1838.] from Girndr in Gujerdt. 335 



and in some places, from the precipitousness of the mountain, rather 

 trying to the nerves. The rock is of granite, containing, particularly 

 near the summit, a large quantity of mica. There is scarcely any 

 vegetation upon it, and indeed from its steepness, no possibility of 

 the formation of a soil. The largest temples are at an elevation, I 

 should think, of about 2000 feet, estimating the greatest height at 2500. 

 They are built of the granite, though some of the steps and staircases 

 are formed of sandstone, from the plain below. They are works of pro- 

 digious labour, and are executed in excellent taste. They are at pre- 

 sent appropriated by the Jainas ; but the most ancient and remarkable 

 of them appear to me from the Dhagob, and other arrangements, to be 

 undoubtedly Buddhist. The most remarkable Jaina images in them, 

 are those of Nemindtha, not much exceeding the size of a man, black 

 and ornamented with gold, and at present worshipped ; and JRishabh- 

 deva, of a colossal size, of granite, covered with white chunam ; and 

 Parasndtha. In the inferior parts, there are the images of all the twen- 

 ty-four Tirihankars. There are numerous cells in the courts of the 

 temples, and places adjoining, which were probably formerly used by 

 the priests. At present, the only persons who live on the hill, are the 

 sipahis who guard the temples, a few pujdris, and pilgrims who come 

 to worship, and who may sojourn for a night or two. I was allowed to 

 go through all the temples, and even to enter the shrines, and measure 

 the idols. When I had finished the inspection of them, a large com- 

 pany of Yatis and Banias came to perform their devotions ; and as soon 

 as I could command their attention, I preached to them the words of 

 eternal life 



" After taking a little refreshment, I proceeded to the temple situat- 

 ed at the summit of the hill. Though goodlooking in the exterior, and 

 evidently of Buddhist, or Jaina, origin, it is very filthy within. In 

 one extremity, there is an uncarved block of granite, with huge eyes 

 and a monstrous mouth depicted upon it, sacred to Devi under the 

 name of Ambdmd. I found a good many people around it, to whom I 

 spoke on the folly and guilt of idolatry, There are two other peaks on 

 the hill, from one of which the Hindus, who get tired of life, throw 

 themselves down in the hope of making a speedy journey of it to heaven. 

 I did not think of visiting them, on account of the difficulty of reaching 

 them. There was, however, a staircase leading to them, as to the peak 

 on which I stood. 



" The view from the top of Girndr is one which is not dearly pur- 

 chased at the expense of ascending it. It embraces the adjoining hills 

 (of granite), and one of which, the Dhdtar, vies with it in height, and an 

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