Sherring, Matthew A.: The sacred city of the Hindus: an account of Benares in ancient and modern times (London, 1868)

122 BENARES, PAST AND PRESENT.

supported on pillars, running round the four walls, on
their inner side, opposite to the temple, in the centre.
In the midst of the temple is a large idol of Ganes,
the elephant-headed god, with silver hands and feet.
The head is decorated with a gilded nimbus. Inside
the temple, four bells are suspended; and immediately
over the doorway, and in front of the idol, three small
mirrors are placed, the object of which, possibly, is to
produced a threefold image or reflexion of the idol ;•
for even a reflexion of a god is accounted a sacred
object, and worthy of veneration. 'On either side of
the threshold, leading into the temple, is another idol of
Ganes; but both are well worn, and, evidently, many
centuries old. The present temple was erected only
some twenty-four years ago; but the priests say that
these two figures have always existed here, The ex-
tensive verandah of the quadrangle contains several
other figures of Ganes, of, apparently, as great anti-
quity as those just described.