Inquiry Concerning the Site of Ancient Palibothra, Conjectured to Lier Within the Limits of the Modern District of Bhaugulpoor. (with Plates and Maps) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1815 Excerpt: ...ladder, and an iron chain is suspended to each, for the purpose of aiding the ascent to the summit, which is terminated by the trisool or trident, one of the emblems of Mahadeva. Two of the pagodas are particularly distinguished as belonging to Mahadeva, or Bfioonatk, and his consort Parmti, the daughter of Himalaya and Mena, an account of whose nuptials is to be seen in the Siva Puranu. In honor of this alliance and in memory of the transaction, the followers of Siva, have connected the two temples with each other, by stretching two turbans of yellow cloth from one to the other, which are annually renewed, and the summit of the temple is adorned with five red flags, emblematical of the union by marriage of these two deities. The anniversary is held as a high solemnity among the Hindoos, on the fourth of the month of Plzalgun (or March). It is termed Siva Clzatoor Dusee, or the fourteen days of Siva, one of whose epithets is Mahadeva, and is celebrated in high splendor by the votaries of the god, who assemble in immense multitudes from all parts of India. It is also termed Swdrat ri, or the night of Siva, (of his marriage with Parvati). also The pavement of the area of this temple is entirely of stone, surrounded by a brick wall. The approach is by a narrow delaun or entrance, and the vestibules leading to the interior of the respective pagodas are long narrow passages lined with stone. The doors are exceedingly low, and the principal altar, consisting of the emblem of Mahadeva, is seen from a distance lighted by a lamp, and the "sides and floor of the chamber blackened by smoke and besmeared with oil. On the Iingam are offered fruits, flowers, ghee or clarified butter, ice, and other articles, whilst every part of the chamber and-adjoining passages i...