62 
SCENES IN INDIA. 
mountain torrents,, the roar is augmented tenfold. 
There is a tremendous vortex just below the fall, 
caused by its sudden and violent pressure upon the 
surface below,, so that no one can safely approach 
within reach of the spray. The waters of this spot 
are highly sacred., Puppanassum, the name which the 
place bears, signifying the washing away of sins. A 
great number of devotees are to he seen at all times 
bathing in this consecrated river. 
About a mile from the cataract a handsome pagoda 
is built upon the banks of the stream, together with 
several elegant choultries. Here river fish of various * 
kinds may be caught, and tame carp nearly two feet 
long come to the surface to be fed, which they daily 
are by the superstitious Hindoos. “ This is altogether 
one of the wildest and most beautiful spots,” says 
Colonel Welsh, f<r I have ever seen, and the neigh- 
bourhood abounds with game, particularly with pea- 
fowl, tigers, and wild hogs. This place may be visited 
safely only between the months of May and Septem- 
ber ; at all other times a dangerous hill-fever is ex- 
tremely prevalent.” This, however, the whole of our 
party were fortunate enough to escape. 
By the side of this celebrated fall there is a rock 
which is most highly venerated. It is covered with 
a rude bas-relief, before which pilgrims and other 
visitants to these holy waters prostrate themselves, 
performing at the same time the most grotesque gesti- 
culations that can be imagined. Fakeers are also to 
be found — and where are they not in India ? — among 
the swarms of fanatics who daily practise their fan- 
tastic ceremonials before these mystical sculptures. 
