Preface original: "Payiram." A formal introductory section in Tamil literature that provides context about the author, the work's origin, and its purpose.

In the city of Madurai, a place of flourishing groves and fertile gardens, lived the son of Sankara Narayanan. His son was the illustrious King Somasundaram, who wore fragrant garlands. The son of this lineage, Veerabadran—who possesses a brilliance like the eyes of women adorned with great flowers—now graciously narrates this fine treatise on the Science of Divination by Touch, which he has composed in the Tamil language.

Invocation for Protection original: "Kappu." A prayer at the beginning of a literary work to invoke a deity to remove obstacles.

The lotus-eyed Lord with the broad, powerful chest dwells forever in the hearts of those who meditate upon His anklet-clad feet. Like the sun that rises to chase away the morning dew, may that incomparable and singular Helper arise swiftly to banish my sorrows and support the progress of this book.

(Another Verse)

To ensure that this sacred and fine Science of Divination by Touch, which encompasses the elements of the world, original: "Poothai" (Bhuta). This refers to the physical elements or the earthly realm that the divination aims to interpret. may be practiced with support and without any hindrance, we seek protection at the feet of the virtuous one. He is the elephant-faced Lord A reference to the god Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. who rides upon the swift shrew and leads the way with তাঁর grace.