மந்திரம் - விசவித்தை

This Tamil palm-leaf manuscript is from Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. The writer, year of this manuscript is unknown. It is estimated to be from the period between 1801- 1899. It addresses rituals and arts connected to dealing with snake poisoning. Practices that may be categorised as 'magical' are refered to. Some practices involve more than one practitioner at a time. Practices involve using medicines to induce vomiting and other such physiological practices. Further, it also seems to indicate performative ritual practices such as worship of lord Pillaiyar - piḷḷaiyār pūcai, flame or lamp holding practices - tīpam eṭukka, making and burning of large effigies - paṭukaḷam kaṭṭa etc. Apart from this it includes ritual practices to protect from being hurt by animals such as dogs - nāykku uṟukka and crocodiles - mutalaikku kallōti muṭiya by using chants and ritual practices. This palm leaf manuscript is a source of medicinal cures, ritual practices, songs, movements and other performative elements. It is a source for a combination of medico-social and performative ritual practices. Extent: 68.0. Size and dimensions of original material: L 16.0 cm, W 2.7 cm. Original institution reference: 1.0.