the spirits of the gods are thought to descend into these earthly receptacles. They represent either Sri or Vishnu (diadems) or Rama and Sita (when the female image wears a long plait of hair). They are carried in special receptacles on the heads of women at the time of temple processions, at other times they are store in a small house in the temple courtyard. Except when in use, they are not regarded as sacred - M Dunningham