The Dev Groups of the Gond Community

The Gond community, one of India’s largest tribal groups, is known for its rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted spiritual beliefs. Central to Gond society is the worship of various deities or gods, known as “Dev” in the Gondi language. These deities hold significant importance in the lives of the Gond people, shaping their rituals, customs, and way of life. In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of the Dev groups within the Gond community, exploring their unique traditions, beliefs, and cultural significance.

Understanding the Dev Groups

The Gond community is divided into distinct groups based on their worship of different deities, known as “Dev Sangh” or “Dev Samaj.” Each Dev group is centered around a specific deity or group of deities, and members of each group share common religious practices and beliefs.

The 6 Dev Group

One of the most well-known Dev groups among the Gonds is the 6 Dev group. This group worships six principal deities, each representing different aspects of nature, fertility, and protection. These deities include Bada Dev, Mada Dev, Khermai Dev, Pharsa Pen, Pharsi Pen, and Chukki Pen. The 6 Dev group’s rituals and ceremonies are centered around these deities, with offerings and prayers made to seek their blessings and protection.

Following is the list of Surnames, who falls under 6 Dev Group –

Column 1	Column 2	Column 3	Column 4	Column 5
Adiyam	Uika	Kudopa	Kohchada	Jalpati
Varti	Nyatam	Poreti	Raymenta	Srotiya
Asaram	Usendi	Purayam	Gavde	Tekam
Tirawi	Nagsori	Pavla	Raysiram	Sindaram
Ataram	Ureti	Kusaram	Gadam	Harkola
Tilam	Netam	Poya	Lekami	Seedam
Ahaka	Urre	Kulmenta	Namurta	Degmati
Tilagam	Parteti	Barkuta	Veladi	Sirsam
Oyama	Udam	Kumra	Cheechaam	Tumdam
Timachi	Puram	Bagam	Bodbayna	Sori
Adamu	Elam	Keram	Cheerko	Tore
Tusam	Jagat	Bogami	Vedkal	Sirsoso
Armo	Tidgam	Korcha	Chidam	Sorsam
Turram	Velaati	Markam	Varkada	Hichami
Akom	Kadiyam	Kotnaka	Chilkam	Todam
Tulam	Husendi	Marapa	Vedma	Hidam
Olandi	Kaatlami	Kodopa	Chulakami	Todase
Tulavi	Pendam	Malgam	Sallam	Karpekota
Otti	Kiram	Koram	Chhadya	Tidam
Tirapati	Porata	Yeladi	Singaram	Pusam

The 7 Dev Group

Another prominent Dev group within the Gond community is the 7 Dev group. Similar to the 6 Dev group, this group worships a set of seven principal deities, each with its own significance and attributes. The seven deities worshipped by the 7 Dev group may vary depending on regional variations and local traditions. However, common deities worshipped by the 7 Dev group include Bara Deo, Bhan Deo, and Chhote Deo, among others.

Here is the list of Surnames, who falls under 7 Dev Group –

Column 1	Column 2	Column 3	Column 4	Column 5
Admachi	Katinga	Kohamunda	Jeengaam	Tuggaam
Wadiva	Sayyam	Dariyam	Karpe Kota	Burdam
Adame	Karvetam	Khandaata	Jumnaati	Turiyaam
Bajumoota	Sarati	Dhurva	Karekari	Kokaata
Aramor	Kiranga	Gota	Jodam	Targam
Madavi	Sayyam	Pendro	Borsaam	Mandaami
Ajurmooja	Kunjaam	Gotami	Borgaam	Taraam
Marai	Saruta	Pandharaam	Kingaraam	Yerapati
Irapati	Kodavati	Golang	Urpatai	Naroti
Mangaraam	Sartiya	Pattavi	Sahka	Turiya
Inavati	Kokodiya	Godga	Talaandi	Neti
Marsakola	Chotta	Puraati	Sariyaam	Darro
Kangaali	Dondera	Gadri	Taadaam	Nattaami
Marpaaati	Purkaam	Pungaam	Tiryaam	Muraaki
Kangaala	Koreti	Junnaka	Tulaava	Paddaam
Masaraam	Pariyaam	Bhoojaam	Nanjaam	Seedovoyana
Kannaaka	Koyataami	Jeekaraam	Sitarraam	Pattaavi
Vetti	Karpe	Bhalaavi	Purkaam	Botti
Kavarti	Kursenga	Jadpaati	Tilnaaka	Sarveta
Verma	Karpaati	Kaashiyaam	Murkaasi	Verga

Rituals and Customs

Rituals and customs associated with the Dev groups play a significant role in Gond society, shaping various aspects of daily life and community events. From birth ceremonies to weddings and agricultural festivals, the worship of deities is intricately woven into the fabric of Gond culture. Special rituals and offerings are made to appease the deities and seek their blessings for prosperity, health, and well-being.

Cultural Significance

The Dev groups of the Gond community hold immense cultural significance, serving as a cornerstone of religious identity and community cohesion. Through their shared worship of deities and participation in rituals and festivals, members of the Dev groups forge strong bonds of solidarity and mutual support. Additionally, the worship of deities reflects the Gonds’ deep reverence for nature and their harmonious coexistence with the environment.

Click on the following link read more about Gond Dev Groups : https://gondwanasandeshraipur.blogspot.com/2014/04/blog-post.html (Note – Article is in Hindi script)

Conclusion

The Dev groups of the Gond community offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of spiritual beliefs and cultural traditions that define Gond society. Through their worship of various deities and adherence to age-old rituals, the Gonds reaffirm their connection to the divine and the natural world. As custodians of a unique religious heritage, the Dev groups continue to enrich the cultural mosaic of India and inspire awe and admiration for their deep-rooted traditions.