PILICHANDI
Another spirit of totemistic origin is pilcaandi (tiger-chamundi). This spirit is specially conceived to ward off the menace of of tiger and other wild animals to the cattle and crop. The Sanskrit zed from of this name is uyaaghra chamundi.God Shiva and Parvati saw a pair of keenjava birds. The birds became husband and wife by the blessings of the divine couple. The pregnant bird desired to have the pollen of a flower situated across the seven oceans. The male bird flew across the oceans and put its break inside the flower. By then it become dark and the petals closed to imprison the bird. When the return of of her mate was delayed the female bird became anxious and made a vow to God Shiva promising to offer one of its progenies to him so that the male bird can return safe. The petals opened and male bird few back. As per the vow, one of its eggs was offered to Shiva. The egg fell down and from the premature opening a tiny tiger came out. Parvati heared it and it was given charge of grazing the cows. But everyday one cow was missing when the herd returned to the shed. A tawny colored cow known as kabeti petta whose milk was reserved for Shiva was also killed. Shiva stealthily observed this mischief. The tiger used to eat cherries of nelli tree and drink water from the brook and the water was so sweet the blood of cows which drink water from the brook must be also very sweet. Shiva orders the tiger to go down to the earth as spirit to guard the animals and crops and to protect his devotees and punish the sinner.
A shrine of Pilchandi at Uppinangadi is famous for its triangular shaped headdress of areca spathe.The impersonator makes up his face to look ferocious. Deep yellow is used as base colour, with red naama on the forehead and white lines on both sides of the cheek with dots to present the picture of a tiger.