26 Wilher Theodore Elmore 



Polasi, eat together, and this rather pleasing ceremony is at an 

 end. 



The public worship of Dilli Polasi is more often engaged in 

 by one family, or a group of related families, than by all the vil- 

 lage. For this worship an earthen image is made, which is after- 

 wards allowed to fall to pieces in sun and rain. The head of 

 the worshiping family acts as priest. The pots and ropes are 

 taken to the water, and after ceremonies for purification, are 

 left there all night, a watch having been placed to see that they 

 are not molested or defiled. 



In the morning the head of the family summons all of the 

 relatives. A sheep is sacrificed, and then they go to the water. 

 Here they make the muggu^^ on the ground and sacrifice another 

 sheep. The ropes and pots are then taken from the water and 

 carried in procession through the village. When the house is 

 reached another sheep is sacrificed. The executioner cuts its 

 throat and then taking it by the rear legs, he swings it around 

 several times. This is an offering to the evil spirits which may 

 be hovering about in the air. It is hoped that, satisfied with 

 the gift, they will not attempt to enter the house. 



The people then enter the house and worship the earthen image 

 of Dilli Polasi. The story-telling begins, and if the family is 

 able to hire a story-teller of ability, it may continue for several 

 days, much to the delight of the entire community. 



Bangaramma. This goddess does not seem to be so important 

 as some of her sisters. Very commonly she has no temple of 

 her own, but her image is placed in the temple of Poleramma. 

 At times she has a smaller temple near that of Poleramma, and 

 receives a small share of the worship when that goddess is pro- 

 pitiated. 



The worship of Bangaramma has much in common with that 



1® A muggu is a pattern of various designs commonly drawn before 

 the doors of houses for ornamentation. It is made with lime or rice flour 

 which the women sift through their fingers very deftly in making the 

 pattern. The same name is given to a sacred pattern which is used in 

 many parts of the worship, especially in exorcism of devils, as will be seen 

 later. This sacred muggu is made by the one officiating as priest. 



26 



