Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c14.25.5

c14.25.5

(56) “In the three months of the Goat, Yama, and the Sun, dwells the *Bhāma Naga* laying tail to West and head to East, back to the North and belly to the South; (57) in the three months of the Crab, the Lion and the Virgin he sleeps with tail to the North and head to the South, back to the East and belly to the West; (58) in the three months of the Scales, the Scorpion and the Bow he lies with tail to the East and head to the West, back to the South and belly to the North; (59) in the three months of the Makara, the Water-pot and Fish the *Bhāma Naga Rāja* lies tail to the South and head to the North, back to the East and belly to the West; (60) set up the trunk, knowing the portent of the *Bhāma Naga* dwelling thus, prepare the site for the house, marking the four corners, make *bali* offering in eight corners for the *yakshas* to enjoy. (61) Take *ghi*, milk-rice, sugarcane and jaggery, idda flowers (*Wrightia zeylanica*), take oil, and twist a wick, take sandal, ratmal (*Ixora coccinea*), betel, camphor, and let the *eduru* (*kapurala*) make offerings in the four corners of the house.” (The peculiarities of the *Bhāma Naga* (Earth Serpent) and omens connected are not further explained, nor is it clear that any offerings are to be made to him). 62—72. Of various *yakshas*, not named, occupying the different quarters, facing which the house should not be built until they have been propitiated by various offerings. 73—81.