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Vamis, or Vamacharis

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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Van Arsdale, Cornelius C., D.D.

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(left-hand worshippers), a Hindu sect who adopt a ritual contrary to what they dare publicly avow. They worship Devi, the Sakti of Siva (q.v.). The Sakti is personated by a naked female, to whom meat and wine are offered and then distributed among the attendants. Then follows the recitation of mantras and texts, the performance of the mudra, or gesticulations with the fingers, the whole terminating with the most scandalous orgies. The members of this sect are very numerous, especially among the Brahminical tribe. Their insignia are a semicircular line or lines on the forehead; of red sanders or vermilion, or a red streak up the middle of the forehead, with a red spot at tile root of the nose. In worshipping they wear a piece of red silk around the loins, and decorate themselves with garlands of crimson flowers.