Ittalmaran or Vejju

The Ittalmaran or Vejju is a sacred priest within the Konda Savara community, responsible for conducting key tribal rituals and ceremonies. Their role includes performing religious rites, invoking ancestral spirits, and maintaining the spiritual balance of the village. Their presence is crucial during major life events such as births, deaths, marriages, and seasonal festivals. The Ittalmaran bridges the physical and spiritual worlds, acting as a respected spiritual mediator within the Savara society.

Besides religious duties, the Ittalmaran or Vejju also serves as the only authorized painter of the sacred wall art, EDISING or EDISINGE. This priestly artist fasts and performs purification rituals before starting the painting, which is believed to invite divine energy. The paintings depict tribal cosmology, nature, and everyday life. Their art is not merely decorative but spiritually charged, making the Ittalmaran both a cultural preserver and a transmitter of spiritual knowledge.

Before engaging in any ritual or painting EDISING, the Ittalmaran follows a strict regimen of fasting and mental preparation. This spiritual discipline purifies the body and mind, ensuring readiness to channel divine energy. This process highlights the sacred nature of their work and differentiates it from ordinary tasks. Fasting also symbolizes devotion and sacrifice, reinforcing the Ittalmaran’s elevated position in tribal society as a spiritual guardian.

The Ittalmaran or Vejju passes on sacred knowledge orally through generations. This includes ritual chants, the meaning of symbols in EDISING, stories of tribal deities, and healing practices. This role is not inherited automatically but often chosen based on spiritual aptitude. The elder Ittalmaran trains a successor in secret and sacred traditions, ensuring the survival of cultural identity and religious continuity within the Konda Savara tribe.

Within the Konda Savara society, the Ittalmaran holds a position of high respect and authority. As the spiritual head and cultural custodian, the Ittalmaran guides community decisions, interprets omens, and performs conflict-resolution through ritual. Their blessings are sought before major undertakings, and their presence is essential during festivals and ceremonies. Their unique combination of spiritual, artistic, and social leadership gives them a revered and central role in tribal life.