BOORHANPOOR. 
127 
one niche larger than the rest, in the centre, being 
used as a pulpit for the chief moolla. It is especially 
dedicated to the mysteries of the Bukra Eed, an 
annual festival, in commemoration of the trial of 
Abraham’s faith, when commanded by the Almighty 
to offer his son Isaac as a burnt sacrifice on Mount 
Moriah. The festival is always very noisy, but some 
of the ceremonies are peculiarly solemn and imposing, 
especially that wherein they perform the grand 
sacrifice of a he- goat. 
The Eedghur at Burlianpoor possesses a grandeur 
of design, and an importance of extent, seldom, 
perhaps nowhere else, to be met with in these 
buildings. It is said to have been erected by order 
of the emperor Aurungzebe, who, happening to 
arrive at Boorhanpoor on the anniversary of the 
Bukra Eed, was surprised by inquiring in vain for 
the Eedghur, until informed that the city of Boor- 
hanpoor, though rich in commerce, and a favourite 
resort of the mighty, had never yet been able to 
boast of such an edifice. The emperor expressed 
his astonishment at the circumstance, and severely 
animadverted upon the want of religious ardour on 
the part of the Prophet’s followers in this city. At 
the same time, being desirous of setting them a better 
example, and of exciting something like religious 
emulation among them, he gave orders for the 
building of an Eedghur, which should surpass in 
size and magnificence all others to be seen in the 
