Daivaraadhane (Daiva (Demi Gods) + Aradhane (Worship) forms an integral part of socio-religious as well cultural practice in Tulunadu (undivided Dakshina Kannada District) also known as Creation of Lord Parasharuma and Kerala.

Daivaraadhane (Daiva (Demi Gods) + Aradhane (Worship) forms an integral part of socio-religious as well cultural practice in Tulunadu (undivided Dakshina Kannada District) also known as Creation of Lord Parasharuma and Kerala. People of these regions give utmost significance to Daivaraadhane and pay oblations to the Daivas. What stands out about Daivaraadhane is the strong connection it has with Lord Shiva, as it is believed that Daivas are Ganas (Soldiers) of Lord Shiva and have been send to the Earth to safeguard mankind, livestock, crops against any danger or natural calamities. True to this, Daivas have been protecting their followers from centuries & on their part the people have been paying their oblations by observing various rites and rituals such as nemas/kolas – annual festival, observance of sankramana etc. It is believed that there are more than 1,000 Daivas and these Daivas are either heroic people who had met with tragic deaths, ancestors, trees, or animals. The various Daivas which are worshipped are Panjurli, Guliga, Koragajja, Malaraya Dhoomavathi, Jumadi Banta, Mantradevathe, Satyadevathe, Kallurti, Rakteshwari etc. These Daivas belong to either families or to particular village. These Daivas are worshipped in form of stones, bronze/silver figurines, cradle or piece of wooden plank believed to have divine powers, weapons/ornaments believed to be worn by the Daivas and these are placed in shrines dedicated to these Daivas. When Daivas belong to families then the shrines are located either inside the houses or in the courtyard of the house where Daiva Gudi (small shrine dedicated to Daivas) are built. When these Daivas belong to particular village then a Daivasthana (shrine dedicated to Daivas) is built in the village. Nemas/Kolas are observed from Dusk to Dawn and also in some places it is also observed during daytime. The nema is organized on a specific day which is decided by the elders of the family/village heads. These nemas are generally observed from the months of September to May. While most of the times these nemas are as performed as annual festival sometimes it is also organized after fulfillment of vow taken by the devotees, as a means to pay gratitude to the Divas. These nemas which is dedicated to particular Daiva or Daivas are observed in houses/daivasathana comprises of Padinaji Katle (16 rites and rituals). These nemas are performed by people belonging to particular community namely- Pambada, Nalike and Paravas. And during nemas the artistes are considered as Daivas, as the artistes are believed to possess the divinity of the Daivas. In addition to religious significance nemas celebrates the grandeur of Daivas. Thus, during Daivas are seen wearing vibrant clothes referred to as angi and ijjar (shirt and pant) with ornaments (silver/bronze) muga (mask) etc. These nemas are performed in the background of Paddanas and the melodious sound of musical instruments. Paddanas are sometimes sung by the Daiva itself or people who come along with Daivas. These Paddanas are songs where Daivas are praised, how Daivas had originated and their heroics. Music forms an integral part of Daivaraadhane without which nema will be considered incomplete. The daiva is seen matching his steps to the music played and the music changes during the observance of each rites and rituals. One among the significant feature is that the nemas are closely associated with the nature and all the articles which is used during the nemas is a product which derived from the Mother nature such as Coconut frond, banana shoot, kepula flowers, aradala etc. Thus, over the centuries nemas are being observed by people and everybody involved observes them diligently with devotion, belief and respect. The daivas are believed to be guardians of people and ensure that the truth will triumph over lie, ward off evil and protect the mankind and also livestock against natural calamities and any kind of danger. As told in the beginning Daivas were sent by Lord Shiva as his soldiers to protect his believers. Daivas are known to be benevolent and always protecting their believers, fulfilling their wishes and ensuring that peace will prevail in the likes of Lord Shiva. Some litigations are also brought solved and Daivas are also known to resolve disputes which arises in the village or in family and the people are bound by the decision of the Daivas. Inspite of technological advancements we still witness people coming from different parts of the world visiting their ancestral homes, villages to be part of the nemas. This is a testimonial to the belief people have on Daivas. And Daivas on their part have ensured that the belief will remain intact by blessing the believers. Thus, during the invocation of the Daivas, without fail they say ‘As long as Sun and Moon exist Daivas will remain,’and they have fulfilled it time and again.for more updates and details stay connected with GAGGARA - Around 16 Holy Rituals