Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies - DUBOIS, Abbé Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies, Dubois | Page 623

TEMPLE OFFICIALS
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stone.
The eapital of the column ends in a square cornice,
at the four angles of which small bells are usually suspended.
Above this, again, is a chafing dish in which incense is
burned at certain times, or else lighted lamps are placed
there.
The
traveller often sees on the roads, and even in remote
columns of this kind, on which certain devotees
spots, lofty
During the feast of Dee-
place lamps from time to time.
pa vol i, of which mention has been made above, and which
is apparently held in honour of fire, lamps are to be seen
burning every evening on such columns. Sometimes the
wreathed with pieces of new cloth, which are
These details favour the view that the
finally set on fire.
pillars, constructed as they always are in places exposed
to the east, are consecrated to the sun or to the element
pillars are
of
fire.
Temple
offices are held by persons of various castes.
Nevertheless all posts of any importance, and especially
those which confer profit and dignity, are always held by
Brahmins.
Among
the numerous officials in Hindu worship the
occupy first rank then come the consultative
sacrificers
;
committees, the directors of ceremonies, the collectors of
temple revenues, and the treasurers. Besides these, there
are hosts of subordinates who assist in the administration
of the temple funds, and in the supervision and direction
of religious observances.
Sometimes, but not frequently, the high functions of
are performed by common Sudras and even
Pariahs.
At one of the most famous temples of Mysore,
called Melkota, during the great festival which is there
celebrated annually, the Pariahs are the first to enter the
sanctuary and to offer sacrifices to the idol, and it is only
after they have finished that the Brahmins begin their
sacrifices.
I have already remarked that the Sudras are
the only persons holding this office in temples where it is
sacrificers
usual to immolate living victims.
A fact worthy of remark is that the officiating priests
wear no special costume in the exercise of their sacerdotal
functions
they are dressed in their ordinary clothes, which
are, however, newly washed for the purpose.
;