DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.4647#0075
RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES. 65
trees, at the same time swallowing a little of each, and
putting on a fillet or girdle, made of shreds from the
cast-off garment of a Pol-aid.
A bell, which is generally deposited in some niche
within the temple, is the only object to which they pay
any reverence. To this, they pour out libations of milk,
but merely as to a sacred implement. They do not sacri-
fice, or offer incense, or make any oblations to it, signifi-
cant of its having, in their estimation, any latent or mystic
properties.
To each Teriri is attached a herd of milch buffaloes,
part of which are sacred, and from which the milk is never
drawn, the whole being allowed to go to the calves. One
among these sacred animals is the chief. Should it die,
its calf, if a female one, succeeds to its office. Should it
have no female calf, the bell before mentioned is attached
to the neck of one of the other sacred ones, and being
allowed to remain so during that day, a legal succession
is considered to be effected.
In the morning the Pol-aul milks one portion of
the herd, carries the milk into the temple, laves the
bell with a small portion of it, and of such of it as he
or his attendant may not require, he makes butter and
ghee.
The Capil-aul takes the herd out to graze, brings in
water and fire-wood for the use of the Pol-aul, and per-
forms any other such menial offices. They each occupy
trees, at the same time swallowing a little of each, and
putting on a fillet or girdle, made of shreds from the
cast-off garment of a Pol-aid.
A bell, which is generally deposited in some niche
within the temple, is the only object to which they pay
any reverence. To this, they pour out libations of milk,
but merely as to a sacred implement. They do not sacri-
fice, or offer incense, or make any oblations to it, signifi-
cant of its having, in their estimation, any latent or mystic
properties.
To each Teriri is attached a herd of milch buffaloes,
part of which are sacred, and from which the milk is never
drawn, the whole being allowed to go to the calves. One
among these sacred animals is the chief. Should it die,
its calf, if a female one, succeeds to its office. Should it
have no female calf, the bell before mentioned is attached
to the neck of one of the other sacred ones, and being
allowed to remain so during that day, a legal succession
is considered to be effected.
In the morning the Pol-aul milks one portion of
the herd, carries the milk into the temple, laves the
bell with a small portion of it, and of such of it as he
or his attendant may not require, he makes butter and
ghee.
The Capil-aul takes the herd out to graze, brings in
water and fire-wood for the use of the Pol-aul, and per-
forms any other such menial offices. They each occupy