Guliga Daiva – The Force of Justice
Many of you read about Panjurli Daiva—the gentle protector of forests and crops. But protection alone is not enough. When injustice, greed, or violence crosses the limits of nature, a fiercer force steps in. That force is Guliga Daiva, the guardian of boundaries and the enforcer of justice.
There are many versions of Guliga’s story, passed down orally in Tulu Nadu. In some, Devi Parvathi plays a role in his birth; in others, he emerges directly from the earth, stones, or divine energy. While the details differ, the essence remains the same: Guliga is fierce, destructive, and just.
According to one popular version, Devi Parvathi once brought sacred ash for Lord Shiva. While gathering it, she noticed a stone hidden within the ash. Finding it unusual and unnecessary, she cast it aside. From that discarded stone, Guliga was born—a being full of uncontrollable, destructive energy. From the moment of his birth, his rage shook everything around him. Unable to contain his violence, Lord Shiva sent Guliga to Lord Vishnu, hoping the god could calm him.
Even Lord Vishnu could not restrain him. Seeing that such power could not remain in the heavens, Vishnu cursed Guliga to be born on Earth as a serpent. Yet even in this form, his energy was terrifying. He tore himself out of his mother’s womb, more ferocious than before, consumed by endless hunger. He began destroying everything in his vicinity. Blood from horses and elephants could not satisfy him, and his rage threatened all life.
Finally, Lord Narayana understood that this was not an evil to be destroyed, but a force meant to be guided responsibly. In an act of supreme sacrifice, he offered his little finger to Guliga. Only then was his hunger finally satisfied. From that moment, Guliga’s rage transformed into duty. He remained on Earth—not as a destroyer, but as Kshethra Paala, the fierce guardian of villages, boundaries, and sacred lands.
From that moment, Guliga did not remain a destroyer on Earth, but became a Kshethra Paala—the guardian of the land. He turned into a protector of village boundaries, sacred spaces, and the earth itself. People believe that those who commit injustice, disrespect nature, or violate dharma cannot escape punishment.
In versions of the story where Devi Parvathi is present, she is seen as the source of Guliga’s power. If Panjurli represents her compassion and protection, then Guliga represents her fierce justice. One energy, two faces—working together to maintain balance.
Even today, in the Tulu Nadu region of Karnataka, Guliga Daiva is worshipped with fear and deep respect. He is not worshipped for gentleness, but for justice—for the power that ensures boundaries are not crossed.
That is why people say:
Guliga is not worshipped because he is fierce,
but because of the justice that exists within his fury.
i write in telugu and translate into English jai chatgpt
