1848.] Description of the Antiquities at Kalinjar. 177 



solid rock. He is represented in the usual manner and attitude. (20) On 

 the rock to the right of the tank are several Ling emblems of Mahadeo 

 of various sizes, and on the left some male and female dancing figures 

 and two sarman or water-carriers, (vide PI. VII. fig. 3.) near one of 

 which is the inscription No. 12.* (21) Lying near Bhairon Kund is a 

 stone trough or cistern 4 feet 9 inches long and 2 feet 5 inches wide, 

 cut out of a solid piece. 



From the Lai Darwaza a short ascent leads to the 7th or main gate, 

 which is of a comparatively modern appearance and has probably been 

 repaired at a later date than the others. There is an inscription on it 

 dated Samvat 1691 or 2 ; it has large wooden doors. Inside the gate on 

 the left are several detached sculptures of Mahadeo and Parbati, 

 Ling and Joni, impressions of feet, &c.(22) 



As the various caves, kunds, &c. &c. are scattered about in different 

 parts of the hill, it will perhaps save confusion if I mention them in 

 the order in which they present themselves as you make the circuit of 

 the ramparts, commencing on the left of the main gate. 



The first objects which attract attention are two large iron guns ly- 

 ing on stone barbettes. There are fourteen of these guns in different 



(20) The figure does not appear very well finished, and is moreover nearly hidden by 

 the jungle which has been suffered to grow over it. 



(21) The situation of this inscription prevented my making a facsimile of it, as I was 

 obliged to cling to the rock with one hand while copying with the other, whereas to make 

 a facsimile I must have used both hands. I believe the copy is correct of as much as was 

 legible at all. 



(22) The Joni, which is the name of the curious spouted pedestal on which the Ling 

 stands, is the emblem of Parbati, the female power of nature, as the Ling Mahadeo is 

 of the male. Mr. Coleman says, " Of the origin of the mystic worship of the Linga and 

 the Joni little appears to be understood. It may be presumed to have been nature, 

 under the male and female forms personified as Siva, the Sun (which he is equally with 

 Surya) or fire, the genial heat which pervades, generates and vivifies all : and Bhavani, 

 who is the goddess of nature, is also the earth, the universal mother. These two active 

 principles of life having been thus personified, may have been subsequently converted, by 

 the grossness of idolatry, which in its progress invariably seeks rather to gratify the sensual 

 appetites than to instruct the minds of its votaries, from imaginary forms to realities, from 

 the personified symbols of nature to typical representations of the procreating power of 

 these symbols themselves. The Joni is the symbol of female energy, worshipped by the 

 sect of the Saktas and in conjunction with the Linga by the Saivas ; it is the especial 

 emblem of Parbati. In representation of the Linga it forms the rim or ridge of Argha 

 winch encircles it." — Coleman, Myth. pp. 175, 17G. 



* See Appendix. 



