SWINGING FESTIVAL. 103 



tlie interior is approached by the " Mantapas," a kind of 

 portico, which always covers and precedes the door 

 leading to the cell ; besides there are several pillared 

 halls, called " Choultries,'' used for various purposes ; 

 l)ut the mysterious adytum or inner cell is kept in 

 utter darkness, excepting a small light faintly illu- 

 minating the image of the God, which seems ever so 

 far off, and here no Christian is allowed to enter. 

 There is also a very large tank within the enclosure, 

 steps leading down to the water's edge and bathing 

 booths and shrines around. On the other side a 

 platform, raised several feet, and supporting one 

 liundred granite columns, covered with carvings 

 representing the exploits of their gods, and in theii* 

 midst rises a large throne of the same material, where 

 Mahadeva is placed during the festival. In front of 

 the temple there is a tall gilt column for the display 

 of manly fortitude in the service of the deity ; here, 

 on the Churuk Puja, or swinging festival, now 

 abolished, fanatics had a hook passed through their 

 skin at the small of the back, and allowed themselves 

 to be swung round and round, the i-eal support, how- 

 ever, being the kumarbund or waistband ; besides 

 there is quite a labyrinth of columns and pavilions, and 

 on feast days the scsne is said to be very imposing. 

 Of course every temple has its band of musicians and 



