1844.] 



Account of Mamullaipur. 



Arjuna, as he was distinguished among his brethren for his 

 prudence, fortitude, and valor, was employed to procure it. 



The hero of this story had to travel far to the north of the 

 Himalaya mountains, there to perform austere and rigid pe- 

 nance in order to propitiate the god and obtain his favor : and 

 as a preparatory measure, he was instructed in all requisite 

 mantras and mystic ceremonies. On reaching the appointed 

 place he found a delightful retreat ; a grove or forest abound- 

 ing with streams and fruits and flowers, with whatever could 

 regale the senses or charm the eye. Not only was the earth 

 most bountiful, but the air was filled with the strains of celestial 

 melody. In this place Arjuna commenced and carried on 

 his austerities by meditation, by prayer, and by ceremonial 

 purification. 



During the first month he ate but once in four days : 

 during the second month, but once in seven days : during 

 the third month, only once in fourteen days : and during the 

 fourth month he did not eat at all, but completed his pe- 

 nance by standing on the tip of his great toe, the other leg 

 being lifted from the ground, and his hands raised above his 

 head. This is the period of the penance which the &culptor 

 has selected for illustration, in the curious work now under 

 notice. The figure of Arjuna is exhibited in a posture agreeing 

 exactly with the story, the relation of which however it 

 seems necessary to continue a little further, in order to ex- 

 plain the accessories, the figures of men and animals, with 

 which the whole face of the rock is covered. 



The nearest Eishis, (hermits or ascetics who by austerities 

 and meditation may attain, as their object is, riches, power, 

 supernatural arms, or beatitude), seeing the intense devotion 

 of Arjuna, went and reported it to the god Isvara, who was 

 highly gratified : but in order to try the constancy and courage 

 of the hero, the deity assumed the form of a wild hunter. 

 One of his accompanying attendants was transformed into a 



