[3] I am doubtful whether a special wand is also used in other dairies. [↑]
[4] Eleven ak = one kwa (see p. [588]). [↑]
[5] When there is only one palol for both kinds of buffaloes, as at the Pan ti, he only digs one hole. [↑]
[6] See [Chapter XVII]. [↑]
[7] This hole at an ordinary village is sometimes known as a tarupunkudi. [↑]
CHAPTER IX
THE TODA GODS
The ceremonies which have been described in the last five chapters make up a large part of the ritual of the Toda religion, but there is one important feature of this ritual which has so far been left on one side, or only cursorily mentioned, because its full consideration only becomes possible after an account has been given of the Toda gods.
In describing the ritual of the dairy and the various ceremonies connected with the buffaloes, it has been mentioned that at certain times the prayer of the dairy or the prayer of the village is used. In these prayers there are references to various incidents in the lives of the gods, and many of the clauses would be unintelligible without a knowledge of these lives. It therefore becomes necessary to consider this branch of Toda mythology before dealing with the prayers in detail.