54
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
At 11 A. M., reached our breakfast tent at the foot
[Feb. 2, 1872.
sists of large blocks of stone: the emblem of Mahā
of the mountain, highly pleased and gratified with this day's work. It may be better imagined than
deva is to be seen in the remains
described what an appearance the collected waters of these respective reservoirs, when overflowed at
and is connected with the worship of the other tem
of a small stone
chamber. The building is called Kamdhenu Nath,
ple. To a considerable extent around the mountain are the remains of ruined temples, which in ancient view, traversing the sides of the mountain in all. times, and during the splendour of the Hindu Go directions, flashing with a violence totally irresisti vernment, must have greatly contributed to enhance ble, over the surface of the rocky declivities and the beauty and amenity of the situation of Mandara other parts, until their final discharge into the ‘ Pou hill. The tradition prevalent asserts, that there was a large city in the neighbourhood. East of the Math phur' and other receptacles in the plain below.” Kamdhenu or the Parent Cow.—About a mile to the Kamdhenu is a mutilated image of the goddess east, on the skirts of the hill, stands the Kamdhenu Kali, of blue stone, near 7 feet in height. Though Math or pagoda, being a small square temple built the principal figure in the centre has been destroyed of stone with a roof of brick. The temple contains by bigot hands, the head only remaining, several the figure of Kamalhemu, or the parent cow of the of the figures of smaller dimensions on the sides Hindus, well known in Sanskrit records to have remain entire : some of them are well executed. A thick forest encompasses the hill Mandara on been one of the fourteen ratnas (or gems) produced by the churning of the ocean in the white sea, in three sides : it is only accessible from the south which operation the mountain Mandara served as a east. I conjecture its circumference to be about 4 churning-staff. miles, and its height from the base to the summit The figure of the cow is in height 3 feet 4 inches; 1 mile 2 furlongs. in length, from the forehead to the tip of the tail, Near “Pouphur' taláv, a short distance up the 6 feet 3 inches; in girth 5 feet. Round the hump rock to the N.W., are several very large inscrip of the animal is a necklace of flowers by way of tions cut in the rock, but in a character of which I ornament; two small calves, in stone, are taking could procure no accountt...... There are other milk from the mother. The figure is cut out of a inscriptions to be seen, both above and below, in solid block of light grey stone, and stands on a different parts of the mountain. I should suspect, pedestal; its execution, though proportionate in its if they are ever deciphered, that they will be found parts, is rude, and evidently of high antiquity. The to relate to the worship of the temple called Masu dan Math. The natives call them Devata Khat or temple is now mouldering fast to ruin. Near this temple is another in ruins, which con the character of the gods.
the period of the solstitial rains, must present to the
a
-
NOTES ON THE GONDS MET WITH IN THE
s.ATHPURA HILLS, CENTRAL
PROVINCES. By MR. C. SCANLAN, ASSISTANTSURVEYOR.
THE S 4 th pur à s extend to a mean breadth of about seventy miles. They are inhabited by the G on d s and Kirk us, who are a shy, ignorant, and very primitive race of men ; their predilection for
hilly and forest ridden tracts is so great, that I
think nothing could induce them to leave their abodes. The Kirk u is a perfect Hindu, though he indulges in fowls; while the G on d, who styles himself a Hindu, is a hybrid between him and a Musalman, for he appretiates his beef. The Gond
a true knowledge of the divine being. The Gandharras, or heavenly choristers, then approaching, bathed there
the summit of the hill, the others are below.
- Of these Kundas the first six are on the sides and near
in, near its seven fountains, an act superior to the triple
- The author here gives “a fac-simile on a
than the original for the investigation of the this inscription, Babu Rajendralala Mitra ‘judging from its character and subject, he is
excellence jatra bhin gundmata [satajuna, tamaguna, and Tajagunal. At this place, turning your face to the east ward, bathe and worship Vishnu; at which act the three worlds (tri loka) will rejoice, and every desire will be ful filled. He who shall worship in this manner shall not re turn to earth again.
So commanded Vishnu.
it was a Buddhist record and commemorated the dedication
of a statue or a chaitya. The character is intermediate be
The Gan
tween the Gupta and Kutila, and was inscribed probably
dhart as then commenced a melodious concert, singing and praising the deity. Then go, Q Raja and casting away all cares and passions, repair to the quadrangular reservoir
in the sixth century of the Christian era. The 5th letter of the 3rd line was doubtful, so were the last two letters of the last line, but he read the record as follows:–
| Lakshman Kund], beautiful as Lakshmi of divine form : there fast thou for five days, since whoever bathes therein,
Parambhattār
after bathing shall become courageous and worthy to assume
ka mahārajádhirā. ja shri ugrabhai (?) ra. vasya deyichaya (?) or deya dharmma. “The highly venerated, the great king, the king of kings,
sovereign authority. Whilst traversing the sides of this reservoir should he (the penitent) perceive Vishnu sitting on his throne, grief shall then be dispelled from his heart.
Finally, O Raja whoever shall perform the funeral rites of his deceased ancestors or relatives at this place, their souls shall thereby be gratified for a hundred years.”
smaller scale learned.” Of remarks, that satisfied that
Shri Ugrabhairava dedicated this."—Proc. Asiat Soc. Ben. |
Nov. 1870, pp. 294, 295.-Ed.
