55S ON MOUNT CAUCASUS. 



crossed the Indus. On their return they were treat- 

 ed as outcasts; because thev conceived it hardly 

 possible for them to travel through countries inha- 

 bited by Mleclihas or impure tribes, and live ac- 

 cording to the rules laid down in their sacred books : 

 it was also ailedged, that they had crossed the Atfaca. 

 Numerous meetings were held in consequence of this, 

 and learned Brdhmens were convened from all parts. 

 The influence and authority of Rag hu-Na'th-ra'y A 

 could not save his embassadors. However the holy 

 assembly decreed, that in consideration of their uni- 

 versal good character, and of the motive of their 

 travelling to distant countries, which was solely to 

 promote the good of their country, they might be rege- 

 nerated and have the sacerdotal ordination renewed. 

 For the purpose of regeneration, it is directed to make 

 an image of pure gold of the female power oi nature ; 

 in the shape either of a woman or of a cow. In this 

 statue the person to be regenerated is enclosed and 

 dragged through the usual channel. As a statue 

 of pure gold and of proper dimensions would be too 

 expensive, it is sufficient to make an image of the 

 sacred Yoni, through which the person to be rege- 

 nerated is to pass, Raghu-Na'th-Ra'ya had one 

 made of pure gold and of proper dimensions: 

 his embassadors were regenerated, and the usual ce- 

 remonies of ordination having been performed, and 

 immense presents bestowed on the Brdhmens, they 

 were re-admitted into the communion of the faithful. 

 The two culprits made a very able defence, and had 

 it not been for some irregularities at Jedda, where 

 water is brought from a place about ten or twelve 

 miles distant : it is the general opinion, that they 

 would have been acquitted: for they were men of 

 unexceptionable character, and of course they were 

 to be judged in great measure from their own depo- 

 sition, and declaration of all circumstances. In vain 

 they pleaded neces;>itv, and referred to the conduct 



of 



