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69 Chap. II.]

HINDOO SECTS.

69

one of these classes which it is necessary particularly to notice are the Nagas, a.u. wlio, as their name implies, throw off every kind of covering and go naked. Having eradicated the sense of shame, they give free indulgence to all the vices which it might have helped them to cover, and are unquestionably the most worthless and profligate members of their respective religions. They always carry weapons — usually a matchlock, and sword, and shield, and wander in troops, solicit- ing alms, or rather levying contributions. The hatred which those of opposite sects bear to each other, has often led to san- guinary conflicts, in one of which, at Hurdwar, it is said that 18,000 of the Vaishnava Nagas were left dead on the field.

The sects of Vaishnavas are ranked

, -i-» f> TTT-y 1 1, T^ Vairagis. — From original drawing in East India House.

by rroiessor Wilson under twenty dif- ferent heads, but as many of thein are ramifications of a single sect, the whole vaisimava number may be greatly reduced. The most ancient and respectable of all is the Sri Sampradaya, founded about the twelfth century by the Vaishnava , reformer, Ramanuja Achaiya, from whom the members take the name of

itamanujyias. Ramanuja was a native of the The Ra,^* south of India, and is the subject of many legends. According to one of these, he is an incarnation of the serpent Sesha, and had for his chief companions and disciples the em- bodied discus, mace, lotus, and other insignia of Vishnu. His usual residence was at Sri Ranga or Seringham. Here he composed his principal works, and hither, after visiting various parts of India, and reclaiming to Vishnu various shrines which the Saivas hatl usurped, he returned. During his absence, the disputes between the Vaishnavas and Saivas had become extremely violent, and the King of Chola. attached to the latter sect, issued an order to all the Brahmins in his dominions, to sign an acknowledgment of Siva's supremacy. Ramanuja refused ; and when armed men were sent to seize him, escaped to the Ghauts. On the death of the Chola king, his persecutor, he wandered back to Seringham, and there ended his days as a recluse. His followers are numerous, particularly in the Deccan.

Sanyasi or Sooxassie.

From original drawing, Asiatic Society.