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Uncovering scientific truth behind Bhagavati worship through research

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“Research as a mode of study is something that is very western in origin,” says Arun Ullal and adds, “but when we adopt it in the east and take up topics about our traditions, we are able to uncover the truths behind our vibrant cultural heritage.”

After 7 long years of hard core study, Arun Ullal, a proffessor of Kannada  has earned his Ph.D degree from the Insititute of Kannada Studies, Mangaluru University, by completing his research on the topic, ‘A cultural study on worshipping of Bhagavati’. His thesis comprises an all-encompassing view about the festival and culture related to the worship of Bhagavati. The study contains psychological, political and scientific viewpoints that explain the origins and the truth behind the worship.

Speaking to the News Karnataka, Arun said that this is the first in Kannada language that such a research has been done and that too with mention of 404 Bhagavati names. “I have studied and collected details about the goddess in all worship forms and as practiced in all communities,” he said. Starting with the Brahmins to the Aryans, the thesis gives a full-on analysis about the history behind this style of worship.

This particular type of worship according to Arun is rather new to the Tulunadu. “The origins of such worship can be traced to from Kerala and for people in Karnataka it is a new system and hence a lot of new ideas could be revealed through this.

Another specialty about his research is the use of pictures to depict the history of the topic taken. “More than 100 pictures were used to represent Bhagavati and this form of worship so that a clear-cut representation can be found in this thesis,” said Arun. He expressed that the personnel from Bengaluru, Mumbai and Hampi who conducted his final Viva gave positive reports about his research and appreciated his effort of including pictures.

Inspiration for this topic came from Arun’s childhood where he was closely associated with the goddess Bhagavati. “Growing up I use to regularly practice Bhagavathi worship and was mesmerized by the greatness of it,” he said. He explained that he took up this topic when he realized that in Kannada research, no deep study has been made on it. “Even though there is some research on Kannada folk, this particular sector which I took up has not been dealt with in detail before,” he informs.

This area of study according to Arun is very attractive, artful and colorful. “Going deep into the subject you can see that it touches on topics like feminism, psychological rituals, human study and so on and hence this thesis open up to diverse viewpoints and ideas, all leading towards worshiping of Bhagavati.”  During the period of research, he studied about communities like RIia, Moya, Shalia and Walia and what this goddess and her worship means to people.

The study area extends from North Karnataka to the South Tulunadu. “During the past seven years, I have visited more than thousand temples stretching between Kochi in Kerala and Madikeri. I have done the research in a very systematic and honest way with full dedication and I am very happy with the result at hand.”

People have less idea about their culture and traditions, opined Arun. Hence when research is done of topics like these, we are showing support to our culture and providing scientific proof on the existence of our traditions, he avers. Arun hopes that more people would study about various rituals and customs so that it will be of great help to our existing culture, our way of life and for the knowledge of future generations.

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SC H Varghese

Harshita Mary Varghese graduated with a Masters in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Aloysius College Mangaluru and is quickly learning the ropes of the emerging Media Industry. She has excellent language and reportage skills. She excels at human interest and travel stories.

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