PAGODA AT RAMISERAM. 
185 
splendour of the pagoda will testify that it was not 
a secluded temple raised to encourage the worship of a 
few peasants and casual travellers, but was erected to 
signalise the spot where the great Rama, an avatar or 
incarnation of Vishnoo, after his return from the con- 
quest of the giant Ravan, set up his consecrated image, 
which was thenceforth to be worshipped. From that 
time pilgrims flocked to this holy spot, and it became 
sacred in proportion to the multitudes whom its re- 
puted sanctity attracted to its altars. 
“ The guardianship of this sacred isle is in a family 
of devotees, the chief of which is named the Pandaram, 
and doomed to perpetual celibacy, the succession being 
carried on by the sisters or by the collateral branch. 
The greater part of the income is devoted to his use 
and to that of his relations, who have possessed the 
supreme power above ninety years.” * 
The discarded wife resolved to visit this spot ; and 
signifying her determination to the companions of her 
daily toils, they wished her a prosperous journey, but 
laughed at her presumption. Not to be deterred by 
what she considered the profane gibes of untaught 
and therefore licentious minds, she set out on foot for 
this eminent sanctuary ; and having obtained a passage 
from Manaar to Ramiseram in a fishing-boat, through 
the generosity of an honest fisherman, who was satis- 
fied with her thanks for a fee, she threw herself 
under the shelter of a banyan, where she passed the 
night, and with the first peep of dawn presented her- 
self at the door of the temple. Her feet tottered 
* Description of Hindostan, vol. ii. page 476. 
