RELIGIOUS SECTS OF THE HINDUS. 175 



deity and his incarnations, in preference to the other members of the 

 Triad, whence they are included amongst his votaries ; and they so far 

 admit the distinction as not unfrequently to bear the Saiva mark upon 

 the forehead, smearing it with the Tripundra, a triple transverse line made 

 with the Vihhuti, or ashes which should be taken from the fire of an 

 Agnihotra Brahman, or they may be the ashes of burnt cowdung from an 

 oblation offered to the god*. They also adopt the initiating Mantra of 

 all the Saiva classes, either the five or six syllable Mantra, " Nama 

 Sivaya," or, " Om, Nama Sivaya." The genuine Daii&i, however, is not 

 necessarily of the Saiva or any other sect ; and in their establishments it 



* The material, or Vibhuti, anil the efficacy of the mark, the Tripundra, are thus described 

 in the Kdsikhanda — 



TO ssifrram f^inmi *rsw% 11 



The ashes of fire made with burnt cowdung, are the material fittest for the Tripundra. 



Whoever marks the Tripundra with ashes, agreeably to rule, is purified from sins of the first and 

 second degree : who makes it on his forehead without the Mantras, being ignorant of its virtue, 

 will be purified from every simple sin. The mode of making it is thus laid down : 



Beginning between the eye-brows, and carrying it to their extremity, the mark made with the 

 thumb reverted between the middle and third fingers, is called the Tripundra. 



