OF THE HINDUS. XO7 



sect, are observed, and the same festivals. In the Piijd, however, there is one 

 pecuharity which merits notice, as indicative of a friendly leaning towards 

 the Saiva sects ; the images of Siva, Durga, and Ganesa, are placed on the 

 same shrine with the form of Vishnu, and partake in the adoration offered 

 to his idol. Rites are conducive to final happiness only, as they indicate a de- 

 sire to secure the favor of Vishnu. The knowledge of his supremacy is essen- 

 tial to the zeal with which his approbation may be sought, but they consider 

 it unnecessary to attempt an identification with him by abstract meditation, as 

 that is unattainable.*— Those who have acquired the regard of Vishnu are, 

 thereby, exempted from future birth, and enjoy felicity in VaiJmntJia, under 

 four conditions, as Sdrupya, similarity of form, Sdlokijay visible presence, 

 Sdnnidhi/a, proximity, and Sdrshl'hi, equal power. 



Besides the writings of the founder, the following works are considered 

 as forming the Sdstra, or scriptural authority of this sect. The four Vedas, 

 the Mahdbhdraty tne Pdnchardira, and the genuine or original Rdmdyana. 



It seems not improbable, that the founder of the Mddhica sect was, ori- 

 ginally, a Saiva priest, and, although he became a convert to the Vaislmava 

 faith, he encouraged an attempt to form a kind of compromise or alliance be- 

 tween the Saivas and VaisJmavas. Madhwa was first' initiated into the faith 

 of Siva, at Anantesrvar, the shrine of a Linga, and one of his names, Ananda 

 Tirt'ha, indicates his belonging' to the class of Dasndmi Gosa'ms, who were 

 instituted by Sankaracharya j one of his first acts was to estabjish a Sdldgratn, 

 a type of Vishnu, at the shrine of Subrahmanya, the warrior son of Siva, and, 

 as observed above, the images of Siva are allowed to partake, in the Madlwoa 



* Emancipation is not obtained without the favour of Vishnu. His favour is obtained from 

 knowledge of his excellence, and not from a knowledge of his identity. —/St-m^/. 



