TULJAPUR - BHAVANI

Not quite unlike the Vagbcs at Jejuri and the Varkaris of Pandharpur there are the Bhutes at this place. They are the bhakts or devotees of the devi tied together in a well knit sect. The members of this sect have a typical dress, consisting of an angarkha or long flowing shirt, a cap studded with Kavadis and carry a torch with them. 'Their occupation is singing devotional songs relating to the devi to the tune of tuntune, tat and sambal; and moving from place to place to beg in the name of the deity These bhutes like the Vasudevas were a cultural institution in Hindu society and they were entrusted with the task of taking to the farthest corner of the society the bhakti of the deities. They are also known as Bhopes. The Gondhalis are another class of people associated with the Bhavani. 'The Gondhalis are a class of religious minstrels recruited from among many castes, The Gondhalis make their living chiefly by performing the Gondola dance. They beg in the name of the goddess Bhavani and sing songs historical and religious.' The Gondola dance is performed to the tune of the sambal, tall and tuntune and begins with an invocation to various gods to attend the Gondhal. This list consists of the names of all the important deities of the region and one cannot help thinking that this list was of an essentially informative nature. Then follow several prayers and devotional songs addressed to the goddess. All along torches are kept constantly burning, ghee being continuously poured on thern. It is a common custom amongst many families to perform this Gondhal through the Gondhalis after a marriage or a maunji-bandhan ceremony. These Gondhalis originally used to sing of mythological heros, but in later times, especially the Maratha period, they started singing obout the exploits of living persons as well. Those in whose name the Idanka' or drum was beaten were considered highly honoured. The Gondhalis also be. came famous as ballad singers and in the lalits and tama. shas they played no unimportant part. However, they were originally the devotees of the devi and continue to play that role even today.

[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]