^3 Some Account of the Rdmsanehis, a Sect of [Feb. 



The priests may be considered wealthy, their few wants considered, 

 and the laity subscribe liberally to their support. Two of them visit 

 the town of Shahpura daily, to collect ready. dressed victuals from lay 

 members of the community and Hindus of the better class, who con- 

 tribute readily to fill their wallets. They do not accept food from 

 other sects, and the custom is observed, it should seem, as an act of 

 humility, certainly not from an avaricious motive. The fraternity 

 make their evening repast off these offerings, and purchase materials 

 for a simple breakfast, the only other meal, out of their own coffers. 

 Ramcharan had twelve pupils or disciples, called Chela, whom he 

 selected from the priesthood, filling up vacancies as they occurred, from 

 the most virtuous of the elders, and this custom is continued by his 

 successors. They are called the" BaruhThumbe ke Sadh," or disciples 

 of the twelve pillars. The middle hall of the temple where the Mahant 

 sits, and prayers are read, being supported by that number of columns, 

 three on a side, beneath which the disciples range themselves. The 

 openings between the columns are hung with cotton cloths, dyed with 

 Giru, let down at night to exclude the air, and here the priests take 

 their repose ; the pavement of the hall is elevated above the outer 

 terrace, and is the only part of the structure laid with mats, and dry 

 grass is spread upon the terrace in the winter, the only time of year 

 such a luxury is permitted, to serve as a cushion to the laity and visit- 

 ers who are not admitted inside. 



The twelve do not reside permanently at Shahpura, but four or five 

 are always found there at one time. One of them denominated Kot- 

 wal acts as steward of the grain and medicines deposited in the temple, 

 and distributes a daily allowance of food to the inmates ; nothing can 

 be taken from the store without the Mahant's order ; it is also the 

 duty of the Kotwal to summon the priests to midnight prayer. 



Another of the body called Kapradar — keeper of the wardrobe — has 

 charge of various kinds of clothes presented by the laity and strangers 

 for the use of the brotherhood : these include coarse cottons, blankets, 

 and other woollens, but no coloured or rich stuffs are accepted. The 

 cloths supply the Sadh with raiment, and when cast off, are bestowed 

 in charity ; and some of the brotherhood are constantly employed pre- 

 paring dresses for the poor. The same individual keeps the vessels of 

 the refectory. 



A third fills the office of censor, and maintains strict watch over the 

 manners and moral conduct of the fraternity. A fourth teaches the 

 priesthood to read, and a fifth instructs them in writing. 



Another is appointed to teach reading and writing to men of all 

 persuasions who apply to him, while a seventh, usually selected for his 



