Donyi-Polo
Topic: Buddhism, Jainism and Heterodox Traditions · NCERT: Class 6, Ch 7 "India's Cultural Roots"
Meaning
Donyi-Polo is the Sun (Donyi) and the Moon (Polo) joined together and worshipped as one supreme god by several tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. Many tribes saw nature (mountains, rivers, trees and heavenly bodies) as sacred. Some of them also came to believe in one highest god above all the others. Donyi-Polo is one such case. It matters for the exam because it shows that tribal religion has its own idea of a supreme deity. This is a point UPSC links to how the great traditions and tribal traditions have shaped each other.
Example
For tribes of Arunachal Pradesh such as the Adi, the combined Sun-Moon deity Donyi-Polo stands as the highest divine power. It watches over truth and right conduct. In the same way, the Munda and Santhal look to Singbonga, and people in parts of central India look to Khandoba.
Don't confuse with
- Surya worship: worship of the Sun alone, as one god among many in the Hindu pantheon. Donyi-Polo joins the Sun and the Moon into a single supreme deity of tribal belief.