1837.] condition of Oujein or Ujjayani. 833 



still worshipped, but I learnt nothing regarding them worthy of re- 

 membrance. 



The temple of Harsuddi (included in the Matas) deserves more than 

 a passing notice. It is celebrated for its antiquity, its holiness, 

 and for containing the identical idol, so devoutly worshipped by the 

 Vikramas. On a shelf behind the image, is a head carved in stone, 

 regarding which a singular tradition obtains. 



Vikramaji't was in the habit of every day cutting off his head, and 

 of presenting it to the blood-thirsty Devi, the goddess generously 

 restored the offering and replaced it uninjured on its shoulders. The 

 king at length in an excess of devotion vowed that on no day should 

 food or drink pass his lips, till the extraordinary sacrifice had been 

 performed. One luckltss morning however, he lost his way out hunting, 

 and feeling so overpowered with fatigue and thirst, that he could pro- 

 ceed no further, he cut off his head and desired his attendants to take 

 and present it to the accustomed shrine. As they were carrying the 

 head along, some flies feasted on it, and the goddess disgusted with 

 the half-eaten offering, in her indignation converted it into stone; the 

 expecting corpse shared the same fate ; the head has ever since 

 occupied a place in the temple, and the petrified trunk is still, it is 

 believed, to be seen in the neighbourhood, though in so secluded a 

 spot that the seeker must lose his way to find it. A different version 

 of the tale relates, that the king was fighting with Salivahan on the 

 banks of the Nerbudda, and that unable to leave the field he sent his 

 head in a golden charger and wrapped in rich clothes to Harsudui. 

 A kite attracted by the smell of blood carried off the head, but soon 

 dropping so tough a morsel, it was taken thus mangled and dirty to 

 the shrine of the goddess, who spurning with her foot the unwashed* 

 banquet it became stone. We read in Wilford's puzzling essay 

 on the Vikramas, that one of the peculiarities of these princes, was the 

 being always ready to offer up their heads to Devi : none however 

 are supposed to have performed the sacrifice more than ten times, 

 for so many times only had their attendant demon the power of 

 restoring them to life. Vikramaji't indeed at last lost his head for 

 aye, but it was not on this occasion cut off by himself, but by his 

 enemy and conqueror Salivahan. The story here told is evidently 

 made up from some of the numerous fables which are extant on the 

 subject. 



The temple, a huge pile without sikra, contains besides the principal 



* " When a sacrifice is made to Chandika the victim's head having been cut 

 off must be sprinkled with water," — As. Res. 5 : 390. 



