DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.614#0162
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CHAPTER IX.
The Pisach-Mochan Tank. — Legend of the goblin Pis'ach. — The
Festival of Lota-Bhanta, or the Egg-plant.—The Gh&ts and Temple
of Pisach-Mochan.—Suraj-Kund or Tank of the Sun.—The Horn or
Burnt Sacrifice.—The god Ashtang-Bhairo.—Temple of Dhruves'war
or the Pole Star.
In the outskirts of the city, on its -western, side, is
a large square tank or reservoir, called Pisach-Mochan,
huilt in a regular manner, with ghats or stone stairs
leading down to the water. On the hank, towards
the road, are several temples, containing a great many
images of various deities. Pisach-Mochan is a noted
place of pilgrimage among the Hindus. All pilgrims
coming to Benares must visit it; and all the residents
in the city must bathe in its waters at least once a year.
These waters are considered to have a peculiar efficacy
in ensuring deliverance from the power of demons
and all kinds of evil spirits, in preventing horrible
dreams, or destroying their bad effect, and in remov-
ing sickness. The word Pisach means ghoul or
bad spirit, and Mochan, release or deliverance. The
history of this sacred place is said to be as follows.
On one occasion, a very powerful demon had the
temerity to approach the holy enclosure in which
Benares is situated. He was, however, stopped, at the
Panchkosi road, by the deities stationed there. But,
although they contended bravely with him, yet, being
CHAPTER IX.
The Pisach-Mochan Tank. — Legend of the goblin Pis'ach. — The
Festival of Lota-Bhanta, or the Egg-plant.—The Gh&ts and Temple
of Pisach-Mochan.—Suraj-Kund or Tank of the Sun.—The Horn or
Burnt Sacrifice.—The god Ashtang-Bhairo.—Temple of Dhruves'war
or the Pole Star.
In the outskirts of the city, on its -western, side, is
a large square tank or reservoir, called Pisach-Mochan,
huilt in a regular manner, with ghats or stone stairs
leading down to the water. On the hank, towards
the road, are several temples, containing a great many
images of various deities. Pisach-Mochan is a noted
place of pilgrimage among the Hindus. All pilgrims
coming to Benares must visit it; and all the residents
in the city must bathe in its waters at least once a year.
These waters are considered to have a peculiar efficacy
in ensuring deliverance from the power of demons
and all kinds of evil spirits, in preventing horrible
dreams, or destroying their bad effect, and in remov-
ing sickness. The word Pisach means ghoul or
bad spirit, and Mochan, release or deliverance. The
history of this sacred place is said to be as follows.
On one occasion, a very powerful demon had the
temerity to approach the holy enclosure in which
Benares is situated. He was, however, stopped, at the
Panchkosi road, by the deities stationed there. But,
although they contended bravely with him, yet, being