Mavilan
Story/Legend:
The story behind the worship of Mavilan is unclear. However, it is believed that the Irular tribe started worshiping her as a way to appease her and prevent diseases and deaths from befalling them.
Religious Aspect:
Mavilan is considered as a powerful goddess by the Irular tribe. She is believed to have the power to cause and cure diseases. The Irulars believe that when someone falls sick, it is because they have angered Mavilan in some way, and they need to appease her to get cured. They perform rituals and offer sacrifices to her to seek her blessings.
Description:
Mavilan is depicted as a fierce and powerful goddess. She is often shown holding a trident. She is adorned with various ornaments and is usually dressed in a red sari. She is also depicted with a third eye on her forehead, which symbolizes her power and wisdom. Sometimes only the trident is worshipped in her place.
Cultural Importance:
The worship of Mavilan is an important aspect of Irular culture. She is considered as a protector of the tribe and is believed to have the power to keep diseases and death at bay. Her worship is also seen as a way to maintain a balance between humans and nature.
Festivals:
The Irular tribe celebrates a festival called Mavilan festival in honor of the goddess. The festival is usually held during the month of January or February. During the festival, the tribe performs various rituals and sacrifices to seek the blessings of Mavilan.
Conclusion:
Mavilan is an important goddess in the Irular tribe's pantheon. She is worshiped as the goddess of disease and death and is believed to have the power to cure and prevent diseases. Her worship is an important aspect of Irular culture and is seen as a way to maintain a balance between humans and nature.
References:
https://www.jstor.org/stable/44140633 https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/660073
FAQs:
Q. Is Mavilan only worshiped by the Irular tribe? A. Yes, Mavilan is only worshiped by the Irular tribe in Tamil Nadu.
Q. Is Mavilan a popular goddess in Tamil Nadu? A. No, Mavilan is not a popular goddess in Tamil Nadu. Her worship is restricted to the Irular tribe.