Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Sep 24: Before the inauguration of the new surgical super speciality building at Wenlock Hospital in Hampankatta, a Punar Pratiste (reinstallation) of Guliga Daiva was performed, as a shrine dedicated to the Daiva once existed on the site where the new building was constructed.

Hospital officials explained that the Daiva ritual was carried out to ward off any negative energy that could affect the staff and patients, in line with the traditional beliefs of Tulunadu. The ritual was also brought to the attention of district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.

Issues arose after the construction began, with some labourers and hospital staff experiencing difficulties. This led to a Prashne Chintane ritual, which revealed that the site of the new building had been home to a Guliga Daiva shrine.

Historically, a family lived in the area with five family Daivas. When they relocated to Vamanjoor, four Daivas were taken, but the Guliga Daiva, linked to Sharavu Temple, remained at the base of a tree. The tree was later removed during construction, displacing the Guliga Daiva, which then moved to Muttappan Shrine near the railway station. The Prashne Chintane also revealed the killing of a Naga during construction, prompting an Ashlesha Bali ritual to be performed. Eventually, the Guliga Daiva was reinstalled at the base of a banyan tree near the hospital.

Dr Sadananda Poojary, urologist at Wenlock, stated, "The Prashne ritual was performed at the request of labourers and hospital staff. We have conducted various religious rituals by pooling funds, as belief in positive energy benefits everyone."

Dr Shivaprakash, district surgeon and superintendent of Wenlock Hospital, added, "Staff and officials collectively funded the rituals, driven by the belief in Daiva for the well-being of everyone."