DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.4647#0118
DEITIES. 107
Heriah.* Rangasami, also, the Divinity of the Conical
Hill, as before mentioned, must have had considerable
influence in bringing about a good understanding be-
tween the Burghers and the tribes of the lower parts
of the hills; he seems to have been in repute with the
former before this emigration took place, and was doubt-
less the light that guided them hither.
At this period also, it would appear that Gaganachiki
was a fortified mountain, but by whom possessed we could
not ascertain. It was, however, subsequent to this period
that the other two fortresses, Mullie Cota and Atra Cota,
were erected; and by the governors of these, the other
classes of this tribe, and particularly the Wodiars and
Lingavants, were invited to the hills.
To return to the first settling of the Burghers, it is
worn by the husband. These are carefully placed in a box, and kept
in a little temple erected for the purpose. There are no less than
eleven of these temples throughout the different Burgher villages. But
they are not likely to increase, as this practice of burning with their
husbands has now, for some generations, been discontinued. Sacred
festivals, in honour of these manes, are held once a year, during the
months either of February or December, when offerings are made to
them, the viands of which afterwards serve to regale the votaries. On
these occasions, should time have worked its usual effects, and the old
clothes have began to change their form, they are replaced by new
ones.
* Heriah is an imaginary representation of any one of the Gods of
the Siva sect, according to the fancy of each family or community.
Both Hetty and Heriah are ministered to by the Burghers themselves,
without the intervention of a priest.
Heriah.* Rangasami, also, the Divinity of the Conical
Hill, as before mentioned, must have had considerable
influence in bringing about a good understanding be-
tween the Burghers and the tribes of the lower parts
of the hills; he seems to have been in repute with the
former before this emigration took place, and was doubt-
less the light that guided them hither.
At this period also, it would appear that Gaganachiki
was a fortified mountain, but by whom possessed we could
not ascertain. It was, however, subsequent to this period
that the other two fortresses, Mullie Cota and Atra Cota,
were erected; and by the governors of these, the other
classes of this tribe, and particularly the Wodiars and
Lingavants, were invited to the hills.
To return to the first settling of the Burghers, it is
worn by the husband. These are carefully placed in a box, and kept
in a little temple erected for the purpose. There are no less than
eleven of these temples throughout the different Burgher villages. But
they are not likely to increase, as this practice of burning with their
husbands has now, for some generations, been discontinued. Sacred
festivals, in honour of these manes, are held once a year, during the
months either of February or December, when offerings are made to
them, the viands of which afterwards serve to regale the votaries. On
these occasions, should time have worked its usual effects, and the old
clothes have began to change their form, they are replaced by new
ones.
* Heriah is an imaginary representation of any one of the Gods of
the Siva sect, according to the fancy of each family or community.
Both Hetty and Heriah are ministered to by the Burghers themselves,
without the intervention of a priest.