1899.] 
THE NILAMATA AND MAHATMYAS, 
51 
present Haramukh), 1 the ancient site of Bhutesvara (ButlPser) so well- 
known to the Rajatarangini and all old texts, turned into Bodhesvara , 
etc. In the Amaranathamdhatmya of which there is a comparatively 
old copy in the Poona collection, we are also treated to Padrsti as the 
Sanskrit name of Pandrethan, to Susramanaga (for Ks. Susramnag ) 
as the name of the lake where the Naga Susravas of the old legend 
took up his abode, 2 and the like. Examples of local names similarly 
perverted in other Mahatmyas will have to be mentioned passim in 
our account below. 
It is important to note that by the side of texts like those just 
mentioned, there are others which on the whole show close conformity 
with our genuine old sources both in matter of legend and local names. 3 
And even lin the Mahatmyas which in their present form we have 
every reason to consider as recent compositions, there is often abundant 
evidence of the use of earlier materials and traditions. 4 It will be 
easier to understand the singular discrepancies in the value and charac¬ 
ter of these texts on examining the peculiar conditions under which 
they have originated. 
30 . The Mahatmyas are in the first place hand-books for the 
Purohitas of the particular Tirthas who have 
Origin ^nd purpose p r i v n e ge of taking charge of the pilgrims, 
of Mahatmyas. They serve the priests as chief authorities for 
the claims they put forth on behalf of the holiness of their Tirtha, 
and for the rewards they promise for its visit. They are also intended 
to support their directions as to the rites to be observed by the pilgrim, 
and the route to be taken by him on the journey. It is usual for the 
Purohitas to recite the Mahatmya for the benefit of their clients in the 
course of the pilgrimage tour. At the same time its contents are 
expounded to them by a free verbal rendering in Kasmiri. 
1 See below, § 57. The kli at the end of the modern name is due to a phonetic 
law of Kasmiri which requires the aspiration of every final tenuis; see J. A. S. B., 
1897, p 183. 
2 Compare Raj at. i. 267 note. The modern Ks. form Susramnag is the regular 
phonetic derivative of Susravanaga by which name the lake is designated in the 
Nllamata, Haracaritacintamani, etc. 
8 Among such the Mahatmya collection known as the S'arvavatdra (No. 213 
in my list of MSS.), the Mdrtdndamahdtmya (No. 219), the Vijayesvaramdhdtmya 
(No. 220), may be particularly mentioned. None of these, however, are now known 
to the local Pnrobitas, more recent and inferior texts having taken their place. 
4 Thus e.g., the Mahatmya of the present Isobar ( Isesvara ; see Hajat. ii. 134) 
shows plainly its very recent origin by calling the Tirtha Tsavihdra (a garbled 
reproduction of I&bror < Isesvara), and by similar blunders. Yet it knows correctly 
the sacred spring of S'atadhdrd already mentioned by Ksemendra. 
