■ S-URVEY OV THE GANGES. 5SS 



Tms artilitial obscurity may have the double effect of passing off 

 tinsel and glass, for gold and precious stones ; and, by exhibiting the 

 image in a dubious light, the superstitious mind has a greater scope foi^ 

 its own conceptions. From the indistinct view we had of it, we should 

 suppose it to be about three feet high, cut. in black stone, or marble; 

 but the head and hands were the only parts -uncovered. To the right of 

 him, are the images of Udd'hava, Nar a^d Nara'yena ; to the left, Cu- 

 VE'RA and NA'REDAjWith whom we were only- nominally acquainted;, for 

 to U'S they were veiled, as ministers of perfect darkness. 



Having satifiedour curiosity, and signified our wish to depart, a large 

 silver salver was brought forth, to receive any offering we were inclined 

 to make. Our means were very insufficient, to answer the high expec- 

 tations which had undoubtedly been formed, from the marked and un- 

 precedented distinction that had been: conferred upon us ; but, as it was 

 necessary to acknowledge the favor by. some pecuniary token, we pre- 

 sented owe hundred rupees- at the shrine, and took. our leave, without 

 absolution or remission. Although ■ we. derived little gratification from 

 'the-: inspection of the temple, it was pleasing to fixnd we had not offended 

 any of their religious prejudices, by our presence; for^ we were appre^ 

 hensive some scruples or objections might have been-raised; as none but 

 ^i«(i;}5 have ever visited the place. Oar Muslejnd?i servants were" pro- 

 hibited from approaching the spot; and a particular request was made, 

 on our arrival, that no kid or living creature might be deprived of life, 

 within the precincts of the temnle ; but ^a large stone, on the opposite side 

 of the river, at a short distance from our camp, was pointed cut, for the 

 slaughter of any animals we might require for the table. 



The temple of Bhadri-KdL'h has more beneficed landS; attached to it; 



