Castes and Tribes of Southern India. Vol. 1 of 7

part in the purification of excommunicated members of the tribe,

when they are received back into it, for example, on release from prison. The tongue of the delinquent is burnt with a hot sandal stick, and a new waist thread put on. He is taken to the temple, where he stands amidst the assembled Badagas, who touch his head with a cane. He then prostrates himself at the feet of the P...