Dravidian Gods in Modern Hinduism 123 



From such legends as these we may not hope to establish any 

 historical facts about the origin and meaning of the buffalo sacri- 

 fice. We may get, however, what is almost as valuable. We may 

 get a psychological view of the motives behind it. The object of 

 the buffalo sacrifice as shown in these legends cannot be that of any 

 desire for fellowship with the sacrifice. In every case, both in the 

 modern and the Puranic legends, the sacrifice represents the dire 

 punishment and disgrace of a conquered enemy. It is remarkable 

 that the god should be honored by the dishonoring of the sacrifice. 

 What could be more of a dishonor than to have one's own hands 

 cut off and crossed in the mouth of his decapitated head, while his 

 own fat, probably representing his strength, is spread over his 

 eyes, and his own body must furnish the oil for the light to be 

 placed beiore the victor? This is the supreme humiliation of a 

 feared, despised, and defeated enemy. 



The disposition of the carcass also shows this dishonor. The 

 sheep and the chickens are eaten by the givers, often with much 

 merry-making. But the body of the buffalo is dragged away at 

 night by the Pariahs for an unclean feast, and at times it is not 

 disposed of by them until after decomposition sets in. 



In all the legends of the buffalo sacrifice, the buffalo represents 

 a fallen enemy. May this not be the historical origin of the 

 strange rites? As Renuka returned from her victories carrying 

 her enemy's head in her hand, with the fat over his eyes and his 

 now useless hands in his mouth, unable to see, speak, or fight, so in 

 the struggles of the early days of the Dravidians this may have 

 been their method of showing complete victory over the himiliated 

 enemy. 



p. 132) tells of a custom in which the buffalo is cut up and a part of the 

 flesh is cooked. This, with some cooked cholani, is given to five little Mala 

 boys called Siddhalu, who eat it. While eating they are covered with a 

 large cloth so as to be concealed from view. He suggests that the reason 

 for the covering may be to prevent interference from spirits or the evil eye. 

 It seems quite probable that, while no doubt this may be the explanation 

 now in the minds of the people, the origin of the custom is connected with 

 the above story, and the covered place represents the under-world where 

 the Siddhalu dwell unseen, and from which they came to the help of 

 Peddamma. 



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