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Another interesting feature merits mention is-the
size of the deity installed. In certain places the icon is fifteen feet in
height. Normally it is within four feet. The icons worshipped is Adisakti in
human form; of course in many aspects, like Santha, Roudra, Bhikara and
Bhayanaka due to holding of formidable weapons in hands and sporting the
necklace of human skulls. Some of the names are vernaculas made easy to utter
and recite; for example Maisamrna is the Telugu translation of
Mahishasuramardini, adiamma stands for Ida devi, like wise Yellamma for the
deity installed at the boundary of human 'habitation; Posamma for the Goddess of
small fox. Most of the above me very popular in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil
Nadu and Kerala. In the north the divinities bear local names and forms suiting
their palate and style. But the mode of worship is one and the same. Mostly non-brahmins
officiate as priests in almost all parts. Certain exceptions are not ruled out:
The
most awe-inspiring feature that-surfaces during the periodical festivals is the
nature of offering worship. Ghastly it appears that in certain places ladies go
round the garbha griha with decorated pots on their heads absolutely naked.
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