Bai-Ulgan
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Bai-Ulgan, also referred to as Bai-Ulgen, Ulgen, Ülgen or Ulgan; a Turkic and Mongolian creator-deity, usually distinct from Tengri but sometimes identified with him in the same manner as Helios and Apollo.
Bai-Ulgan may be analogous to the demiurge of Gnostic theology. The birch tree, regarded as a cosmic axis between earth and sky, was regarded as sacred to him, as was the horse (horse-sacrifice was a part of his worship). He was regarded as the patron god of shamans and the source of their knowledge.
It is believed that Ulgen had become from Tengere Kayra Khan. Ulgen symbolizes goodness, welfare, abundance, plenty of food, water and etc. Furthermore, he created earth, heaven and all living beings. Also, he is the highest deity after Kara Han. Sometimes Ulgen compared with Kayra Khan and they are thought to be the same. In some sayings Ulgen takes place of Kayra Khan, but not completely.
Some other forms of Ulgen pronounced as Bai-Ulgen or Ulgan. Commonly he is known as Bay Ulgen. Bay means “rich” in ancient Turkish and Ulgen means “great, magnificent”.
Ulgen is the enemy of Erlik who is the god of evil and darkness. Ulgen protects humankind against him.
In addition he controls the athmospher events, movements of stars. He creates land for people to live, humans and animals’ head and rainbow.
Ulgen has seven sons named “Karakuş, Karşıt, Pura Kan, Burça Kan, Yaşıl Kan, Er Kanım” and nine daughters named Akkızlar and Kıyanlar. His daughters are source of inspiraiton for shamans.
Bay Ulgen is living at the 16th floor of the sky above the stars, sun and moon in a golden house. People can never reach him except shamans or kams. The animals used for sacrifice, especillay horses. One time in 3 or 6 or 9 or 12 years shamans sacrifice a white horse at the first step of reaching Ulgen. Then accompanying its soul, penetrates through all the layers of heaven until he reaches Ulgen. Firstly kam meets Yayık who is the servant of Ulgen. This deity informs the kam whether or not the offering has been accepted, and the shaman learns of impending dangers, such as bad harvests.
Finally Ulgen is thought without a beginning and an end.
