Kurumba worship gods

The Kurumba tribes have a rich spiritual tradition centered around nature worship, animism, and local deities. Their family gods (also called Kuladeivams or Clan/lineage deities) vary among subgroups and regions but generally focus on forest and nature spirits, ancestral heroes, and Hindu gods integrated into their beliefs.

Here’s an overview of common family gods and spiritual beliefs among the main Kurumba subgroups:

1. Jenu Kurumba

Primary Deities:
- Kateri (Kateri Amman): A powerful goddess associated with hunting and protection of the forest.
- Mandha Maravan: A guardian deity linked to warrior spirit and protection.
Spiritual Practice: Offerings are made in forests or sacred groves, often involving rituals to honor the spirits of animals and trees.
Nature Worship: Honey, being their livelihood, has a sacred significance, and bees are often regarded as messengers or symbols of the divine.

2. Betta Kurumba

Primary Deities:
- Betta Maramma: A hill goddess worshipped for protection and fertility of the land.
- Karuppasamy: A popular village guardian deity invoked to protect communities from evil.
Ancestral Worship: Respect to forebears and clan ancestors is important, often with specific shrines.
Rituals: Seasonal festivals coincide with agricultural cycles, offering thanks for harvests and blessings for livestock.

3. Alu Kurumba

Primary Deities:
- Annapurneshwari: Goddess of food and nourishment, sometimes assimilated from mainstream Hinduism.
- Vettakkorumakan: The hunter god, protecting forests and people.
Family Shrines: Usually small shrines or sacred trees near homes, where family-specific deities are worshipped.
Festivals: Mix of Hindu and tribal rituals, emphasizing prosperity and health.

4. Yer Kurumba

Primary Deities:
- Similar to Betta Kurumba, worshipping Karuppasamy and local nature gods.
- Ayyanar: Village guardian deity common in Tamil Nadu, believed to protect rural settlements.
Rituals: Include spirit possession, dance, and music to appease gods and ancestors.

General Themes Across Kurumba Groups

Aspect	Details
Nature Spirits	Forest trees, hills, rivers, and animals revered.
Ancestral Worship	Lineage ancestors honored via clan shrines.
Village Guardians	Deities like Karuppasamy and Ayyanar protect villages.
Syncretism	Blend of tribal animism and mainstream Hindu gods.
Rituals	Seasonal festivals, offerings of honey, meat, rice, and flowers.

Example: Karuppasamy Worship

Very common across Kurumba groups as a protector deity.
Rituals often involve spirit possession (oracles), drumming, and firewalking.
Seen as the fierce guardian ensuring safety from evil spirits and enemies.