23 
A JOURNEY FROM MADRAS THROUGH 
CHAPTER follow them as disciples. A Brahman of this kind is called a Sanny asi } 
L t and must be a man of learning, that is to say, must be able to read 
Sanscrit , and be acquainted with the dogmas of his particular sect. 
The number of Brahman Sanny dsis is very small, and is chiefly con- 
fined to those, who are Gurus , Swamalus, or bishops of the different 
sects, and who, in every thing relating to religion and cast, have a 
jurisdiction over all their inferiors. They also perform certain 
ceremonies, such as Upadesa , and Chicranticum, which may be con- 
sidered as analogous to the Confirmation granted by our prelates. 
They are supported entirely by tlfe contributions of their disciples; 
but these are so burthensome, that a Guru seldom continues long 
in one place ; for the contributions even of Madras are not equal to 
supply the wants of a Swamalu for more than one or two months. 
A hundred Pagodas a day, £36. 15. 5. is as little, as can be decently 
offered to such a personage. The Raja of Tanjore is said to give 
his Guru 250 Pagodas a day {£9 1. 18. 6*.), when that personage 
honours him with a visit. The Gurus travel in great state, with 
elephants, horses, Palankeens , and an immense train of disciples, the 
least of whom considers himself as highly elevated above mankind 
by his sanctity. They generally travel at night, in order to avoid 
their Mussulman or European conquerors, who would not show 
them that veneration, or rather adoration, to which they consider 
themselves entitled ; and they have therefore been seldom seen by 
travellers. On the approach of a Guru to any place, every inhabi- 
tant of pure birth must go to meet him ; the lower classes are not 
admitted to his presence. The Guru , on being conducted to the 
principal temple, bestows Upadesa , or Chicranticum , on such as have 
not received these ceremonies, and distributes holy water. He 
then inquires into matters of contention, or transgressions against 
the rules of cast ; and having settled, or punished these, hears his 
disciples and other learned men dispute on theological subjects. 
This is the grand field for acquiring reputation among the Br&k- 
mans . These disputations are said to be very similar to those, which 
