DHARMA DAIVAS OF DHARMASTHALA
Kalarkai, Kalarahu, Kanyakumari and Kumaraswami are the four guardian angels of Dharmasthala, a famous pilgrim centre of South Kanara.They are well known as the protectors of righteousness and truth. It is said that the guardian angels of Dharma were in search of a place where Dharma could be established and propagated. They assumed human forms and came to Nelyadi House riding on horses and elephants. The Pergade of the Nelyadi House extended hospitality with due respect. The spirits were pleased and they appeared before the Pergade in dream and told him that they would like to settle down there and help him to continue the tradition of Dharma. Next morning the guests had vanished from the place leaving behind their swords and other weapons as an indication of their continued presence there. Accordingly the pergade constructed places of worship for the spirits. Later on Annappa Daiva also got established there. Periodical festivals are celebrated with many ritual formalities.