1839] 



Eeport on the Mackenzie Manuscripts. 



41 



ship; to the construction of towns, & included buildings; Vo the formal ion 

 of images of every kind, intended for the purposes <of homage", or worship. 

 With these matters much of astrology is mingled ; as to the configura- 

 tions of planets ; their effects on particular days, and the proper times 

 to be chosen for commencing, and carrying forward, any work : if these 

 directions are not observed, loss and damage will follow. There are also 

 formularies prescribed to be used, on the above several occasions. 



This manuscript of 63 palm-leaves is of recent appearance; slightly 

 touched by insects ; but, on the whole, in good preservation. 



2. Silpi-sastram, No. 95 — Countermark 257 {Grant } ha character). 

 In this manuscript two different works are contained. 



1. The first is a little old, in appearance ; and treats of the workman- 

 ship of images, whether made of earth, of wood, of stone, or brass, &c. 

 Particular directions are given, as to the choice of wood • if that mate- 

 rial be employed. Astrological times, and observances, are connected 

 with these formations. The work then proceeds to treat of the forma- 

 tion of towns, and villages ; and states the eight kind of substances 

 which are required towards the formation of images, in fixing them 

 aright; these are termed ashta-bandanam. This last subject is contain- 

 ed in a single leaf. 



2. The other work is of recent appearance ; and contains various 

 meditations on the qualities, or attributes, of different ideal deities. These 

 are Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Mahesvara, Siva, Mahesvari, Caumari, 

 Varahi, Mahendri, Chamundi, Astra-deva (a form of Siva), Chocapa, 

 Vikenesvara. These meditations consist of reflections on the visible 

 attributes, hands, arms, weapons, &c, with which the images of those 

 idealities are usually represented ; and which have an allegorical mean- 

 ing, though not usually known, or attended to. 



There are further some details of attributes of Brahm, or the Supreme ; 

 these being properly what are termed perfections, and without visible 

 symbols. 



The meditation of Nandi, the vehicle of Siva and his Sacti ; of Maha- 

 Cali-Sacti; and of Bhairava. Meditation concerning the door of the 

 fane ; its security ; and its porters, or warders ; its steps ; its bolt. The 

 mantra on opening the said door, and similar details : 



These matters are curious, and give an idea of the minutiae connected 

 with idol service, not usually met with, in other kinds of books. 



