370 



Bsport cn the MacUenzie Manuscripts, 



[APRIt 



Notice of the images within the Saiva-fane Ecamhesvara, 

 The origin of the place is lost in the remoteness of very ancient 

 time. The image of Camacshi was originally of clay. Three 

 towers, and the inner shrine, were constructed by Triyambaca 

 rayalu. In one shrine there is an emblem of Siva, at which 

 Rama {Chandra) performed homage, in order to expiate the sin of 

 killing the racshassas of the country. There is also an image of 

 Perumal {Vishnu) to commemorate the cure of Siva (after swallowing 

 poison with the amrita in the Curma avatara). Brief mention of other 

 images connected with similar legends. A repetition of the fable 

 connected with the mango-tree, mentioned at the beginning. Some 

 porches and shrines were built by Tenagara pillai of Taniore, Other 

 notices of different localities of the fane. The hall of a thousand' 

 pillars is built over the place w^here was the pit in which Brahma per- 

 formed his great sacrifice ; there is a sacred pool in the midst. In the. 

 JBharata Candam, or continent south of mount Himalaya, there are one^ 

 thousand and eight fanes, of these one hundred and eight are special j, 

 and of these latter twenty-eight are within the district of Conjeveram.. 

 The names of these twenty-eight fanes are given ; and also a> 

 specification of sacred pools {tirtlias) connected with the said fanes. 



Notice of the Ammen kovil, or fane of the local goddess. 



The shrine was built by Vira-deva maha-raja. A tower was built on 

 the south side by Pallala rayuda. To the west of the goddess's shrine 

 there is an image of Sancaracharya, also of Durvasa rishi. There is a. 

 golden image of Camacshi, termed Bangara (the golden). An image 

 of Santana Ganapati, paid homage to by the childless, who desire to 

 have children. Other minute details. Just before the spot on which the 

 image of Camacshi is placed, there is a chasm, hollow or cavern, in 

 the earth {Sancaracharya is traditionally stated to have concealed the 

 image therein for greater safety, and it is popularly reported that th 

 original Camacshi is still hidden therein). 



DETAIL OF WORLDLY POWER, 



The names of a few monarchs are given, coming down to the lat 

 jRayers, and Gajapaiis. Lengthened periods are ascribed to the earlie 

 rulers (gathered from the Piiranas) ; but nothing is stated that can ad 

 to, or correct, other information on these subjects. 



