﻿HEREDITARY LIVING DEITY. 389 



accompanied by a motion, signifyinoj his desire that 

 his visitor may be seated : the Peshwa, and a few 

 distinguished persons, such as Imrxt Ua^o, Chimna 

 Appa, &;c. sit, but at some distance, on the carpet: 

 two or three questions and answers of supplication 

 and blessing- are exchanged, and the Deo bestows 

 on the Peslizva, and others, a quantity of rice and 

 dal, and perhaps a cocoa nut, or such trifle. The 

 Peshwa receives them, makes a humble obeisance, 

 and takes leave. The Deo enters his palkee, and 

 proceeds, followed by the Peshiva, Sec. by the wood- 

 en bridge to the city : the Peshwa quits him near the 

 palace, which the Deo never enters, nor the house 

 of any mortal, but always finds his tents pitched at 

 fixed stations. The first is Teeooi\ a respectable town 

 about ten or twelve miles from Poona ; the next 

 Rajwarry, a large village or town just above the 

 ghaut, on the Jejooree, or Meritch road. At both 

 these stages the Deo prepares a feast for all Bram'ms 

 that choose to partake ; he goes next day to Moo- 

 rishzvur, where he remains in his tents three or four 

 days, and here the principal event of his journey is 

 particularly noticed. On a certain day he orders a 

 portion of rice to be cooked, the quantity is deter- 

 mined by the inspiration of the Deity. The Deo 

 has no premeditation ; his impulses are divine and 

 momentary. This quantity of rice, be it one ku?idee, 

 one and a half, two, two and a half, or three kun- 

 ^ees, (these have been the quantities usually ordered ; ) 

 as to sufficiency or insufficiency for such as choose 

 to eat of it, determine the bounty or scarcity of the 

 ensuing year. 



For instance, say one Jcundee shall usually suffice 

 one thousand men of ordinary appetites; if this quan- 

 tity be ordered, and four thousand, or more persons, 

 shall assemble to partake of it, they shall nevertheless 

 all depart satisfied, if the Almighty intend a sufficient 

 season — nay, if an abundant year be willed, frag- 



C c 3 ments, 



