I860.] Notes on Pilgrimages in the Country of Cashmere. 225 



beginning to set in off the lofty granite peaks of Hurmookh, its guar- 

 dian mountain, whose dark shadow fell across the mournful waters of 

 the lake. 



However not to occupy time, I proceed to the detail of the stages 

 of the pilgrimage, as detailed in the Shastr mentioned at the head 

 of this paper. 



Four days before midsummer, the pilgrim, having collected the 

 ashes of his relatives deceased during the year, sets out from the city 

 and proceeds to the first step of the pilgrimage, namely, " Vecha 

 Khoond" the pool. of the creator, or Brahma, who at this place is 

 stated to have created " Vishnoo," the preserver, the 2nd person of 

 the Hindoo Triad. This is an interesting pond surrounded by willows 

 and other foliage, about a mile from the shores of the Dhull lake on 

 the road towards Lar. 



(2.) Having passed through the sedgy marshes which border the 

 Hakrit-bul or lake of weeds, the pilgrim approaches the second 

 step, Gundoor-nugger, city of the Gandoors or angels. There are 

 here some ruins of what must formerly have been an extensive city. 

 They are mere fragments ; but it is probable that objects of interest 

 might be discovered here amidst the marshes and weedy flats formed 

 by the Sind river, which is lost amidst the creeks and sedges of the 

 Hakr-sir lake in the close vicinity, could the means and leisure be 

 obtained for the search. 



(3.) The next step is Mahirji-gdon, the residence of Mahadevi 

 who there forbad her consort to approach : this is implied in the 

 word — Ma (do not) zih (come). 



(4.) Numoor : — the bathing- place. A pretty village in the Sind 

 valley near the river. There are a few mines, tanks, &c. 



(5.) Karrung-ka-Nuddie, — a residence of Vishnoo ; Karrung be- 

 ing a name of Vishnoo signifying " granter of prayer." 



(6.) Ramaradun. Place of prayers, being the forest where Raja 

 Bkageerut established himself for prayer to Siva. 



(7.) Mahulish Merg, — " the meadows of the buffalo," so called 

 because Suttee is here fabled to have roamed about, like a buffalo 

 feeding, whilst in search of Mahadeo, her consort. 



(8.) Humsddar, — " the gates of King Huns" (the swift one), a 

 name of B,aja Bhageram, who is stated to have here cleft the pass with 



