Namadhari Naik - Tradition

Tradition

Halepaiks all along the history have formed the sword-arm of the dynasties and kingdoms in the region. As soldeirs, commanders, mercenaries there have been many instances where the sacrifices and valour of Halepaiks have stood out. The region of Uttara Kannada is dotted by many Jataga/Beera (ಜಟಗ /ಬೀರ) temples and Masti-kattes (ಮಾಸ್ತಿ=ಮಹಾಸತಿ). These are said to be the hero-worship memorials (ವೀರಗಲ್ಲು) of combatants succumbing in battles and their consorts/wives, committing Sati or even dying in battlefield fighting the enemy. The local folk culture identifies most of these memorials belonging to Halepaik warriors. Madageri Ramanatha (ಮಾಡಗೇರಿ ರಾಮನಾಥ), Kumara Rama of Chandavara (ಚ೦ದಾವರ ಕುಮಾರ ರಾಮ), Bankikodla Murkundi Honna (ಬ೦ಕಿಕೊಡ್ಲ ಮೂರ್ಕು೦ಡಿ ಹೊನ್ನ) are important examples. While Honnamma (ಹೊನ್ನಮ್ಮ)consort of Ramanatha is supposed to have died alongside him in the battlefield and hence became a Sati (virtuous wife), Murkundi Honna is said to have died in the Bargi-Ghat battle and his wife Mankali (ಮ೦ಕಾಳಿ) is said to have committed Sati. Kumara Rama died fighting the Chandavar Sultan. Dandina Hanuma (ದ೦ಡಿನ ಹನುಮ) temple in Chandavar is in the memory of a Halepaik captain named Hanuma. According to a popular legend the Jataga deity of this temple defeated the Sultan's army and put him to flight. Kapalira Amma (ಕಪಲಿ-ವೀರ ಅಮ್ಮ) temple in the vicinity is also related. Other popular temples include the Honamavu Dandina Durgi (ಹೊನಮಾವು ದ೦ಡಿನ ದುರ್ಗಿ) temple, Oorakeri Kudure Beerappa and Malamma (ಕುದುರೆ ಬೀರಪ್ಪ ಮತ್ತು ಮಾಳಮ್ಮ) temple in Kumta ; Hacchchali Kudure,Aaneya Gove Ganapa (ಹಚ್ಚಾಲಿ ಕುದುರೆ ಮತ್ತು ಆನೆಯ ಗೋವೆ ಗಣಪ) of Madageri; Jattu-Masti (ಜಟ್ಟುಮಾಸ್ತಿ), Malla-Masti (ಮಳ್ಳಮಾಸ್ತಿ), Honnamma-Masti (ಹೊನ್ನಮ್ಮಮಾಸ್ತಿ), Kondada-Masti (ಕೊ೦ಡದಮಾಸ್ತಿ), Kendada-Masti ( ಕೆ೦ಡದಮಾಸ್ತಿ) of Shirali ; Sodigadde-Masti (ಸೋಡಿಗದ್ದೆಮಾಸ್ತಿ) of Bhatkal . Almost all these temples have 'Kenda-Hayuvike' ritual conducted annually. It is supposed to denote the committing of Sati by the deity and is usually done by Halepaik youth. During this a Choma (ಚೋಮ)or Large mask denoting the deity is worn by volunteer doing the ritual. A Choma is peculiar to each deity and may be in the shape of a horse, elephant depending on which deity it denotes (ex:ಹಚ್ಚಾಲಿ ಕುದುರೆ ಮತ್ತು ಆನೆಯ ಗೋವೆ ಗಣಪ).A Kalasha is carried during the Bandi-Habba festival denoting the deity. The widespread occurrence of Sati among the Halepaiks which was only limited to the warrior class in those days and which is said to be a practice of Scythian origin further strengthens the Naga/Scythian origin theory of Halepaiks. Worship of local divine spirits can also be seen and the worship of Baleendra during Deepavali has been continuing since ages and is common to almost all communities in coastal Karnataka. Certain rituals as during marriage ceremony indicate their martial origin. Until recently it seems the bridegroom rode on a horse in full martial attire complete with a sword to his marriage. The betrothal ceremony too is accomplished in a manner indicating the bride being won in a duel.