KODAMANTAYA
Kodamantaya is another raajan daiva patronized by the chieftains and the lords of manorial houses. Two men noted for their knowledge of bull-race and cock-fight ascended the ghats and purchased a cock and a bull. They erected a post under a white asvattha tree and tied their cock and bull to it and left the place for dinner. On their return they found the animals possessed by two spirits. They recognized these spirits as Kodamantaya and Perinja. Accordingly two shrines were constructed in their honor. The spirits then undertook a tour of Tulunad and won many votaries. The Kodamantaya shrines at Uppinangadi, Perinjeguttu, Polali and Ekkar are wellknown for their annual festivals celebrated with great pomp and ceremony. The impersonator sits on a cart with the figure of tiger on it during the procession. A huge semi-circular shaped head dress with elaborate ornamentation is noticed. The impersonator displays different kinds of dances in the night-long ceremony.