ABSTRACT
The major demon ceremonies, are markedly distinct, despite their similarity in overall structural form and the fact that they include in common many specific rites to the demons and deities. A major exorcism is an encompassing ritual form which corresponds to the encompassing nature of the principal demon it addresses. The Mahasona vidiya (the palace of the Great Cemetery Demon), which is constructed only for the Mahasona exorcism, is a large, roofed, quadrangular structure which is approximately six feet high. In the Mahasona, and in all the major exorcisms, dummala is smoked over the baskets and over a live rooster, placed beneath them. When the mantra, poems, and songs for each demon basket are completed, the basket is taken by the exorcist and passed three times over the patient's head. Exorcists state that Kalu Vadi's eventual striking of the cock with the igaha represents the discovery of the demon and its impending destruction.
