Bhoota aradhana

The video presents Bhoota Aradhana (Spirit Worship), a film by the noted filmmaker and theatre personality, B.V. Karanth. The first part of the film deals with the history of the practice. Bhoota aradhana or spirit worship is a religio-cultural ritual practised in the districts of Udupi and South Canara on the west coast of Karnataka. The ritual is prevalent mainly among the Tulu speaking people of this state. The bhootas are considered to be benevolent Gods or guardian spirits by the people. A small pedestal is set up for these spirit gods inside houses. In public spaces, shrines are dedicated to these gods which are known as bhoota staanas. The bhoota may be represented by a stone, a mask, metal object or finely sculpted wooden or metal idols. The bhootas can also be manifestations of animals like the five-faced Nandigona, the bull spirit or the mother goddess-like Ullalthi.