SCULPTURED SNAKE. 
47 
deriding the powers of the storm and the influence 
of time^ as if proud at once of its strength and 
its antiquity. The scenery all the way up the 
hill is exceedingly picturesque. We ascended by a 
road cut at intervals through the solid rock; where 
the ascent was aided by steps. About midway to 
the temple; a short distance out of the path; is a 
large hooded snake; an object of great veneration 
among the Hindoos; carved upon the surface of the 
rock ; it is full eighty feet in length; and of corre- 
sponding thickness; but cut with extreme delicacy; 
and is a very faithful representation. On either side 
of it there are steps hewn in the natural stone; for 
the more easy ascent of the devotees; who come hither 
in great numbers to worship the sacred monster. 
From the portico of the temple; which stands at the 
very verge of a tremendous and abrupt declivity; the 
view is magnificent; commanding; from its great ele- 
vation; a vast tract of country richly diversified. Some 
architectural features of a more modern date have 
been added to this temple ; they are easily distin- 
guishable; and offer a beautiful contrast to the older 
portions of the structure; which are of the highest 
antiquity; and in good preservation. We were assured; 
by one of the resident BraminS; that we were the first 
Europeans who had been admitted within the adytum 
of this venerated heathen sanctuary. 
On our return; we visited the less sacred but far 
more splendid structure : here Mr. William Daniell 
completed the drawing from which the engraving is 
made that represents a portion of this magnificent 
subject. This temple is built in the centre of an 
