HINDOO TEMPLE AT MUDDENPOOR. 
223 
This temple, which is built without cement, is 
supposed to be of extreme antiquity, and its appear- 
ance fully justifies the supposition. It stands upon 
an eminence at some distance from the public road, 
commanding an extensive and beautiful view of the 
surrounding country. The hill, though not lofty, is 
troublesome to ascend ; for in consequence of the im- 
mense number of persons who still visit this sacred 
shrine, either from curiosity or devotion, the surface 
of the rock through which the road is cut is so worn 
as to render it quite slippery, and to persons unac- 
customed to such a ticklish ascent, it is altogether 
impracticable without assistance from those whom 
habit has enabled to surmount the difficulty. Never- 
theless, when the summit is gained, the traveller’s 
toil is abundantly repaid by the splendid prospect 
before him, which however is so common in India that 
it soon ceases to be a novelty, though it cannot cease 
to give delight. The view from this spot is scarcely 
inferior to that seen from the summit of Rhotas Gur. 
The Brahmins who attend the temple are esteemed 
very holy persons, and the sanctuary, though in a 
state of dilapidation, is resorted to by pilgrims from 
a great distance. It is dedicated to Vishnoo, and is 
frequently the scene of the most absurd supersti- 
tions ; yet in spite of the foolish rites to which 
long established custom has imparted the authority 
and obligation of law, some of the doctrines taught 
in these heathen tabernacles are such as would not 
disgrace a Christian preacher. They inculcate a highly 
pure morality, and wherever this is infringed, under 
the sanctions of interested teachers, it is a viola- 
