Whenever the Nayadis labour under any calamity or disease, they consult the Parayan astrologer. And, when a woman is possessed by devils, the Parayan is summoned. He is furnished with a thread and some toddy. Muttering certain prayers to Parakutti and other deities, he ties the thread round the woman's neck, drinks the toddy, and the devil leaves her. When a person is believed to be under the influence of a devil or the evil eye, salt, chillies, tamarind, oil, mustard, cocoanut, and a few pice (copper coins) in a vessel are waved thrice round the head of the affected individual, and given to a Nayadi, whose curse is asked for. There is this peculiarity about a Nayadi's curse, that it always has the opposite effect. So, when he is asked to curse one who has given him alms, he does so by invoking misery and evil upon him. By the Nayadi money is called chembu kasu (copper coin), food elamattam (exchange of leaves), and having no food nakkan illa (nothing to lick on). As a protection against snake-bite, the Nayadis wear a brass toe-ring. And, when engaged in catching rats in their holes, they wear round the wrist a snake-shaped metal ring, to render them safe against snakes which may be concealed in the hole. The Nayadis who live within the jurisdiction of the Kavalapara Nayar near Shoranur wear the kudumi (front lock of hair), as there are no Mappillas (Muhammadans) to molest them. The Kavalapara Nayar was at one time an important chief, and directed all Nambutiri jenmis (landlords) who held land within his jurisdiction to bind themselves not to let the land to Mappillas. Nayadis of other parts are not allowed by the Mappillas to wear the kudumi, and, if they do so, they are taken for Parayans and professional sorcerers, and beaten. Some Nayadis have become converts to Christianity, others to Muhammadanism, and maintain themselves by begging for alms from Muhammadans. They are called Thoppyitta (cap-wearing) Nayadis. The priest of the Nayadis is called Muppan. His appointment is hereditary, and he enquires into all matters affecting the community, and can excommunicate a guilty person. [119] Average height, 155 cm.; nasal index, 86.