Transitional Deities and Accommodative Devotees: Narratives of Village Deities in Coastal Maharashtra

Abstract

The antiquity of goddess worship in the Indian subcontinent dates back to prehistoric times, rooted in the conceptualisation of the goddess as a supreme power or Shakti. In the context of village life, one of the most significant and powerful divine presences is the guardian deity or gramadevata- a deity especially identified with the village, and for whom villagers often have special affection. Though often perceived as ambivalent in nature, these deities are revered as primary objects of worship in the local religious pantheon to ensure the protection and well-being of the village communities. They are often appeased through offerings to avoid their anger and subsequent wrath. This thesis examines the role and function of such village guardian deities in the Ratnagiri district of Coastal Maharashtra. The study employs a mixed method approach, incorporating visual documentation of the shrines and their surroundings as a quantitative component and qualitative insights derived from semi-structured interviews with priests, maankari (families entrusted with specific duties), devotees and non-practitioners. The collected data reflects an uninterrupted tradition of veneration through ritualistic practices and annual festivals. The study also integrates a critical review of academic literature and recent exploratory studies conducted in the Konkan region, emphasising local narratives and the relevance of contemporary worship. This thesis aims to present a detailed ethnographic and analytical overview of folk religious traditions of coastal Maharashtra, compared to the popularised, institutionalised, and widely recognised pan-Indian religious pantheon. The study also examines the power dynamics the deities share- in terms of territorial and gendered relations, by analysing the linkages between the local stories and their societal roles. The thesis also evaluates the contemporary reception and perception of the worship traditions, rites, and rituals. Through an anthropological lens, the study seeks to highlight the interplay between religion, geography, and society in coastal Maharashtra, focusing on the unique characteristics of gramadevata.