168 THE CLOSING SCENES
against the central pillar of the pandal, to which is suspended a wreath of flowers falling exactly over the mouth of the vessel. An offering is made to it of sandalwood, coloured rice, and flowers, and for neiveddya, or votive offering, cakes and cooked rice. All those present are then sprinkled with the ceremonial water contained in the vessel.
Then they go on to the five little vessels before mentioned, which are filled with earth. Puja is offered to them, and they are then placed in a row, receiving severally the name of one of the following five divinities: Brahma, Vishnu, Varuna, Rudra, and Devendra. They are then carried separately, and placed at the foot of five of the pillars supporting the pandal. They are invoked in the names which have just been given them, puja is offered to them, and the divinities are finally invited to return whence they came. Puja is offered to the five little pots, and the celestial beings they have been representing are also invited to retire. Then comes the turn of all the gods in general, the planets, and the ancestors whose presence was invoked at the beginning of the feast. Litanies are recited in their honour, and they too are politely invited to depart. Then the praises of the mantapam deity, that is to say, of the
pandal itself, are sung; and he also is dismissed. Then
the women, singing all the time, perform the aratti to the new member; and every one being seated for the feast, the new Brahmin takes his place amongst the elders of
the caste. After the meal is over he is presented to each of the principal guests in succession, and does sashtanga, or prostration, to them; they, on their part, congratulate him on his promotion, and wish him every good fortune.
In conclusion, the master of the house distributes money amongst his guests, also pieces of cloth, the value of which
is in proportion to the wealth of the giver. A cow is occasionally added to the other gifts.
Brahmins everywhere are unsurpassed in the art of
flattery; and on these occasions they laud to the very skies those who have been prodigal in their gifts. Their
liberality is exalted in all directions, and the most exaggerated eulogies are lavished on them. The recipients of all this ridiculous flattery are generally sufficiently idiotic to be gratified by it, and consider that it amply repa3 T s them