Bhoota puja stands test of time in Rayalaseema

Anantapur: A centuries-old tradition offering puja to bhootha (demon) by way of fighting against the bad influences of other demons continues in Rayalaseema and adjacent Karnataka areas. Bhutan Raja, seen as the king of demons, is under the control of gurus, and is being prayed and offered puja during full moon days and other important occasions.

The main temple of Brahmarakshasa is located at Sonda in Karnataka where the Vrindavan of saint Vadiraja guru is located. It is believed that Brahma Rakshasa was born as Narayanacharya, a Brahmin, in Narala, South Kannada district. He became a close disciple of saint Sri Vadiraja Swamy, and is believed to have even accompanied him to Vijayanagar to meet his guru, saint Vyasaraja Swamy. Saint Vyasaraja Swamy was ruler of the Vijayanagar empire five centuries ago.

On one day, which was a Sadhana Dwadashi day, Sri Vadirajaru did not wake up early in the morning as he was immersed in his dhyana the previous night. Vyasarayaru and others were waiting for meals. Vadiraja Swamy hurriedly had his bath, skipped his daily puja and had meals. Once settled, Vadirajaru miraculously brought out all the food he had partaken separately, and fresh, and laid them out on the plantain leaf in front of him. He then had his bath in the river, did his regular daily ritualistic puja and one the way back, he saw Narayancharya who was hiding on a tree.

He cursed him that he would become a Brahma Rakshasa. Immediately, however, Narayancharya realised his folly and begged for his forgiveness. Later on, after several years, while on his yatra to Badari, Sri Vadirajaru entered the same forest. Bhootaraja or Bhoothanatha or Narayana Bhootha got blessed by the guru and is believed serving Sri Vadiraja even till date.

He too has a temple close to the Vrindavan and for centuries continues to stand there protecting the place and easing the difficulties of the pilgrims and devotees of Sri Vadiraja Teertha. The pilgrims, in turn, first visit the shrine of Bhootharaja and roll a coconut towards him before they visit the Vrindavan.

Lakshmjnarayana Charya, priest from the Bhootharaja temple in Anantapur, said the demon god has a large following of devotees. Bhootharaja seva is done every year at Bhaktharahalli, the historic temple in Anantapur district. “At least two lakh devotees take part in the procession every year,” said temple executive officer Narasimha Murthy.