OF KAMAON. I67 



in which case the deficiency is supplied by loans, which are liquidated by the 

 surplus proceeds of productive years. In the year 1820, the sum of '7,500 

 rupees was, in this manner, devoted to clear off former incumbrances. These 

 statements have been formed from the original detailed accounts, which, from 

 the various checks that exist in their formation, must be generally accurate. 

 During the winter months, the temple is blocked up and covered with snow, 

 and the attendants remove to Pandkesar and JoshimatJu 



The temple of Kedarndth, similarly situated in the Himalaya^ is also 

 dedicated to an incarnation of Vishnu, The present building is larger and 

 handsomer than that at Badari, and has only recently been completed at 

 the expense of Kajee Amer Sinh and his family. The Rdwal here is also 

 invariably a native of the Malabar coast, of the Lingam* sect. He does not, 

 however, perform the religious ceremonies in person, but resides constantly 

 at Ukhimath, and sends his deputy (of the same class) to Kedarnath. The 

 season of pilgrimage, and the number of pilgrims, are nearly the same 

 at both temples, a previous visit to Kedarnath being considered a necessary 

 preparation to the pilgrimage to Badarinath. A few pilgrims annually 

 devote themselves to destruction there, either by precipitating themselves 

 from the summit of a particular rock, or by penetrating into the Himalaya, 

 till overwhelmed in the snow. The receipts and disbursements of this temple 

 may be taken at one-third of those of Badarinath. There are also several 

 charitable endowments, for distribution of food to pilgrims proceeding to 

 Kedarnath and Badarinath^ which are supported by lands exclusively 

 assigned for the purpose, the greater part, during the Gorkha government ; 

 at each of which the pilgrims receive one day's food either goino- or re- 

 turning. 



* How is tliis reconcileable with its being a Vaishnava shrine ? H. H. W, 



