Bhuta (or Butta)

Bhuta (Or Butta)

in Hindu mythology, is an evil spirit, who guards the doors of the temple of Manar — a deity whose cultus is quite extended among the Tamul tribe. He is represented in a colossal statue as a sitting warrior, treading a human being under him. The whole is built up with bricks and covered with lime. The god Manar signifies in the Sanscrit language "great master "(Swami), and is thought by some to be Mahadeva, by others to be Vishnu himself. A third opinion is still more general, that he is an incarnation of Sabramanya, a son of Siva. The Brahmins despise Manar, and do not recognise him as classed among the gods of India, and never sacrifice in his temple; however, he has many worshippers, and his priests belong to the numerous tribe of Pallis, but they are equally as much disregarded as their god. The small temples of this god may be found on the plains of India. Before these temples stand these giant statues of Bhuta as guard.