In a further note on the Viramushtis I am informed that they correspond to the Virabhadra Kayakams of the Canarese Lingayats, like whom they dress up, and adorn themselves with small lingams, the figure of Virabhadra, a sword, a plate bearing a star, and heads of Asuras (demons). Every important Saivite temple has one or two Viramushtis attached to it, and they are supposed to be servants of the god Siva. One of their chief duties is to guard the idol during processions, and on other occasions. If, during a car procession, the car will not move, the Viramushtis cut themselves with their swords until it is set in motion. There is a Tamil proverb that the Siva Brahman (temple priest) eats well, whereas the Viramushti hurts himself with the sword, and suffers much. The custom is said to be dying out. The principal occupation of the Viramushtis is begging from Beri Chettis, Devangas, Komatis, and washermen. In former days, they are said to have performed a ceremony called pavadam. When an orthodox Lingayat was insulted, he would swallow his lingam, and lie flat on the ground in front of the house of the offender, who had to collect some Lingayats, who would send for a Viramushti. He had to arrive accompanied by a pregnant Viramushti woman, pujaris (priests) of Draupadi, Pachaiamman and Pothuraja temples, a Sembadava pujari, Pambaikarans, Udukkaikarans, and some individuals belonging to the nearest Lingayat mutt. Arrived at the house, the pregnant woman would sit down in front of the person lying on the ground. With his sword the Viramushti man then made cuts in his scalp and chest, and sprinkled the recumbent man with the blood. He would then rise, and the lingam would come out of his mouth. Besides feeding the people, the offender was expected to pay money as pavadam to the Viramushtis and mutts. Some Viramushtis style themselves Vastad, or athletes, in reference to their professional occupation. Viranattan.--The name denotes those who play on a drum called viranam. It is recorded, in the Madras Census Report, 1901, that the Viranattans "were originally temple servants, but now do miscellaneous day labour. Their females are prostitutes. Their titles are Mestri and Mudali." Viranollu.--Viranollu and Viththanollu are gotras of Ganigas, who may not cut the wood-apple (Feronia elephantum). Virasaiva.--A synonym for Lingayat. Some Lingayats claim to be Virasaiva Brahmans. Visalakshiamma.--Recorded, in the Manual of the North Arcot district, as a sub-division of Vaniyan. Visalakshiamma is the goddess of Benares, who is said to be the sister of Minakshi of Madura and Kamakshi of Conjeeveram. Visalakshi means literally one with beautiful eyes, and is a name of Parvati, who is described as possessing large and beautiful eyes. Viswakarma.--Viswakarma and Viswa Brahman are synonyms for Kammalan, the members of which class claim descent from the five faces of Viswakarma, the architect of the gods.