XIV
THE REDEEMING POWER OF THE GANGES
THE Ganges is believed by Hindus to be a manifestation of Bhagabati, who came down to earth in the form of a river for the sole purpose of redeeming men from their sins, so that the mere touch of her waters buys forgiveness for even the foulest of crimes. Bhabaghuray records two illustrations of this, which we give here.
There was once a Brahmin, named Lochan,[1] who was a ship's sircar, or supplier of orders to foreign ships lying in the Ganges. On one occasion he had to go on board a vessel which was on the point of starting for England, for the purpose of receiving his dues. It took some time for the accounts to be squared and settled, and when the Brahmin was counting the columns of rupees, annas, and pies, the ship, unknown to him, unfurled its sails and began to proceed on its journey. By the time the transaction between the Captain and Lochan came to an end, she was off Saugur Island. When the Brahmin, to his great discomfiture, perceived this, he implored the Captain to land him. The Captain at first represented to him the dangers to which he might be exposed in being cast ashore alone in the jungle just when night was falling, but he was at length persuaded by Lochan's importunities to accede to his wishes. A jolly-boat was lowered, and Lochan was landed on the shore many miles away from the haunts of his fellow creatures.
As night was rapidly approaching, the Brahmin walked
- ↑ The eye.
