Natural Divine: In Encyclopaedia of Nilgiri Hills, anthropologist Paul Hockings says that the peak of Rangaswami is the “most sacred mountain” Irulas and “perhaps the seat of the original, indigenous worship of the god of the mountain”. | Photo Credit: M. Satyamoorty
In the lesser -known part of Kil Kotagiri in the picturesque Nilgiris, the singular tower rises above the surrounding terrain. Spire, known as Pillar Rangaswami, is worshiped by Irula as a deity. The rock formation, along with the peak of the Rangaswami in the area, is one of the most sacred places for this indigenous community Adivasi. Rangaswami Peak hosts the annual harvest festival C in May and June every year. They will be attended by Irulas from the surrounding regions; Recently, however, has become popular among members outside Adivasi. The five -day festival ends with a special worship performed only by the Irula community.
P. Kannan, Irula of Kotagiri, told Hindu that he had heard stories about the cultural significance of the peak and the pillar of Rangaswami from his elders. He said that Irulas celebrates the harvest from their “millet” in May and June. “Five weeks will be carried out by Puja, who pray to the deity to ensure another good harvest and good magic of rain next year,” he said.
Scaling
He added that, according to Adivasi’s folklore, a particular cattle head got to the top and left behind the rest of the herd, leading to worshiping a place for thousands of years.
Anthropologist Paul Hockings in his encyclopedia Nilgiri Hills says that the peak of Rangaswami is the “most sacred mountain” of Irulas and “perhaps the headquarters of the original, indigenous worship of the mountain god”. He says the name of God worshiped is Ranga or Ranganada. Other community members emphasize the tradition surrounding the main idol on the spot, which was reportedly violated by a foreigner during his visit on the spot. “It is said that he died soon after he arrived in his home country,” the older member said.
“Several conclusions can be drawn from a visit to the peak of Rangaswami. At first it shows, like other aspects of Irula religion, Vaishhnava-Saiva synkretism has developed around the Irul’s indigenous deity.” Mr. Hockings added that the peak is also important for other communities. “Third … There is a relationship between Kotas and Irulas, as Richard Wolf suggests. He mentions the legend in which Nilgiri” God “revealed to Kot and Irul as they walked together. village. ”
The pillar of Rangaswami, located near the summit, was the place of aircraft accident in 1950, in which statistics Abraham Wald and 19 others died. “The air accident has strengthened the magical aura of the divinity of the column,” says Czech indologist Kamil V. zevelebil.
Photographic records
S. udhayakumar, director (authorized), Tribal Research Center, Udhagamandalam, said the place is interesting for researchers. “The Tribal Research Center, at the state government, has completed the video and photographic records of all six Nilgiris’ adivasi communities and is ready to publish them soon,” Hindu said. Exercise will ensure the preservation of culture, customs, customs and sacred places of Irulas and other Adivasis in Nilgiris.
With the growing popularity of the temple at the top of Rangaswami, activists have become concerned about the impact of the temple tourism. K. Mahendran, Adivasi’s rights activist, said that Adivasi temples across Nilgiris are increasingly sponsored by NEVIOSI groups. “Although it is still impossible for non-adiivasis to worship in the temples belonging to some groups, such as Todas and Kotas, it should be concerned that this interest in the temples of Iruls and Kurumb can lead to indigenous folk traditions and cultivation-justifically associated with these temples,” he said.
Activists also expressed concern about the possible environmental damage in the area around the top of Rangaswami as a result of the temple tourism. Forest department officials said that the road to the temple passes through the reserve forest and is open only during the festival season. “There are also strict rules that prevent litter and minimize the disturbance of wildlife,” the clerk said.
Published – 5 June 2025 22:13
