Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies - DUBOIS, Abbé Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies, Dubois | Page 190

THE AKSHATAS AND PAVITRAM
150
According to them
credulity on this subject is boundless.
it
is not only animate objects that come under the influence
of the driskti-dosha
vegetable substances are equally
susceptible to it.
It is to avert this spell that they stick
up a pole in all their gardens and fields that are under
cultivation.
On the top of this pole they fix a large earthen
vessel, well whitened on the outside with lime.
This is to
attract the attention of malicious persons who may be
passing, as it will be the first thing to catch their eye and
will thus prevent their spells from producing any disastrous
effects on the crops, which otherwise would certainly be
affected by the evil influence.
;
This
is
the
a mixture of
Akshatas.
to husked rice coloured with
saffron and vermilion.
There are two kinds
name given
one specially consecrated by mantrams, the
rice.
The first is used when per-
forming puja and in other great ceremonies the other
kind is only a toilet requisite, or is used as an offering of
politeness.
It is considered good manners to offer some
in a metal cup to any one to whom a ceremonious invitation
is sent.
The latter in return takes a few grains and applies
of akshatas,
other simple coloured
;
them
to the forehead.
The Pavitram
The object
\
to scare away giants, evil
mission it is to bring disasters
of the pavitram
is
or devils, whose
upon men and mar the ceremonies of the Brahmins. The
very sight of the pavitram makes them tremble and take
spirits,
to flight.
This powerful amulet consists of three, five, or seven
stalks of darbha grass plaited together in the form of a ring.
Before beginning any ceremony the presiding purohita takes
the pavitram, and, after dipping it in sanctified water,
places it on the ring finger of his right hand.
The seeds
and oil of sesamum are very nearly as efficacious as the
The pavitram is made of stalks of darbha grass. It is worn simply
mark of sanctification. Three stalks are generally used for funeral
ceremonies two for marriage ceremonies and other auspicious occa-
1
as a
;
sions.
Ed.