of nature. Naturalism is observed in the worship of the sun. South Indian tribes believe in nature worship. Belief in magic is a feature of the religion of the Kadar, Paniyans, Nayadis, Ullandans, and some tribes, and some even think that they can make themselves invisible and accomplish some act. Ancestor worship is a favourite concept. The tribes invoke the spirit of their ancestors to obtain their blessing by burning a lamp. They have several death ceremonies that are related to ancestor worship. They also have a variety of Gods. Each village and even each area has its particular deity. The religious rituals of the Kadar tribes are jubilantly celebrated with feasting and dances. The usual hierarchy of priests and functionaries is used to conduct religious ceremonies.