Is there a house built for the souls of the ancestors? Yes, you will find this tradition in Chhattisgarh. Here in every village of Abujhmad you will find the house of souls. Here the souls of ancestors are kept inside the pots. There are many such places in Bastar division, where the faith and belief of tribal society is attached. There is one such place of tribals, which is called Ana Kudma. Coming in the word Gondi means soul and kudma means home…. It can also be called the home of the soul in English.
Women’s entry restricted
The tribal-dominated areas of Bastar follow this tradition very fanatically. The entry of women and girls in such a place is strictly prohibited. It is very important to go here before the wedding ceremony. Whether it is the ceremony of turmeric or oil or distribution of marriage cards, no work is started here without giving an invitation. This place is worshiped by the tribal society by establishing its ancestor god. Aana kudma i.e. the house of souls has been built in every village for many decades. Here the souls of the ancestors reside in the handi. You will find many such houses in Narayanpur and Abujhmad areas of Bastar.
Keeps the life of grandfather and great-grandfather alive
Devlal Dugga, former chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Scheduled Tribes Commission, said that the people of the tribal society take great care about this holy place. People of tribal society do not use before the new crop is offered here. It is believed that here the great-grandfather, grandfather keep the life of the parents alive. Worship for 12 months. There is a special puja during the festival. In the tribal society, there is a deep belief about Kuda, Ana Kudma. At the same time, the villagers believe that if someone accidentally or intentionally uses the new crop without offering it in the kudma, then there is a crisis in the village. The villagers go to Gayata for its settlement, there after accepting the mistake, worship is done.
Pitru Dev protects from evil spirits
Devlal Dugga, former chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Scheduled Tribes Commission, said that the culture and tradition of the tribals is very special. On the edge of any village, a small temple-like house will be seen all around. There is a small room in which many pottery are kept. The ancestors of the tribal society reside in these pottery. In such a tribal society, one room in the houses belongs to the ancestors. In the tribal village of Abujhmad, there is a majority of people of one gotra. After someone’s death, their souls are established in this Aana Kurma by the people of the gotra.
The ancestors are the protectors of the tribals
Former MLA Devlal Dugga told that the tribal society believes that this their father god is their protector god. When they are together in one place, their power becomes unlimited and they help in destroying the evil spirits. This is the reason that the tribal society also establishes their ancestors in a separate temple, which is called Aana Kudma. Tribals do not celebrate ancestors, but worship ancestors with their customs. Special pujas are performed here on Teej-festivals or special occasions of tribals. He said that God resides in the soul itself.