1648.] Description of the Antiquities at Kdlinjar. 193 



places it is necessary to sprawl at full length. The brahmans say that 

 this passage is a very important object to pilgrims, who attain great 

 benefit from exploring it(86). The figure of Bhairon in the recess R. 

 (MS.) Plates 3 and 4, already mentioned, is called the Bhatuck Bhairon ; 

 it resembles the other figures of Bhairon, but is better preserved, owing 

 to its being under shelter. The terrace over the facade of the cave, 

 and in front of the Sarg Rohan(87), is shown in plan in PI. XV., figure 

 15. The roof of the reservoir is supported by four neatly cut square 

 pillars, left in the solid rock ; on one of them is a sculpture of Mahadeo 

 and Parbatx, standing together in the usual attitudes, with a canopy 

 of hooded snakes over them (88) ; I could not see these figures suffi- 

 ciently distinct to make a drawing of them. There are several traces 

 of inscriptions over the reservoir, but owing to the action of water, 

 they are much obliterated. I made out dates of Samvat 1554 and 

 1579 ; the former bearing Manu's name. I could discover no inscription 

 assigning a date to the Ras mandal. The stone flooring is covered with 

 the names and dates of arrival of pilgrims ; among them many dates 

 of Samvat 1400 and thereabout; some of 1200, and one 1194, bearing 

 the name Thakur(89). 



The long Sanskrit inscription No. 1, is a facsimile of that on a large 

 black stone slab, leaning against a pillar opposite the entrance of the 

 cave(90) ; to the left is a portion of another inscription given in fac- 



(86) I imagine the confined excavation must be emblematical of the Joni or produc- 

 tive power of Parbati or Bhavani, also represented by the Argha or pedestal of the Ling, 

 and that the entering into and exit from it are emblematical of spiritual regeneration j 

 Coleman in his Hind. Mythology, p. 175, says— Perforated rocks are considered as em- 

 blems of the Joni through which pilgrims and other persons pass for the purpose of being 

 regenerated ; the utmost faith is placed in this sin-expelling transit. 



(87) The name given by the brahmans to the reservoir before mentioned. 



(88) The figures appear to be finely sculptured, and are about 2 feet high ; the brahmans 

 say that under the water is a large Ling image of Mahadeo, which confirms my suppo- 

 sition that the cave was originally free from water ; according to them the water is very 

 deep at a little distance in, but I fancy the excavation is about the same depth as the other 

 caves, for such a mass of water as their account would infer would long ago have carried 

 away the slight screen of rock which is left to confine it. 



(89) There is an inscription of the pillar, just above the cave given below : 



(90) A copy of this is given in Col. Pogson's History of the Bundelas ; a great part of it 

 is entirely illegible from rough usage, the stone having been used at one time to macerate 

 tobacco on. 



