Bhootharaja
Who is Bhootharaja?
Some of you may have this picture of Bhootharaja, believed to ward off evil spirits, at the entrance of your house or you may have seen it at somebody else’s door.
There are many stories regarding the birth of Bhootharaja- the long and short of it is that one Narayana Sharma who was Vaadiraja’s disciple was cursed by Vaadiraja to become a brahmarakshasa*. Once released from his curse by Vaadiraja himself, he became an ardent devotee and palanquin bearer of Vaadiraja, and a flagship entrance picture of the Maadhwa community.
*A learned/brahmin ghost
On a deeper note, the scriptures describe the long penance that is required to become Rudra devaru and also his discipleship under Laatavya, the Ruju, who will go on to become Vayu devaru. For more info, please refer to Harikathaamruthasaara, Part 4, Chapter 23.
Thus, the one eligible to occupy the position of Rudra*, spends 75 years of Bramha’s life, under the tutelage of Laatavya** and is called ‘Sushravya’, following which he performs arduous penance as ‘Ugratapa’ in the ocean of salt, for another 10 kalpas.
*Bhootharaaja
**Vaadiraja
How the curse was lifted
Like the riddle of the Sphynx, our cursed demon also posed a riddle to every wayfarer. Unable to answer, they were killed and eaten up.
The riddle asked was, “Aa Ka Ma Vai .. ko na snathaha”, (in Sanskrit, for the demon was a Bramharakshasa); “Who does not bathe in (the holy months of) Aa (Ashwija), Ka (Karthika), Ma (Maagha) , Vai (Vaishaaka)? “
Finally, Vaadiraja in order to relieve him of his misery appeared before the demon. The cryptic question was asked. Vaadiraja answered, “Randa putra, tvam na snathaha”, translating to… “ ## @## it is you who do not bathe…”
The curse was lifted and the demon assumed a resplendent but fearsome form and prostrated in front of Vaadiraja. Vaadiraja blessed him and appointed him as the kshetrapalaka* of Sodhe**. Additionally, he made him invisible.
*Guardian deity
**Sodhe or Sondha is a little town in Uttara Karnataka
Bhootaraja at Sodhe
There is a temple dedicated to Bhootharaja close to Vaadiraja’s brindavana* at Sodhe. There is a unique tradition of offering coconuts to the deity, where every visitor to the temple sets a coconut rolling in front of the idol.
*The structure within which Vaadiraja Tirtha is entombed
In the kalyaani* at the temple premises called “Dhavalaganga” a small portion is cordoned off for the exclusive use of Bhootharaja, which no human can use.
*water tank found near every old temple
Also, there is a spectacular ritual performed outdoors at night when weather permits. A huge mound of rice and coconuts filled with kumkum* are shaped to look like Bhootaraja (his head) himself. During the naivedya**, which is usually performed in privacy by drawing a curtain to cover the idol, the devotees are requested to close their eyes/ avert their gaze, as the act happens in plain sight. Devotion/ fear of Bhootharaja ensures strict compliance.
*Vermillion
**Ritual offering of food to gods
Bhaavi Rudra*
Except Narayana and Lakshmi, every other celestial being holds a ‘position’ or title, which will be occupied by another at the beginning of every cycle of creation. The present Bhootharaja will become Shiva or Rudra Devaru in the next cycle of creation, even as Vaadiraja becomes Vayu Devaru.