Daiva: Discovering the Extraordinary World of Spirit Worship

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The famous Kola performances of Tulu Nadu involve dancers who invite powerful, sacred spirits to possess them. Through the performers, and surrounded by vibrant colours and striking visuals, these spirits-known as daiva-may settle disputes, provide guidance, grant blessings and pass judgement.

However, there is so much more to it than art and devotion. From Panjurli, the benevolent boar spirit, to Bobbarya, guardian of the sea, this book explores it all: the kinds of daiva, their stories, their individual natures and the ways in which they come to inhabit the devout.

In Daiva, bestselling author K. Hari Kumar brings you stories of powerful immortals along with details of their worship through mystifying rituals-all of which are known to leave onlookers awestruck.

K. Hari Kumar is an Indian author and screenwriter who has written seven books including the widely popular India's Most Haunted which earned acclaim as a must-read book and secured a spot in HarperCollins India's list of Hundred Best Books by Indian Authors. Hari's narratives, deeply rooted in Indian folklore and regional mythology, have captured the imagination of readers nationwide.

Beyond his literary endeavours, K. Hari Kumar also works as a screenwriter and filmmaker. His novel The Other Side of Her was adapted into the acclaimed Hindi language web series Bhram.

Educated in Gurugram, K. Hari Kumar holds a B.Tech. in Information Technology and a B.A. in English Literature. Presently residing in Pune with his wife, he remains committed to nurturing his creative pursuits.

Daiva is the first in the series of books by K. Hari Kumar on folk mythology and the occult slated for publication by HarperCollins India.

IN HEARTFELT GRATITUDE, I MUST FIRST CREDIT MY mother for her unwavering dedication in speaking to me in the Tulu language, even while growing up in a distant land where no one else spoke it. Her persistent efforts throughout my childhood have afforded me the ability to speak and understand my mother tongue fluently today. Hats off to such parents who have preserved their culture through their children.

I am also indebted to my wife for introducing me to Varthe and Satyadevathe at her ancestral home in Karkala. Her steadfast faith in the 'Satyolu' has provided me with the courage to explore the world of spirit worship.

Furthermore, I must express my deep appreciation to my commissioning editor, Prerna, for understanding the concept and providing me with this divine opportunity to pen something in honour of the Daivas and folktales of Tulu Nadu.