Pirith, Preventing Covid, And The Mega-Vitamin Lobby Dr. Chandre Dharmawardana The Kingdom of Vesali was famous for its pleasure gardens, beautiful courtesans, as well as the democratic rule of the Licchavis. However, drought, pestilence, crop failure, and famine fueled an epidemic that ravaged Vesali. Brahmins and their attendant Kururaals (‘Kapuwas’) followed the time hallowed Vedic writ, offered animal sacrifices, performed Yagas and Poojas. Yanthra armed with Manthra were distributed. Herbal cures hallowed from ancient times were administered. The city was washed with Gomuthra following tradition. Freshly made pots blessed by holy men and filled with milk and holy basil were launched down the Gangak River – a branch of the Ganges that flows by Vesali. Great torches made of herbs and incense were carried in procession to the Abhishek Pushkarini, the coronation tank, to banish evil spirits.