RELIGIOUS SECTS OF THE HINDUS. 195 



then set up in various parts of India, several of which, besides Someswara, 

 or Somandth, which was the name of the Siva, demolished by Mahmud, were 



" The temple in which the Idol of Somnath stood, was of considerable extent, both in length 

 and breadth, and the roof was supported by fifty-six pillars in rows. The Idol was of polished 

 stone, its height was about five cubits, and its thickness in proportion : two cubits were below ground. 

 Mahmud having entered the temple, broke the stone Somnath, with a heavy mace : some of the 

 fragments he ordered to be conveyed to Ghizni, and they were placed at the threshold of the great 

 Mosque." Another authority, the Tebkat Akbeeri, a history of Akber's reign, with a preliminary 

 Sketch of Indian History, has the following : 



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<( In the year 415 ( Hijera) Mahmud determined to lead an army against Somnath, a city on 

 the sea-shore, with a temple appertaining to the followers of Brahma ; the temple contained many 

 idols, the principal of which was named Somnath. It is related in some histories that this idol 

 was carried from the Kaaba, upon the coming of the Prophet, and transported to India. The 

 Brahmanical records, however, refer it to the time of Krishna, or an antiquity of 4000 years. 

 Krishna, himself, is said to have disappeared at this place. 



" When the Sultan arrived at Neherwaleh, (the capital of Guzerat) he found the city deserted, 

 and carrying off such provisions as could be procured, he advanced to Somnath; the inhabitants of 



