Guliga Daiva worship conducted at Wenlock Hospital to address worker and staff concerns

Team Udayavani, Sep 24, 2024, 10:03 AM IST

Mangaluru: The newly constructed Surgical Super-Specialty Building at Wenlock District Hospital in Hampankatta, Mangaluru, was recently inaugurated. However, prior to the inauguration, a unique ritual was carried out to reestablish the presence of the “Guliga Daiva”, believed to have once resided at the site.

Due to the strong cultural belief in Daiva worship in the Tulunadu region, hospital authorities decided to conduct this ritual to ensure that the staff and patients in the hospital would not face any difficulties and that the environment would remain free of negative energy. The matter was also brought to the attention of the District In-Charge Minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, according to hospital officials.

Problems faced by workers and staff prompted rituals

After the construction of the new building began, several workers and hospital staff reported experiencing issues, which they conveyed to the authorities. A “prashne chintana” was conducted, revealing that the site had previously been home to the presence of the “Guliga Daiva.”

Historical worship of five deities

It was discovered that, long ago, a family had worshiped five deities, including the Guliga Daiva, in this area. Over time, the family relocated to Vamanjoor, taking most of the deities with them. However, the Guliga Daiva, which is associated with the nearby Sharavu Temple, remained at the base of a tree in the area, as it was believed that the Daiva would not move from its original location. This tree was later uprooted during the construction of the new hospital building, causing the spirit to relocate to the Muthappan Temple near the railway station.

The prashne chintana also revealed that the removal of the tree had caused unrest, as the Daiva no longer had a place to reside. Additionally, the killing of a snake during the construction led to further rituals being performed, including the “Ashlesha Bali.” Following these rituals, the Guliga Daiva was re-established at the base of a Peepal tree near the new building.

Fostering positive energy

As requested by some workers and staff, a thorough divination was conducted. The hospital staff and officials raised funds themselves to carry out various religious rituals, which included making offerings for past mistakes. While belief in Daiva is one aspect, it was also important to eliminate negative energy in the environment. A positive atmosphere leads to peace and calmness, which is essential for everyone in the hospital, said Dr. Sadananda Poojary, a urologist at the hospital.

Efforts for the well-being of all

The hospital staff and officials themselves pooled the money and performed these religious rituals, all with the intent of fostering positive energy and ensuring the well-being of everyone, said Dr. Shivaprakash, District Surgeon and Superintendent, Wenlock District Hospital, Mangaluru.