528 Lieut. Col. Fbancklin^s Description of the Temple of Tars' "wandfha. 



below which was another smaller one of rich brocade, supported by four 

 poles painted red. On an elevated throne, covered with brocade, and 

 called by the natives Sinhdsan, was seated a small black stone figure of 

 Parswanat'ha, sitting cross-legged, with his hands before him : on his 

 head, fashioned like a turban, were seven expanded heads of serpents, the 

 Coluber Naja, or hooded-snake of India, the invariable symbol of Pars- 

 wanat'ha. Below his feet were put flowers of the double marigold, and a 

 small silver umbrella was placed erect before him. Underneath the 

 umbrella incense was burning, and great quantities of marigolds were 

 scattered about the place : at the sides of the throne were placed plan- 

 tains, cocoa-nuts, betel leaf, and many kinds of fruits, as offerings to 

 the deity. The two officiating priests had cloths tied over their mouths 

 and underneath the chin, which were fastened to the top of the head to 

 prevent their swallowing any thing that had life ; two other priests wore 

 a plain clotli or sheet. On a high tripod were placed the leaves containing 

 extracts from the Purdnas, which they chaunted aloud. The two head 

 priests were sitting on the ground, the two others were standing, and all 

 four were singing in praise of Parswanat'ha, The ceremony was per- 

 formed in the area of the temple. The priests sounded the conch and 

 played on cymbals, and before the figure they burnt incense and sung hymns 

 to his praise. 



When a priest sounded the conch, one of the others offered three flags, 

 called by the natives Sat/iica,* on a brass plate, upon which he put all 

 kinds of perfumes, and then the whole band in the gallery struck up. 

 From sunrise to sunset, nothing can be heard but the incessant din of 

 their harsh and discordant music. 



The ascent to FdrsxcandCha mountain commences by a narrow path in 

 a winding direction, surrounded on both sides by the thickest forest It 

 is steep, with loose stones overspreading the road : as you proceed the 

 ascent becomes steeper, and the summit of the mountain in front presents 

 a stupendous appearance. The course up is due south. No animal of any 

 kind is to be seen. Oh an opening of the forest you gain an extensive 



* Agreeably to the Jain tenets, these flags bear the following meaning : 



1. Jnyaiia, knowledge ; 



2. Dars'nna, a sight of the divinity ; 



3. Charitra, worship of Parswanat'ha. 



