1850.] 



Analysis of Mackenzie Manuscripts. 



31 



Gteneeal Remaek. — The covers, and this last section being excepted, 

 the other contents of the book are in very good preservation. The first 

 and third section are of some value; both as to composition, and matter. 

 The two other imperfect documents are worthless ; or at best of trifling 

 value. 



Manuscript Book, No. 11, C. M. 523. 



Satyendra- Chola-raja cadhz, or account of a Chola king, a devotee of the 

 Vira-Saiva sect. 



There are 44 pages wanting at the beginning of this book ; the three 

 first pages which remain have a reference to the said king, panegyrising 

 his virtues and devoteeism. 



It appears, from other papers, that the Vira Saivas, adopted the Chola 

 kings into their system in all cases where any of them had persecuted 

 other systems than the Saiva one. To those kings they have attributed 

 names of their own devising. Satyendra is an epithet, implying, that he 

 was like Indra in truth, or veracity. The loss of the matter is perhaps of 

 very trifling consequence. 



There follows some chants set to different ragas, or musical modes ; the 

 subjects being laudatory strains addressed to gods, and kings. 



Following are legendary matters relative to the origination of a five- 

 faced form of Siva, for the special purpose of destroying an asura ; and 

 the destruction being effected, the said incarnation made use of the asu- 

 ya's skull for the head of his vina, or lute, and stretched his tendons upon 

 the same for strings ; on which instrument he exhibited before the assem- 

 bled celestials, to their no small content, and satisfaction. Some myste- 

 ries relative to the rights of the Jangamas or Lingad'haris, in the Cana- 

 rese country, are stated. The indication as herein apparent of the true 

 spirit of the Vira Saiva system is observable ; not being any amiable 

 spirit of love. 



Eemaek. — The destruction of the asura has an enigmatical meaning ; 

 which other papers on the Vira Saiva sect may perhaps elucidate. The 

 book is written on vile country-paper ; which however has tolerably well 

 escaped the attack of worms ; and the ink continues plainly legible. Such 

 being the case the nature of the contents claims no further attention. A 

 subsequent perusal of Vira Saiva documents induces me to conjecture that 

 the aforesaid asura is a personification of the Jaina system ; exterminated 

 by the two Vasavas, and their followers- The five faces appear to be in- 

 tended to denote five persons, specially distinguished; the epithet of 

 Chetti, or merchant, is affixed to their proper names. 



VOL. XVI. NO. XXXVII. L 



