Sentence:  Long brahminical hairs sprouted out of his ears, and he drew further attention to himself by closing his eyes, neatly shaking away tears, putting a hand on Owad's head and speaking a Hindi <WSD>benediction</WSD>. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  A short invocation for help, blessing and guidance from God, said on behalf of another person or persons (sometimes at the end of a church worship service).