A Dog’s blessing:
In the Kodava Community , the practice of taking the blessings from a dog is done since an age old practice. It is particularly done with the intent of seeking protection from the dog in a particular household that has a new born baby. After the baby has attained 9 months of age, there is a practice of making the baby to touch the feet of the dogs to get the blessings.
It is done with a sankalp by the mother and father to protect their baby. This is usually done outside house specifically in the animal shed or in a shed used for storing firewood. Such shed’s are considered sacred and they say it is a place where the protective deities visit or reside.
A variety of non-veg food is cooked there and it is first served to the dogs. After they complete eating their meal, the baby is carried to the shed by the mother and she holds the baby’s hands and touches it to the feet of dogs. Then the mother also does the same and seeks for the protection of her baby.
Afterwards, the rest of the family members and elders touch the dogs feet to take its blessings and pray for protection. The remaining food is served among themselves as Prasad as they put the baby back into the cradle.
Bhairava Kaalike Namosthuthe
Jai Maa Adya Kali
Om Shri Gurubhyo Namaha
Bhargavi
- By Bhargavi Shisya of Gurudev Shri Praveen Radhakrishnan