Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.1431

c9.1431

When the kalam is drawn worship of nāga is begun compulsorily by a male member of the house, and he is technically called ‘Kalattil Kaimal’. He has been observing ‘vrata’ during two days previous to the pūjā (worship). Having taken his bath and wearing an additional cloth across his shoulders (Uttarīya) he comes with water in a jar. Four lamps should be burning on four sides of the kalam. Also, paddy, rice, tender coconut, milk, fruit etc. should be placed on its four sides. As directed by the Pulluvan the ‘Kaimal’ conducts the worship by offering flower, water etc. The Kaimal is to sit on each of the four sides of the kalam and do the pūjā. Then wicks (made of cloth) should be lighted, water sprinkled on it and with that the Kaimal should go around the kalam thrice. With the wicks placed on a leaf with paddy underneath it and also with burning camphor he should go round the kalam. Then the Pulluvan playing on the Viṇā in front and a male member of the house with a vessel containing milk, a female member holding a lamp, two girls holding brass plates and the Kaimal and all of them following the Pulluvan go round the Kalam thrice and proceed to the serpents' temple in the compound, pray and return. After all these persons are seated, the Kaimal washes the feet and puts flowers on the heads of the two girls, who had held the brass plates; seats them on two pieces of round wood in the kalam. The girls will have mirror etc. in their hands. They should concentrate their eyes on the heads of the serpents. Now begins the Pulluvan pāṭṭu (song by Pulluvan). At the time of the worship they will be beating tunes on a brass pot, music being made on the Viṇā.