100 
THE ORIENTAL ANNUAL. 
cated to this deity, containing a row of white marble 
images, with the usual multiplicity of arms, and 
hideousness of aspect ; but these impersonations of 
the god’s attributes are now neglected in consequence 
of an event whereby, a few years since, the altars 
became polluted. The story, by way of distinction, 
is called 
THE TRAGEDY OF GAWILGHUR, 
and is thus told : — 
The officiating Brahmin was a very aged and 
infirm man, but renowned for his great sanctity and 
the efficacy of his prayers. During a life of extreme 
privation and self-denial, the old man had succeeded 
in amassing a very large sum of money, which it 
was expected he would eventually bequeath for the 
rebuilding or repairing of all sacred Hindoo edifices 
within the fort. One evening a Gossein arrived at 
Gawilghur, travel- worn and exhausted ; and, having 
been cherished and refreshed by the hospitality and 
anxious care of the pious Hindoos whose charity he 
claimed, he inquired, as a stranger, for the temple of 
Mahadeo, and presently retired thither. He remained 
many days at the temple, assisting the Brahmin in 
his religious duties, to all appearance a most devoted 
and indefatigable slave of the god. 
So excellent and useful a person did this Gossein 
appear, that he was received into great favour and 
