Bhootnath (deity)

Bhootnath (also spelled Bhutnath) is a deity primarily revered in Goa and neighbouring regions, known contextually as the "Lord of Spirits" (Bhutavlicho Dhani). The deity has roots in ancient scriptures and Tantric traditions, evolving through various cultural transitions.

Etymology and mythology

The name Bhootnath is a compound of two words: Bhoot (spirit or ghost) and Nath (lord or master). The term Bhootpati, which carries the same meaning, appears in the Atharvaveda.

In Goan tradition, Bhootnath is recognized as the commander (senapati) of the Hindu deity Mahadeva or the leader of his attendant spirits, the Bhairavgana. Conversely, outside the region of Goa, Mahadeva himself is directly identified as Bhootnath. This association stems from the belief that Mahadeva resides in crematoriums (masand) and regulates the gatherings of ghosts and spirits (bhut-khet), who function as his divine army. Consequently, the deity is also referred to as Bhuteshwar.

In other religious contexts, the name Bhootnath is associated with Vajrasattva, a deity in Buddhist Tantric traditions. Some scholars suggest that the deity originated from the transformation of the mythological entity Ganaroudra into the chief of the Shivaganas. In certain locales, the deity Ravalnath is also identified as Bhootnath.

Characteristics and iconography

Bhootnath is historically a deity of Tantric culture, into whose shrines elements of Vedic culture were integrated over time. The deity is most commonly represented in the form of a sacred stone (shila). However, in certain shrines where an idol exists, Bhootnath is depicted as a warrior holding a shield and a sword (dhal-tarsad).

On the Chandranath mountain, where the deity is represented by a stone rather than a sculpted idol, Bhootnath is decorated elaborately during festivals and annual fairs (jatras) to project a massive, fierce form (Rudrarupi). In this representation, the deity is depicted riding a tiger, wearing a loincloth (chogno) and a turban (pagdi), with long black matted hair (jata) reaching his feet, a sword at his waist, and horizontal sectarian marks (advon gandh) drawn across his forehead.

Shrines and geographic distribution

While temples dedicated specifically to Bhootnath are rarely found outside Goa, a prominent and well-known temple exists on Diu Island near Gujarat.

Within Goa, Bhootnath is widely worshipped, with numerous temples located across various villages, including Ponda (Fondem), Sanguem (Sango), Quepem (Kepem), Canacona (Kanakon), Pernem (Pednem), Bicholim (Divchal), Padi (Pahem), and Amona (Amonem). In the local religious hierarchy, Bhootnath is generally treated as a subsidiary or affiliate deity (Palvi Dev) rather than an independent primary deity.

Regional variations

Below are some regional variations:

• Chandranath Mountain (Paing): In this region, Chandreshwar is the principal deity, and Bhootnath is considered his dedicated servant. According to local legend, after Mahadeva Chandreshwar relocated from Mount Kailash to Chandranath mountain, Bhootnath followed him to request his return. Chandreshwar instead commanded Bhootnath to remain there with him. The Bhootnath shrine here faces the main Chandreshwar temple, with the deity's structure slightly bent forward to symbolize his perpetual readiness to obey his master's commands.
• Pernem: In Pernem, Bhootnath is worshipped alongside Ravalnath, who receives primary honors. Bhootnath lacks a permanent temple building here and is situated atop a hill.
• Amona (Bicholim): At a place called Bonder in Amona, Bhootnath is housed in a small shrine (ghumti). Here, all ritualistic rights and honors belong to the Sawant family, and it is customary for all village deity rituals to conclude at the feet of Bhootnath.

Rituals and festivals

Historically, due to the deity's Tantric origins, animal sacrifices (bali) were a common practice at Bhootnath shrines. In contemporary times, direct sacrifices to Bhootnath have shifted in some temples to being offered to his servant or attendant, known as the Khetro. The traditional priesthood of these shrines was originally held by the Gurav-Sawant community, who maintained ties to Tantric customs.

Daily offerings and local practices

Daily rituals typically include an offering (naivedya) of one payli (a local unit of measurement) of rice khichdi. Devotees also frequently make vows to light a ritual pipe (chilmi) for the deity. In the village of Avedem-Quepem, a specific custom involves a village devotee wearing a sacred cloth (cheer), tying ankle bells (ghagryo), and dancing in front of Bhootnath while striking a gong (jagant). Daily worship in Pernem is conducted by the Kothkar (treasury keeper).

Annual festivals and divine possession

Bhootnath is central to several annual festivals marked by ritual possession (Avsar or Tarang):

• Dasara and Shigmo: Twice a year, during the festivals of Dasara and the large Shigmo celebrations in the Kepem and Amonem villages, the divine manifestation (Avsar) of Bhootnath appears alongside that of Chandreshwar. This manifestation traditionally occurs within the Jotkar family, who are responsible for lighting the sacred lamps. During the Dasara festival's Mela-Mel (gathering) of Chandreshwar and Shantadurga Kudtarkarnin, the person possessed by Bhootnath rolls at the feet of both deities, and the manifestation of Kudtarkarnin presents a pair of dhotis (Dhotar-Jodo) to Bhootnath.
• Majni Umashe: It is believed that a "fair of ghosts" (Bhutanchi Jatra) occurs at this time, during which the temple doors are kept open throughout the night once a year.
• Chaitra Punav: During this spring festival, a temple servant known as the Goinsay from Sanguem Mhal, carrying a trident and a conch, kneels to salute Bhootnath.
• Ashwin Punav (Pernem): During this festival, Bhootnath’s ritual staff (Tarang) is said to depart in anger because he lacks a proper temple. To placate the deity and bring the Tarang back, locals make an annual vow to construct a complete temple under the strict condition that it must be built in a single night using only a single wick (eke raatin ani eke vaatin).

Folklore

A popular legend in Amona (Bicholim) narrates that Bhootnath went out for a nocturnal stroll (bhovdek) and stopped at the local port (bandar) to wait for a ferry to cross the river. He was required to cross before the first cock crowed. However, the ferry was delayed, and a rooster crowed before his departure, forcing Bhootnath to remain permanently at the port.