Bermer — Principal Identity
Bermer, also known as Bemmer, is regarded as the primordial deity of the Tulu people — the creator of Tulu Nadu. This divine force is formless (niraakara), without attributes (nirguna), unimaginable, invisible, unfathomable, and all-powerful — a natural, cosmic energy.

Worship, Locales, and Rituals
Bermer is worshipped in every village of a Tulu Nadu — in sacred groves (Ban), sanctums (Maada), many temples (in present times, often in the form of Mahalingaeshwara, Brahmalingaeshwara, and others), in buffalo-racing fields (Kambala Gadde), in warrior arenas (Garadi), and in community spaces (Aalade). He is venerated under various names such as Naga Brahma, Uri Bermer, Ori Bermer, Bemmer, and Bhoot Bermer Jayavulla, with offerings and rituals like Parba Thambila, Nema, Bali, and festival celebrations.

Kuthar — The Principal Shrine
Kuthar is among the principal shrine dedicated to this original divine force of Tulu Nadu. Here, Bermer was traditionally worshipped in a Sanctum (Maada), depicted in human form riding a horse, similar in appearance to the Jain Yaksha Brahma.

Historical Account — Pietro Della Valle
Supporting this is a historical account from around 1614–1626 CE, when an Italian traveler named Pietro Della Valle visited India. During his travels, he came to the court of Queen Abbakka of Ullal (Choutarasi Abbakka) and, while exploring the surroundings, he recorded that he visited a Maada (Sanctum) called “Brimore,” built by Queen Abbakka near Ullal.

Evidence of Bermer Maada at Kuthar
When this reference is examined, it appears that there indeed existed a Bermer Maada or shrine near Ullal at that time — but apart from Kuthar, no such structure is found in other places today. This serves as evidence that in the 16th century, there was a Bermer Maada here in Kuthar.

Enshrinement with Siri Kumara Nandigona
Accordingly, in the Sanctum at the holy site of Kuthar, Siri Kumara Nandigona is enshrined together with Lekkisiri as the principal presence, with Bermer also residing there.

Blessing of Progeny
Bermer is regarded as a powerful deity who grants the blessing of progeny (Santhana Bhagya). Hence, devotees seeking children traditionally offer prayers to Bermer, and there are numerous testimonies of such blessings being fulfilled.

Yelver Siri's, Ori Kumara and Nandigona
Yelver Siri's, Ori Kumara and Nandigona

Origin from Bermer
The divine forces known as the Siris and Kumara were born from the source of Bermer, taking human form to manifest their divine powers and live as enlightened souls.

Seven Siri's in Mayaloka
In the celestial realm (Mayaloka), these powers were born as the seven siri's by the command of Bermer, they took birth in the earthly realm in human form. Thus, they were first born under the names Akkerasu Siri, Daaru, Saamu, Sonne, Ginde, Abbag, and Daarag.

Kumara — Lineage and Role
Kumara, being a direct manifestation (Sakshat Amsha) of Bermer, was born as the son of Akkerasu Siri and was named Kumara Koti Poonja. Together with the Siris, he stood as a divine force (Maya Sandu, Karanika Shakti) at the left and right sides of Bermer, along with Nandigona.

Enshrinement at Kuthar
Such Siri-Kumara are enshrined in the courtyard of Bermer at Kuthar, where they radiate their presence. According to the chronicles (Sandhi) of the Koragathaniya deity, there is also a mention that Koragajja himself resides here to offer protection to the Siris.

Dwelling in the Original Soil
The Siris and Kumara, with the intent of spending their future time in the original soil of Bermer at Kuthar, came to dwell here in the earth itself and are worshipped here.

Reverence and Blessings
The Siris are especially revered as powerful deities who instill courage and strength in women, and they are also known to bestow the blessing of a protective marriage bond (Kankana Bhagya).

