Research source

A little heap of boiled rice is placed near the feet, and curds and vegetables are set on the top of it, with…

Date of account: Published 1912
Source: Omens and Superstitions of Southern India
Reference: Omens and Superstitions of Southern India · selected passage 61
Rights: public_domain
Language: English
Record updated: 2026-08-25

Record summary

A little heap of boiled rice is placed near the feet, and curds and vegetables are set on the top of it, with limes placed here and there

Published source text

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Source passage

Source text · mention only

A little heap of boiled rice is placed near the feet, and curds and vegetables are set on the top of it, with limes placed here and there. The subject of the incantation sits near the head, while the magician mutters mantrams. A he-goat is then sacrificed. Its head is placed near the foot of the figure, and benzoin and camphor are waved. A little grain is scattered about the figure to appease the evil spirits. Some arrack is poured into a cup, which is placed on the body of the figure, and the bottle which contained it is left on the head. The limes are cut in two, and two cocoanuts are broken. The patient then walks by the left side of the figure to its legs, takes one step to the right towards the head, and one step to the left towards the feet, and walks straight home without looking back."

Historical context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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Modern context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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