Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.3213

c9.3213

After the vellāṭṭam before midnight Tirayāṭṭam begins. The dresses of the teyyas differ slightly from each other. Some Tiras wear jackets and skirts while some wear flower garlands made of Tulasī leaves (basil plant) and ceṭṭi (jungle geranium). All the tiras rush to the temple in great spirit and they are followed by lamp-holders and torch-bearers to the accompaniment of loud sounds of musical instruments and uproars from the spectators. When the first round of dances is over, the ‘Teyya’ stands dancing, pouring blessings to the people and deciding ways of atonement for the sins done. Then food is offered to the gods and the function ends with a ‘Vela’ circling the temple.