278 
famous lor its seminaries of brahmins: the drooping branches of 
the banian trees, planted on the steep banks, overshadow the steps 
leading to the sacred stream, for the convenience of ablutions, and 
spread a solemn gloom around the Hindoo temples and altars, 
which abound in this spot. Pulparra is esteemed peculiarly holy; 
it is the general resort of recluse brahmins, and gymnosophists of 
various descriptions: there also, at stated seasons, the other tribes 
of Hindoos repair to bathe, and offer their flowery sacrifices: the 
sacred edifices and groves are strewed with the champa, mogree, 
and nymphea; and the cottages and arbours of the Yogees and 
Senasses are crowded with visitors to behold the austerities of these 
devotees; who, forgetting they were created for active and useful 
life, endued with a capacity to improve their talents, and enjoy 
rational pleasures, consume their daj^s in stupid indolence; or 
inflict on themselves severe penance and cruel torture, in hopes of 
rendering themselves acceptable to their deities, in a state of igno- 
rance or forgetfulness of that Being whose tender mercies are over 
a ! 1 his works. 
“ What blessings Thy free bounty gives 
“ Let me not cast away 5 
“ For God is paid, when man receives 5 
“ T’ enjoy, is to obey!” Pope. 
The bodies of the deceased Hindoos are burnt at Pulparra, 
and their ashes scattered over this sacred part of the river: here 
also their widows frequently immolate themselves on the funeral 
pile of their husbands. Herodotus mentions a similar practice 
among the Crestonians: where “ each person had several wives; 
