English | English The rite shown in the film is performed in honour of the god Vishnu. The performance takes place in the courtyard of a Brahmin homestead, where a painting has been made on the ground to serve as an altar. Branches and garlands enclose the place of the ritual. The most important cult objects are a vase (kalasa) and a salagrama stone symbolizing the god Vishnu. Special locations are prepared for these objects: a platform of sand decorated with a ritual yantra painting for the cult vase and a board placed in the centre of painting altar for the brass vessel supporting the salagrama stone. The cult objects (upachara) are worshipped with specific materials fixed in number and in form: e. g. water, sandlewood, incense, floweers and leaves, essences, graines of rice, oil lamps, and gifts of food. The ritual is conducted by the priest, who gives instructions and recites texts. The ceremony being over, the gifts of food are divided among the participants. |