Definition
of God And Goddess According To Santali Beliefs
Santali, an
ancient indigenous culture hailing from the eastern regions of India and neighbouring
countries like Bangladesh and Nepal, boasts a rich spiritual heritage. At the
heart of their religious beliefs lies a pantheon of gods and goddesses, each
representing different aspects of life and nature. The Santali people, who
predominantly follow animism and nature worship, have revered these deities for
generations, preserving a connection with their land, history, and traditions.
In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of Santali gods and
goddesses, exploring their significance and roles in the lives of the people.
Apart from the
major deities, Santali culture also recognizes a multitude of nature spirits
called “Bongas”. These spirits reside in the natural elements such as trees,
rocks, mountains, and animals. The Santali people believe that maintaining a
harmonious relationship with these spirits is essential for a balanced and
peaceful life. Bonga worship involves rituals, offerings, and dances performed
to appease these spirits and seek their protection and blessings.
Philosophical
Points of View
According to
Santali beliefs Thakur and Thakran was
the first god and goddess of the universe. But properly you can’t say that they
are first god and goddess because they are just two faces of beginning, one is nothingness
and other one is the form of nothingness to something or everything. Definition
of God is someone who experiences bliss, joy, and comfort due to their virtuous
actions and good karma. But Thakur and Thakran have no qualities like that, they
are just the creator of the everything we can feel and see. So in spite of calling them as God and Goddess
, you can call them as the beginning of everything. After the nothingness
(Thakur) become something, something (Thakran) was also started to manifest her
self and the conciseness came into the existence. To contain it Thakur and
Thakran Started to make celestial bodies and that’s how gods and goddesses
comes into existence. Later in time the god’s and goddesses are also started to
manifest their self and then Demigods,
Human, Animals, Ghost, Hell Beings were came in existence.
Gods
(Bonga): This state
represents a higher level of existence where beings experience bliss, joy, and
comfort due to their virtuous actions and good karma.
Demigods
(Danmi): Beings in
this realm also possess significant power, but their existence is characterized
by jealousy, rivalry, and a constant struggle for superiority.
Humans
(Manmi): This is the
human realm where beings experience a mix of pleasure and pain, joy and
suffering, and have the potential to attain enlightenment.
Animals
(Chere Chipru):
Beings in this realm live in a state of instinct and limited awareness, driven
primarily by survival instincts.
Hungry
Ghosts (Bhoot Bonga):
This realm is associated with beings experiencing intense craving and unfulfilled
desires, leading to constant dissatisfaction.
Hell Beings
(Jojom Ko ): In this
realm, beings undergo intense suffering and torment due to their negative
actions and bad karma.
Below I gave
some names of gods and goddesses of Santali mythology but remember it’s not all.
Thakur and
Thakran – The God
and Goddess of creation. According to Santali mythology Thakur was the one who
created every thing, Such as God and Goddesses, Stars, Planets whole observable
things and non observable things. In Santali Thakur means the place of beginning.
Marang Buru – The Protector of all living
beings. His original name is Lita. According to Santali mythology he was a
messenger god of all gods and goddesses. In Santali Marang Buru Means The great
mountain.
Jaher Ayo – The Goddess of Rituals and Discipline.
According to Santali mythology She is
Big sister of Marang Buru (Lita). Jaher Ayo Control the all rituals and
discipline of creations.
Singbonga –Singbonga means The Sun God.
Worshiped as the god of the sun and light, associated with vitality and energy.
Manjhi Bonga – Goddess of the House.The
protective goddess of the household and family.
Taram – The God of the Sky and Stars,
associated with celestial phenomena. Worshipped as the god of stars and
celestial bodies.
Basumata—In Santali Basumata or Bosmata means
Earth. The goddess of the earth and
fertility, associated with agricultural abundance.
Haram – God of the Forest. Revered as the
protector of forests and wildlife.
Turubonga – God of the Thunderstorm.
Associated with thunder, lightning, and rain.
Lakchera – Goddess of Wealth. Worshipped as
the deity of wealth and prosperity.
Dharmesh – The God of Justice and Law,
believed to bring fairness and righteousness.
Suradai – The Goddess of Wealth and
Prosperity, worshipped for abundance and good fortune.
Sarjom – The God of Rain and Agriculture,
prayed to for a bountiful harvest.
Dhudin – The Goddess of Fire, revered
during various rituals and ceremonies.
Karam — She is the daughter of Marang Buru.
Her original name is “Guiri”. She is the goddess of good fortune and wealth.
More Ko Turuiko
— They are group of eleven
god and goddess who takes the responsibility to make a habitable place for living
things.
Santali mythologise
were transmitted to their generations through orally. As a result of that so many
things are still missing and so many things were transmitted as the physiological
point of view of person. That’s why is to difficult to portray the mythological
thoughts and beliefs of Santals. But I hope
one day Santal will figure this out what was the real story of god and
goddesses.
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