DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.614#0094
58 ' BENAEES, PAST AND PEESEKT.
some of whom have cups in their hands, into which, the
worshippers, as they go in and out of the temple, throw
small quantities of grain or rice. Passing through the
doorway into the quadrangle, a similar system of alms-
giving and almstating displays itself. The priests of the
temple, too, receive offerings for the poor, in addition to
the presents appropriated to themselves. In one corner
of the enclosure is a stone box, which is the common
treasury for the reception of the gifts intended for this
object. In it may be seen a singular medley of rice,
grain, water, flowers, milk, etc., which, though perhaps
not unwelcome to a Hindu stomach, would revolt a
European. Not that the whole of this medley is eaten;
but the rice and grain and other edible substances are
separated from the rest, and distributed among the
applicants.
The temple of Annpurna was erected, 150 years ago, by
the Raja of Poona. It possesses a tower, and also a dome,
which is carved and ornamented after the Hindu fashion.
The dome is sustained by pillars; and between them a bell
is suspended, which is kept almost constantly sounding;
for, as soon as one worshipper leaves it, another, having
performed his devotions, takes his turn in beating it. The
bells, in this and other Hindu temples, are not rung, but
are beaten with the clapper or tongue depending from
within. The carved portions of this temple were once
partially or entirely painted; and the painting in the in-
terstices is still visible. The goddess within the temple
is regarded, by the natives, as a charming creature. She
exhibits the taste of her sex in her fondness for orna-
ments; for, besides her necklace of jewels and her
some of whom have cups in their hands, into which, the
worshippers, as they go in and out of the temple, throw
small quantities of grain or rice. Passing through the
doorway into the quadrangle, a similar system of alms-
giving and almstating displays itself. The priests of the
temple, too, receive offerings for the poor, in addition to
the presents appropriated to themselves. In one corner
of the enclosure is a stone box, which is the common
treasury for the reception of the gifts intended for this
object. In it may be seen a singular medley of rice,
grain, water, flowers, milk, etc., which, though perhaps
not unwelcome to a Hindu stomach, would revolt a
European. Not that the whole of this medley is eaten;
but the rice and grain and other edible substances are
separated from the rest, and distributed among the
applicants.
The temple of Annpurna was erected, 150 years ago, by
the Raja of Poona. It possesses a tower, and also a dome,
which is carved and ornamented after the Hindu fashion.
The dome is sustained by pillars; and between them a bell
is suspended, which is kept almost constantly sounding;
for, as soon as one worshipper leaves it, another, having
performed his devotions, takes his turn in beating it. The
bells, in this and other Hindu temples, are not rung, but
are beaten with the clapper or tongue depending from
within. The carved portions of this temple were once
partially or entirely painted; and the painting in the in-
terstices is still visible. The goddess within the temple
is regarded, by the natives, as a charming creature. She
exhibits the taste of her sex in her fondness for orna-
ments; for, besides her necklace of jewels and her