204 



SKETCH OF THE 



that, not imfrequently, there is much knavery in this helplessness, but 

 there are many Hindus whose simple enthusiasm induces them honestly 

 to practice such self-denial, and there is little risk in the attempt, as the 

 credulity of their countrymen, or rather countrywomen, will, in most places, 

 take care that their wants are amply supplied : these devotees are usually 

 included amongst the Saiva ascetics ; but it may be doubted whether the 

 classification is correct. 



AGHORIS. 



, 



The pretended insensibility of the Paramahansa being of a passive 

 nature, is, at least, inoffensive, and even where it is mere pretence, the 

 retired nature of the practice renders the deception little conspicuous or 

 revolting. The same profession of worldly indifference characterises the 

 Aghori, or Aghorapanthi ; but he seeks occasions for its display, and de- 

 mands alms as a reward for its exhibition. 



The original Aghori worship seems to have been that of Devi in 

 some of her terrific forms, and to have required even human v ictims for 

 its performance.* In imitation of the formidable aspect under which the 

 goddess was worshipped, the appearance of her votary was rendered 

 as hideous as possible, and his wand and water-pot were a staff set with 

 bones and the upper half of a skull : the practices were of a similar 

 nature, and flesh and spirituous liquors constituted, at will, the diet of 

 the adept. 



* It may be credulity or calumny, but the Bhils, and other hill tribes, are constantly accused 

 by Sanscrit writers of the eleventh and twelfth centuries, as addicted to this sanguinary worship. 

 The Vrihat Katha is full of stories to this effect, the scene of which is chiefly in the Vindhyd 

 range. Its covert existence in cities is inferable from the very dramatic situation in Bhavabhuti's 

 Drama, M&lati and Mddhava, where Madhava rescues his mistress from the Aghora Ghanta, who 

 is about to sacrifice M&lati at the shrine of Chamunda, 



