CHAPTER IX. Arched Temple of Visvacarma-Conversation with an aged Brahman-Opinion on Sri Bhagvan, the Supreme-Opinions of Colonel Fitzclarence, Mrs. Graham, and Colonel Call. We have but two more temples in this range: one of a totally different aspect and design from any we have hitherto seen. It is not the less interesting on that account; for it is a perfect and beautiful excavation, and deserving of the minutest inspection a labour with which the traveller will be highly gratified. It is a singular and unique piece of incredible labour, and is enough of itself to stamp the glory of any country. Human industry and skill are here seen in unequalled perfection. This astonishing cavity is hewn out of the solid rock, penetrating 130 feet into it*; exhibiting a deep, spacious temple, having an arched or circular roof, a series of octangular pillars reaching down the whole length of the temple to the farther or eastern end, where stands an immense insulated hemispherical mass of rock, as an altar. In front of it are figures, as seen in the accompanying plate, which gives a correct view of the interior of the temple. * Including the outer or front area. I have seen two other temples of a similar form to this one: the great temple at Karli, and that of Canarah, or Kenaree, on the island of Salsette. The present is a little inferior in dimensions to either of these excavations, but exactly similar in the ground-plan and general design. It has the arched roof, altar at the end, ranges of pillars (8 feet 1 inch and a half in girth), with a passage or small aisle (7 feet 9 inches broad) inside of them. Karli and Canarah are evidently the production of the followers of Budha; and I believe that no doubt is entertained on that head, or that these two vaulted caves are of more recent date than the other. Their whole history, however, is involved in such a labyrinth of mystery from beginning to end, that there is not the most remote chance, by the deepest research, of arriving at any satisfactory data. The first view at entering the Carpenter's hovel* presents a handsome vaulted chapel, elegantly finished, and well lighted from without; but as this general kind of description is rather too superficial for the importance of the temple, we will pursue our usual methodical course, and not do things by halves. It has been, throughout, my most fervent desire Joompree is a hovel. Visvacarma was the artist of the gods -a kind of Vulcan, patronised by the Pandoos. Of this the reader will believe his share, no doubt-particularly when he hears that Visvacarma begat a monkey. to be as explanatory as possible, falling even into prolixity and tediousness in my narrative. Had I, however, said on each subject, and on others bearing or connecting therewith, all that might have been added, half a dozen quartos would not suffice. "Heaven forefend!" exclaims the critic."Amen," say I. I have strove, however, to omit nothing that might be interesting; nor have I set down aught that is wrong or very irrelative to my labours. The area in front is 49 feet 6 inches square, and so close to the pathway, that shrubs are growing upon the very verge of it. There is a basement floor, or viranda, outside, and on three sides, 14 feet broad, having 12 pillars and 2 pilasters. The height of this viranda, or gallery, is 10 feet 4 inches it communicates with the door at the entrance of the temple. This door is 8 feet 4 inches in height, and 4 feet in breadth. Over this entrance is a kind of vestibule, or gallery, 14 feet square, the outer face of which is richly and fancifully sculptured; and it is bounded at each end by the naked wall of the mountain, having in front a small wall, 3 feet high. From this singular gallery the view into the temple is very fine and complete. The ascent to the gallery is by a few steps from the lower viranda. It is impossible to determine to what use this gallery was applied: its commanding a view of the interior of the temple, and exteriorly of the area, leaves little doubt, however, of its being used, during former times of worship, for the votaries who were not permitted access to the sanctuary itself: a custom still prevalent at high festivals. As far as the accommodation of casual visitors is concerned, its situation and appearance incline one to think it has been a kind of orchestra, or music-gallery, to greet the company on their arrival. The large cylindrical drums, pipes, and bells now in use are usually placed outside the temples, at stated periods, to summon the people to worship, and they are also played on afterwards, during the time of prayers, or prostrations to the idol. Το this it is not unreasonable to suppose the gallery was applied. Be that as it may, it is a light, elegant apartment, very minutely and richly carved. purpose At the time of my visiting this temple, the gallery was occupied by an aged Brahman, with two attendants, who had arrived from a remote part of India to perform puja (worship). He was a fine hale old man, the very type of contentment, health, and vigour; of "a fine frosty old age," knowing nothing of the world, and caring as little about it. Absorbed in the perusal of some Puranas (Scriptures), and probably contemplating the fallen glories of the immortal Pandoos, he heeded not my entrance; and when he did, it was only, as he expressed it, to move a little further out of my way. The abstraction of Brahmans their indifference to strangers-their mild and retired habits, were all claims not to become intrusive on his retirement; but, from his appearance, age, manners, and the respect paid him by his attendants, I was desirous of exciting his attention at first, and his acquaintance afterwards. Finding I had taken sketches of some of the gods, and was acquainted with their history, he became communicative and agreeable. With a benign look and graceful manner he answered many questions. "His steps had sought each holy shrine, To Nassuck's stream, or Dwarka's fane, Where Krishna held his ballowed reign*." No one knows better than the vegetable-eating, high-caste Brahman, bred up in peaceful seclusion in his own native village, unacquainted with excesses or vices, holy by inheritance, and studious by birth, how to interest and captivate a stranger. I allude to those unused to Mussulman cities, or those that are not contaminated by their intercourse with polished European nations, "Heera, Maid of the Dekhan," written, I believe, by a friend of mine, Capt. V. of the Bengal army. P |