II IN DOOS. 
137 
gu^ts, generally consisting of shawls, pieces of muslin, and other 
cloths, 
A number of ceremonies are performed when the parties are of 
age, and cohabit together; the same are repeated when the young 
wife becomes pregnant — when she passes the seventh month without 
any accident — and when she is delivered of her child. The relations 
assemble at the tenth day after the birth, to assist at the ceremony 
of naming the child ; but if the brahmins be of opinion that the aspect 
of the planets is at that time unfavourable, the ceremony is delayed, 
and prayers are offered up to avert the misfortune. When the lucky 
moment is discovered, they fill as many pots with water as there are 
planets, and offer a sacrifice to them ; afterwards they sprinkle the 
head of the child with water, and the brahmin gives it such a name as 
he thinks best adapted to the time and circumstances ; and the cere- 
mony concludes with prayers, presents to the brahmins, and alms to 
the poor. 
Mothers are obliged to suckle their own children ; nor can this 
duty be dispensed with, except in cases of sickness. More cere- 
monies, with presents to the brahmins, take place, when a boy comes 
of age to receive the string, which the three first casts wear round 
their waist. 
Superstitions. 
Great numbers of devotees are to be met with every where through- 
out Hindoostan. Every cast is allowed to assume this way of life, 
except the Chandalahs., Those held most in esteem are named Sei- 
nasses and Yogeys. The former are allow'ed no other clothing but 
what wall cover their nakedness, nor have they any worldly goods 
besides a pitcher and a staff* ; but though they are strictly enjoined 
to meditate on the truths contained in the sacred writings, they are 
expressly forbidden to argue about them. They must eat but once a 
day, very sparingly, of rice or other vegetables ; they must also shew 
the most perfect indifference about hunger, thirst, heat, cold, or any 
thing relating to this world, looking forward with continual desire to 
the separation of the soul from the body. Should any one of them 
fail in this self-denial, he is rendered so much more criminal by the 
attempt, as he neglected the duties of ordinary life for those of an- 
other which he is not able to accomplish. 
The Yogeys are bound to much the same rules, and both subject 
themselves to most extravagant penances. Some keep their arms 
stretched over their heads till they become withered, and incapable 
of motion ; others keep them crossed over their breast during life ; 
while others, keeping their hands constantly shut, have them quite 
pierced through by the growth of their nails. Some chain themselves 
to trees, or particular spots of ground, which they never quit; others 
resolve never to lie dowm, but sleep leaning against a tree ; but the 
most curious penance perhaps on record is that of a Yogey, who mea- 
sured the distance between Benares and Juggernaut with the length 
of his body, lying down and rising alternately. Many of these enthu- 
siasts throw themselves into the way of the chariots of Vishnou or 
Sheevah, when brought forth to celebrate the feast of a temple, and 
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