Dec. 1848. 



TEMPLES, CHAITS, AND MEN DONGS. 



323 



besides the instruments I have elsewhere enumerated. 

 In this temple was the library, containing several hundred 

 books, in pigeon-holes, placed in recesses.* 





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PLAN OF THE SOUTH TEMPLE. 



a. entrance : b. four praying cylinders ; c. altar, with seven brass cups of water ; 

 d. four columns; e. and f. images ; o. library. 



The effect on entering these cold and gloomy temples is 

 very impressive ; the Dugang in particular is exquisitely 

 ornamented and painted, and the vista from the vestibule 

 to the principal idol, of carved and coloured pillars and 

 beams, is very picturesque. Within, the general arrange- 

 ment of the colours and gilding is felt to be harmonious 

 and pleasing, especially from the introduction of slender 

 white streaks between the contrasting masses of colour, 



* For a particular account of the images and decorations of these temples, see 

 Dr. Campbell's paper in "Bengal Asiatic Society's Trans.," May, 1849. The 

 principal object of veneration amongst the Ningma or red sect of Boodhists in 

 Sikkim and Bhotan is Gorucknath, who is always represented sitting cross-legged, 

 holding the dorje in one baud, which is raised ; whilst the left rests in the lap and 

 holds a cup with a jewel in it. The left arm supports a trident, whose staff pierces 

 three sculls (a symbol of Shiva), a rosary hongs round his neck, and he wears a 

 red mitre with a lunar crescent and sun in front. 



