The Satanis are also called Dasa Nambis. They are flesh-eaters, but some have now become pure vegetarians. There are, for example, at Srivilliputtur in the Tinnevelly district, a large number who have abandoned a meat dietary. They are connected with the temple of Andal, and supply flowers and tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) leaves for worship, carry torches before the goddess during processions, and watch the gate of the temple during the night. The small income which they derive from the temple is supplemented by the manufacture and sale of palmyra leaf baskets, and umbrellas made from Pandanus leaves. As a class, the Satanis are given to liquor, and all important ceremonial occasions are made the excuse for copious potations. This weakness is so well known that, in the north of the Presidency, the term Ramanuja Matham is used to denote the consumption of meat and drink at death or sradh ceremonies, just as Saivam signifies vegetarianism. The Satani mendicant can be recognised by the peculiar flat gourd-shaped brass pot and palm leaf fan which he carries. The Satanis claim to have sprung from the sweat of Virat Purusha (lord of the universe). The following legend is told, as accounting for the removal of the kudumi (tuft of hair on the head), and wearing the cloth without a fold behind. In the time of Ramanuja, the Satanis enjoyed certain privileges in the temples, but, not satisfied with these, they claimed to take rank next to Brahmans. This privilege was accorded, and, when flowers and other things used in the worship of the god were to be distributed, they were handed over to the Satanis. They, however, were unable to decide who should be deputed to represent the community, each person decrying the others as being of low caste. Ramanuja accordingly directed that they should shave their heads, and wear their loin-cloths with a fold in front only. In addition to other occupations already noted, Satanis sell turmeric, coloured powders, and sacred balls of white clay used by Vaishnavites. Some act as priests to Balijas and Komatis, at whose death ceremonies the presence of a Satani is essential. Immediately after death, the Satani is summoned, and he puts sect marks on the corpse. At the grave, cooked food is offered, and eaten by the Satani and members of the family of the deceased. On the last day of the death ceremonies (karmandiram), the Satani comes to the house of the dead person late in the evening, bringing with him certain idols, which are worshipped with offerings of cooked rice, flesh, and liquor in jars. The food is distributed among those present, and the liquor is doled out from a spoon called parikam, or a broom dipped in the liquor, which is drunk as it drips therefrom.