மாந்திரீகம்

This material is a Tamil palm-leaf manuscript from Point- pedro, Northern Province, Sri Lanka. It is estimated to be from the period between 1801- 1899. This palm leaf manuscript addresses practices involving spells and magic. It contains details of medicines for treating breast milk related issues, head aches etc. It also mentions magical practices invovling sacred utensils known as iliṅka kaṭṭu, practices to use lay protective spells on coconuts, spells to catch snakes and spells to ensure conception of children. It also mentions the citampara cakkaram which was understood to be a secret planetary chart and related rituals involving various chants that was known to Siddha practitioners. This planetary chart was usually carved on metallic plates or drawn on surfaces in order to be used for ritual practices. The manuscrip also mentions practices evoking the protective god ātivairavaṉ to drive away ghosts and evil spirits. Extent: 46.0. Size and dimensions of original material: L 14.3 cm, W 3.3 cm. Original institution reference: 4.0.