Bhuta Aradhana

Bhuta Aradhana is the Worship of “Subtle Deities”, including Ancient Heros, Animals, Ancestors or Simply Spirits. Animal sacrifice and Liquor are common offerings.

It is only occasionally found throughout Bharat, with the exception of Part of Malai Nadu, the Western Ghats of Cherala- North till Goa.  In Bali it is also prevalent.
Some Devata, Grama devata, Kula devata in various regions of Bharat are ancient Heros, but their worship usually presents itself as Deva Aradhana and thus would not be considered as Bhuta Aradhana.


Map: Bhuta Aradhana - Prevalent Regions 

Tulu Nadu - Bhuta Aradhana is quite prominent, with most village having an “Daivasthana” (plural of “Devasthanam”) or temple of many Deva, which house one or more of the of the "Daiva" worshiped in the Region. Although not all the “Daiva” are Bhuta, all are worshipped in much the same manner, including in the various elaborate rituals of Bhuta Kola.

Northern Cherala  – The Daiva in this region usually have individual temples and/or are simply worshiped occasionally with the ritual of Theyyam (derived from "Daivam" as in the "Daiva and Daivasthana" of Tulu Nadu) and Thira(Southern Theyyam). Theyyam and Bhuta Kola to the North are similar, though the origin of Theyyam was the adoption (via patronization of kings) of the art and rituals as performed in Bhuta Kola in the worship Hindu Deities. Thus Majority of the 400-500 types of Theyyam worship Hindu Deity, followed by Daiva or Bhuta types of Theyyam. Thira is the Southern form and/or a derivative of Theyyam, and may contain less Bhuta Aradhana. Other Ritual/Artform in the rest of Cherala are derivatives of Bhuta Aradhana and/or some may still be.

Bali – it is prevalent in Bali Hindu Dharma.

If anyone is aware of prevalence in other areas, particularly adjoining areas of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, can comment and will updated.