The Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya opened 'Mekkikattu' - place with many wooden Bhuta icons at Mythological Trail on Friday. In the Tulu Nadu coastal region of Karnataka, villagers make wooden idols known as Bhuta.
In this Mekkikattu there are idols of Panchmukha Nandi, Trimukha Nandi, Akash Raigudi, Trimukha Bhuta Raya, Tiger, Chikku, Dwimukha Barbariya, Haigudi, Maasti, Standing Garuda, Sipahi, Sindhi Sipahi, Panjurli, British Sipahi, Samsari Bramha, Nandi, Muslim Sipahi, Tagaru (Sheep), Nandi rider, Agoreshwhara, Bantha and Ambega Nandi, Kudrey Virappa, Akash Nandi, Swami, Dwimukha Bramha, Nankeshwara and Chillar Nandi.
Bhuta figures are taken or based on the ‘purathana’ kala (olden traditions) or it is on the religious beliefs (dharmika nambike) that led the people of the villages. It is a traditional art that is transferred only from the forefathers to the next generation, seen in Udupi district of Karnataka.
Generally these wooden figures are made in the month from January to July that are sold more in temples of Kundapura taluk, Dakshina Kannada and the Udupi district. The worship of these types of idols are usually seen in the Tulu nadu regions of Karnataka. Bhoota’s are referred as ethereal spirits or demi gods that protect the people of the village from evil. It is a prehistoric ritual form of worship that exists within the Tulu speaking community of people.
These are characterized into three classes based on the spirits namely Hindu pantheon, Glorified human beings and Heroic warriors such the twins etc. Coastal part of Karnataka is generally known for the two form of art namely Bhoota kola and ritual dance of yaksagana. The bhuta be represented by a crude stone, or a mask, or metal objects of various shapes or finely carved wooden sculpture or metal idols. The literary meaning of bhoota means ghost, these are referred to as Gods who protect the villages.