War in Ancient India c15.21

c15.21

1. One practice among the primitive Tamil tribes was the worship on the eve of an expedition of the War Goddess who was known as Korravai. This goddess is propitiated with sacrificial offerings, often accompanied by dance and song. In the *Śilappadikāram*, the tribe Eiynar whose profession was cattle-lifting invoked the aid of Korravai for the success of their expedition to the neighbouring village or town, and took a vow to offer sacrifices at the successful termination of their expedition. It was their belief that this goddess marched in front of their army leading them stage by stage to ultimate victory.¹ The way in which she is invoked is interesting.