Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c10.s2.10

c10.s2.10

All the foregoing arrangements were made by two or more men or youths dressed as Brahmans; the costume (brāhmaṇa eṇḍuma) consisted of dhoṭi, shawl, turban, ear-rings, and thread. When completed another man, dressed in red clothing, called raṭu eṇḍuma (red tuppoṭiya, heṭṭaya, handkerchief, and tall pointed jagalat toppiya), and provided with a sword, took a dummala kabala and a kotalaya and went before each of the altars offering incense and water and reciting Sanskrit ślōkas; he walked round the vihāra ten times (keeping always to the right), and finally proceeded with drums and music to the Kadgapāla altar and made offerings there, then returned to the vihāra. The purpose of the drum was to attract the attention of those to whom offerings were made. Offerings were also made at the Gaṇa deviyō dibba-gē inside the vihāra.