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Religious Practices and Beliefs of Bedakampana Lingayats Residing in the Thalakkarai Hamlet of the Burgur Hills in Tamil Nadu


Affiliations
1 Associate Professor and Head, PG and Research Department of History, Vellalar College for Women (Autonomous), Erode - 638012, Tamil Nadu, India
 

India, the world's largest democratic nation, boasts a diverse and rich cultural heritage, with a population of approximately 1,417,681,535 as of April 15, 2023. The country comprises 28 states and 8 union territories, housing a citizenry that represents various religions, origins, dialects, and beliefs. Within this diverse population, certain communities reside in remote suburbs or forested areas, such as the Bedakampana Lingayats of Thalakkarai village live in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. Despite limited attention from social scientists, these Lingayats embrace their traditions as a means of navigating modernity. They demonstrate a remarkable balance between preserving their distinct identity and actively contributing to India's rich cultural and religious diversity. This paper aims to explore the religious practices and beliefs of the Bedakampana Lingayats of Thalakkarai, focusing on their worship rituals, religious ceremonies, and festivals. The Lingayats, also known as Lingawants, Lingangis, Lingadharis, Shivabhaktas, and Virasaivas, are devout followers of Lord Shiva. As strict vegetarians, they prefer to be addressed as Virasaivas. Their name derives from the Sanskrit word "Linga", symbolizing their profound devotion to Lord Shiva. By delving into their religious lives and examining the authenticity of their practices, this study sheds light on the contributions of the Bedakampana Lingayats to India's cultural and religious tapestry.


Keywords

Communities, Culture, Ishtalinga, People, Religion, Virasaivas, Worship
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  • www.tn.gov.in on April 14, 2023.

  • Personal interview with Mr. Venkatesh Prabhu, District Forest Officer, Roja Nagar, Erode Division on April 19, 2023.

  • Personal interview with Mr. Sitheshwaran, Secretary, DMK Thalakkarai Taluk on April 22, 2023.

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  • Ibid. 81.

  • Ibid. 82.

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  • Personal interviews and observations were conducted among the Lingayat community people of Thalakkarai Village.

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  • Personal interview with S Marathambadi, Animal Pouch Watcher (APW), Lingayat, Thalakkarai Village on March 17, 2023.

  • Personal Interview with N Marappan, Animal Pouch Watcher, Thalakkarai Village on March 17, 2023.

  • Personal interview with B. Sithalingam, Agriculturist, Thalakkarai Village, Erode Division on 30.04.2023.

  • Personal interview with Marathambadi, Op.Cit

  • Personal interview with Mr. Sitheshwaran, Op.Cit

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  • Personal observation and analysis made through personal interviews.


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  • Religious Practices and Beliefs of Bedakampana Lingayats Residing in the Thalakkarai Hamlet of the Burgur Hills in Tamil Nadu

Abstract Views: 339  |  PDF Views: 195

Authors

N. Kavitha
Associate Professor and Head, PG and Research Department of History, Vellalar College for Women (Autonomous), Erode - 638012, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract


India, the world's largest democratic nation, boasts a diverse and rich cultural heritage, with a population of approximately 1,417,681,535 as of April 15, 2023. The country comprises 28 states and 8 union territories, housing a citizenry that represents various religions, origins, dialects, and beliefs. Within this diverse population, certain communities reside in remote suburbs or forested areas, such as the Bedakampana Lingayats of Thalakkarai village live in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. Despite limited attention from social scientists, these Lingayats embrace their traditions as a means of navigating modernity. They demonstrate a remarkable balance between preserving their distinct identity and actively contributing to India's rich cultural and religious diversity. This paper aims to explore the religious practices and beliefs of the Bedakampana Lingayats of Thalakkarai, focusing on their worship rituals, religious ceremonies, and festivals. The Lingayats, also known as Lingawants, Lingangis, Lingadharis, Shivabhaktas, and Virasaivas, are devout followers of Lord Shiva. As strict vegetarians, they prefer to be addressed as Virasaivas. Their name derives from the Sanskrit word "Linga", symbolizing their profound devotion to Lord Shiva. By delving into their religious lives and examining the authenticity of their practices, this study sheds light on the contributions of the Bedakampana Lingayats to India's cultural and religious tapestry.


Keywords


Communities, Culture, Ishtalinga, People, Religion, Virasaivas, Worship

References





DOI: https://doi.org/10.15613/hijrh%2F2023%2Fv10i1%2F221067