2io SKETCH OF THE 



numbers, and consequent struggle for pre-eminence, are quite sufficient 

 to account for the dispute.* 



SAKTAS. 



The worshippers of the Sakti, the power or energy of the divine 

 nature in action, are exceedingly numerous amongst all classes of Hindus, j" 

 This active energy is, agreeably to the spirit of the mythological system, 

 personified, and the form with which it is invested considered as the 

 especial object of veneration, depends upon the bias entertained by the 

 individuals towards the adoration of Vishnu or Siva. In the former case, 

 the personified Sakti is termed Lakshmi, or Maha Lakshmi, and in the. 

 latter, Parvati, Bhavani, or Durga, Even Saraswati enjoys some por- 

 tion of homage, much more than her lord, Brahma, whilst a vast variety 

 of inferior beings of malevolent character, and formidable aspect, receive 



* The irregular practices of these and other mendicants, have attracted the lash of Kabir, in 

 the following Remaini : 



Eemaini 69. 



h^ ftcc fair ^«n£> &c 



" I never beheld such a Jogi, oh brother ! forgetting his doctrine, he roves about in negli- 

 gence. He follows, professedly, the faith of Mahadeva, and calls himself an eminent teacher ; the 

 scene of his abstraction is the fair or market. Maya is the mistress of the false saint. When did 

 Dattatreya demolish a dwelling ; when did S6kadeva collect an armed host ; when did Narada 

 mount a matchlock ; when did Vyasadeva blow a trumpet. In making war, the creed is violated. 

 Is he an AtU, who is armed with a quiver? Is he a Virakta, who is filled with covetousness ? His 

 garb is put to shame by his gold ornaments ; he has assembled horses and mares ; is possessed of 

 villages ; is called a man of wealth ; a beautiful woman was not amongst the embellishments of 

 fianaka, and his brethren ; he who carries with him a vessel of ink, cannot avoid soiling his raiment. 



t It has been computed, that of the Hindus of Bengal, at least three-fourths are of this sect : 

 of the remaining fourth, three parts are Vaishnavas } and one Scdvas, &c= 



