SQ Dr. Hamilton's Description of the Ruins of Buddha Gay a. 



the enormous size and distention of the lobe of their ears, which is very 

 general in the images of this district, and even prevails in many of such 

 as have in other respects the most decided appearance of the idols now 

 worshipped. Another mark still, by which the convert asserts that all 

 images formed by this sect may be distinguished, is a mark on the palm of 

 the hands and soles of the feet, which is supposed to resemble the lotus 

 flower. 



In the drawings* I have given representations of many of the most cu- 

 rious images remaining in the immediate vicinity of the old temple, and 

 built into the walls, or deposited within the convent of the Sannydsis, and 

 all confessedly taken from the ruins. 



The converted San7iydsi pretends, that during the present existence of 

 the world, except those of the four munis or lawgivers, none of these 

 images were ever worshipped by the followers of the Buddhas ; and that all 

 the others were intended as ornaments, or monuments to represent either 

 the various inferior beings of power (Devatds) who are admitted to exist 

 by his sect as well as by the orthodox, or various persons whom their own 

 vanity, or the affection of their own relations or disciples, wished to com- 

 memorate. Tiiis, I know, is the doctrine now entertained in Ava by the 

 followers of Gautama, and which would, of course, be taught to him by 

 the messengers through whom he was converted : but I have great doubt 

 how far it is applicable to the followers of the Buddhas who formerly 

 existed in this country. In Nepal I know that the Buddhists worship all the 

 Devatds, and especially Siva and the destructive female power ; and I 

 think it probable, that the Buddhists here did the same. The number of 

 lingas, single, in rows, or in clusters, simple and adorned with human 

 faces, crocodile heads, &c. is fully equal to that of the munis, botii at 

 Buddha Gdya and Bardgditg ; and some of the images of the destructive 

 female power are so remarkable and large, that I think they must have 

 been intended as objects of worship. There can be no doubt, however, 

 that by far the greater part of the host of images in the more decorated 

 temples of the Hindus of all sects, is merely ornamental ; and I think it 

 probable, that most of the images of the Buddhas have been intended 

 to represent the great multitude of such personages as have in former 

 revolutions of the world obtained everlasting bliss, and were never in- 



* East-India Company's Museum, No. 78 to 101. 



