Dravidian Gods in Modern Hinduism 33 



performed between Lingamma and her husband. Rice is poured 

 over the heads of the images, as is done for the bridal pair at an 

 ordinary wedding, and many offerings are made in fulfillment of 

 vows. 



In Pokuru of the Kandukuru Taluq a Perantalu bearing the 

 name Usuramma has risen to the position of the village god- 

 dess. She is represented by a rough stone image in a rude 

 temple outside the village. Her worship has become so impor- 

 tant, however, that another image of metal has been made for 

 her. The metal image is for use in processions, and is kept by 

 the Brahmans. This shows the influence of Hinduism, for the 

 Dravidian method would be to make an earthen image for the 

 one occasion only. 



Usuramma is a local goddess, and yet she has attained such a 

 great reputation that people come from long distances to worship 

 her. She is a friendly, benevolent deity. She keeps away the 

 evil spirits and gives good crops. 



The pujari for Usuramma is of the shepherd caste. Every 

 week he brings a simple offering to the temple, and as Usuramma 

 was an industrious woman, and still works for the villagers, her 

 clothes need changing; so he bathes the image, smears it with 

 saffron, and then ties on a clean koka, the cloth worn by the 

 women. 



Apart from this worship there is informal worship by individ- 

 uals. When any trouble appears in the village, the women af- 

 fected by it make vows to Usuramma, which are to be paid if 

 she removes the trouble. The vows are of a pleasing nature, 

 usually being promises to distribute sweetmeats to the children. 

 When such a vow is fulfilled the children are seated in front of 

 the temple; they wash their faces and anoint themselves with 

 saffron, and then receive the sweetmeats. 



The annual worship of Usuramma is a more elaborate affair, 

 and as the expenses connected with it are considerable, it is often 

 omitted if all is going well in the village. At least once in three 

 years, however, the great festival takes place. 



The great festival usually continues for five days. On the 



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