வனர வடடர பண தயவ வழபடடல நமபகககளம நரததக கடனகளம / Beliefs and Fulfilment of Vows in the Worship of Female Deities in the Vanur Region

Abstract

Since the first humans appeared, deities and systems of worship have held an essential place in their lives because of environmental influences. The earliest form of worship in the world is nature worship, from which folk deity worship evolved. Within folk religious practices, the worship of female deities holds a particularly prominent place. This study examines the beliefs and acts of fulfilling vows associated with the worship of female deities in the Vanur region of Villupuram district. The worship practices are connected with the lifestyle, traditions and social beliefs of the rural population of the region. In the Vanur region, communities such as the Vanniyars, Adi Dravidars, and tribal groups residing prdominantly. Because of environmental conditions and life challenges, these communities have a deep faith in deities. In the worship of female deities, several beliefs and practices are observed, such as cradle rituals, naming ceremonies, striking with neem leaves, and applying sacred ash. People seek divine intervention to overcome hardships, illnesses, and family problems. When their wishes—such as marriage, childbirth, and good health—are fulfilled, they offer votive acts including preparing Pongal, performing circumambulation (rolling around the temple), carrying fire pots, body-piercing rituals, spirit possession (trance), fire-walking, offering spears and bells, presenting weighing scales, tying sacred marks, and dedicating agricultural produce. Therefore, these beliefs and fulfilling vows strengthen the spiritual consciousness and social unity of the people. They also reflect the traditional culture and folk religious heritage of rural communities. Hence, the worship of female deities in the Vanur region is an important cultural identity closely connected with the lives of the people.