The Untold Divine Story Behind Kantara: Who Were Banjurli and Gulega?
Noopur Kumari | Oct 09, 2025, 13:00 IST
Kantara
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
Kantara may have been a cinematic marvel, but its roots run deep into the soil of India’s ancient spiritual traditions. Beyond its thrilling visuals lies a divine story of Banjurli and Gulega, two celestial beings who walked the line between creation and destruction. This article uncovers their mythological origins, their cosmic purpose, and the sacred bond that still echoes through Coastal Karnataka’s age-old rituals.
When Kantara was released, it stirred something deep within every Indian heart that primal connection to faith, land, and the unseen. But behind its roars and rituals lies a powerful myth, a tale of two guardian spirits, Banjurli and Gulega. Rooted in ancient belief and divine duty, their story reflects how our ancestors saw gods not as distant beings but as protectors who walked among us fierce, flawed, and full of purpose.
In the legends of Coastal Karnataka, Banjurli was born from the lineage of Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is said that after the great battle on Mount Kailash, a young Varaha was left behind. Goddess Parvati, moved by compassion, adopted the child. But as he grew, his nature became uncontrollable, wild, and destructive. When Lord Shiva learned of this, he decided to end the chaos. Yet Parvati’s plea softened his heart. Instead of destruction, Shiva chose redemption. The young Varaha was sent to Earth, not as punishment, but as a purpose to guard the forests, the harvests, and the humans who lived in harmony with nature. Thus, the divine became spirit, and the protector Banjurli was born.
The tale of Gulega is born from fire and fury. When Goddess Parvati’s anger once condensed into a sacred stone, and that stone touched water, Gulega emerged. Unlike Banjurli, his essence was shaped by rage and destruction. He was created to serve Lord Vishnu, but struggled to contain his powerful instincts. Because of his uncontrollable nature, he too was sent to Earth to learn balance, to protect the same land guarded by Banjurli. Both spirits, though born of divine origins, shared the same destiny guardianship over Earth and its living beings. In their duality, we see the eternal dance between control and chaos, the essence of creation itself.
When two powerful spirits share the same purpose, harmony is rare. As both Banjurli and Gulega began their divine tasks, their pride grew one born from protection, the other from strength. Misunderstandings turned to rivalry, and soon, the Earth trembled under their war. But legends say that Goddess Durga herself intervened. She descended to remind them that divinity is not about dominance, but duty. Under her guidance, the two made peace with their enmity, turning into alliance. Together, they became twin guardians of the sacred land, worshipped by generations through Bhoota Kola rituals that continue even today.
Every year, the people of Coastal Karnataka perform Bhoota Kola, a breathtaking ritual that blurs the line between human and divine. The performer, adorned in vivid colors and sacred ornaments, becomes the vessel of Banjurli or Gulega. As the drums beat and fire blazes, villagers bow in reverence for in that moment, the spirit is not a myth, but a living force. This ritual is more than tradition. It is a reminder that faith doesn’t live in temples alone, it breathes in every act of devotion, every prayer whispered in fear, every dance performed in surrender. Through Bhoota Kola, the spirit of Kantara continues to live fierce, pure, and protective.
What makes Kantara extraordinary is not just its storytelling, but its soul. It brought ancient deities like Banjurli and Gulega into the hearts of modern audiences. Through every frame, the forests, the rituals, the possession scenes reminded us that faith isn’t a superstition, but a sacred bond between humans and nature. The film’s emotional depth lies in this connection. When Rishab Shetty, in the climax, becomes one with the spirit, it’s not just art it’s transcendence. It’s a reminder that the divine still walks among us, unseen but deeply felt.
In the end, Kantara is more than a movie it’s a mirror reflecting the spiritual heartbeat of India. The stories of Banjurli and Gulega remind us that divinity exists not only in the heavens but in the soil beneath our feet, the forests we walk through, and the traditions we inherit. When faith takes the form of art, legends are reborn. When gods take the form of guardians, nature is protected. And when humans remember their roots, the divine smiles once more. Maybe that’s what Kantara truly means the sacred space where man, nature, and god become one.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Spiritual, Travel, Life Hacks, Trending, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!
1. The Birth of Banjurli: The Spirit of Protection
Banjurli Devta Coastal Karnataka
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
In the legends of Coastal Karnataka, Banjurli was born from the lineage of Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is said that after the great battle on Mount Kailash, a young Varaha was left behind. Goddess Parvati, moved by compassion, adopted the child. But as he grew, his nature became uncontrollable, wild, and destructive. When Lord Shiva learned of this, he decided to end the chaos. Yet Parvati’s plea softened his heart. Instead of destruction, Shiva chose redemption. The young Varaha was sent to Earth, not as punishment, but as a purpose to guard the forests, the harvests, and the humans who lived in harmony with nature. Thus, the divine became spirit, and the protector Banjurli was born.
2. The Rise of Gulega: The Warrior Spirit of Earth
Gulega Devta story Karnataka
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
The tale of Gulega is born from fire and fury. When Goddess Parvati’s anger once condensed into a sacred stone, and that stone touched water, Gulega emerged. Unlike Banjurli, his essence was shaped by rage and destruction. He was created to serve Lord Vishnu, but struggled to contain his powerful instincts. Because of his uncontrollable nature, he too was sent to Earth to learn balance, to protect the same land guarded by Banjurli. Both spirits, though born of divine origins, shared the same destiny guardianship over Earth and its living beings. In their duality, we see the eternal dance between control and chaos, the essence of creation itself.
3. When Duty Turned to Conflict
Banjurli and Gulega fight legend
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
When two powerful spirits share the same purpose, harmony is rare. As both Banjurli and Gulega began their divine tasks, their pride grew one born from protection, the other from strength. Misunderstandings turned to rivalry, and soon, the Earth trembled under their war. But legends say that Goddess Durga herself intervened. She descended to remind them that divinity is not about dominance, but duty. Under her guidance, the two made peace with their enmity, turning into alliance. Together, they became twin guardians of the sacred land, worshipped by generations through Bhoota Kola rituals that continue even today.
4. The Bhoota Kola: Where Humans Meet the Divine
Bhoota Kola ritual Karnataka
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
Every year, the people of Coastal Karnataka perform Bhoota Kola, a breathtaking ritual that blurs the line between human and divine. The performer, adorned in vivid colors and sacred ornaments, becomes the vessel of Banjurli or Gulega. As the drums beat and fire blazes, villagers bow in reverence for in that moment, the spirit is not a myth, but a living force. This ritual is more than tradition. It is a reminder that faith doesn’t live in temples alone, it breathes in every act of devotion, every prayer whispered in fear, every dance performed in surrender. Through Bhoota Kola, the spirit of Kantara continues to live fierce, pure, and protective.
5. Kantara: The Film That Revived Forgotten Faith
The Real Story Behind Kantara
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Spiritual, Travel, Life Hacks, Trending, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!