DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.611#0184
138 CHAPTER X.
old age or sickness. Generally speaking, it is a delight-
fully soft road, not by reason of mossy turf, but on ac-
count of the great depth of dust.
One Hindu friend of mine tells me that he bicycles
round the whole distance every Sunday, excepting during
the rainy season, when he has to give it up as there is no
regular boat service on the road. Whether by bicycling
he is not evading the stipulations, is open to question,
but considering the road, a journey like this in the hot
season, or any other season, is an arduous task, and
might be considered a work of merit.
The road is one of considerable beauty and pictur-
esqueness. For most of the length it is finely shaded by
trees, and there are many tanks and temples at various
points on the road.
Apparently the virtue of the pilgrimage is of most
special application to the residents of Benares. The
fact is recognised that in spite of the intrinsic sanctity
of Benares, it is just possible for a resident to commit
sin, this has actually occurred more than once. But
here a great difficulty arises, a sin committed in Benares
is so heinous that it cannot be atoned for in the most
sacred spot in Benares itself. A pilgrimage round the
Panchkosi is the only way out of the difficulty. As a
matter of fact, however, large numbers of others besides
residents of Benares do the pilgrimage. This is under-
standable, for even those who have come as pilgrims to
the City may have committed some trespass during
their stay. How sins can be dealt with that are com-
mitted on the Panchkosi Road I do not know. Great
care is demanded in the conduct of the pilgrims during
the journ :y, and let it be fully recognized that there is
much real devoutness on the part of many of those who
follow these time-honoured practices. However worthy
of blame they may be esteemed who trade on the
old age or sickness. Generally speaking, it is a delight-
fully soft road, not by reason of mossy turf, but on ac-
count of the great depth of dust.
One Hindu friend of mine tells me that he bicycles
round the whole distance every Sunday, excepting during
the rainy season, when he has to give it up as there is no
regular boat service on the road. Whether by bicycling
he is not evading the stipulations, is open to question,
but considering the road, a journey like this in the hot
season, or any other season, is an arduous task, and
might be considered a work of merit.
The road is one of considerable beauty and pictur-
esqueness. For most of the length it is finely shaded by
trees, and there are many tanks and temples at various
points on the road.
Apparently the virtue of the pilgrimage is of most
special application to the residents of Benares. The
fact is recognised that in spite of the intrinsic sanctity
of Benares, it is just possible for a resident to commit
sin, this has actually occurred more than once. But
here a great difficulty arises, a sin committed in Benares
is so heinous that it cannot be atoned for in the most
sacred spot in Benares itself. A pilgrimage round the
Panchkosi is the only way out of the difficulty. As a
matter of fact, however, large numbers of others besides
residents of Benares do the pilgrimage. This is under-
standable, for even those who have come as pilgrims to
the City may have committed some trespass during
their stay. How sins can be dealt with that are com-
mitted on the Panchkosi Road I do not know. Great
care is demanded in the conduct of the pilgrims during
the journ :y, and let it be fully recognized that there is
much real devoutness on the part of many of those who
follow these time-honoured practices. However worthy
of blame they may be esteemed who trade on the