Page:Deplorable effects of heathen superstition.pdf/10

 extensive sway of ‘ the horrid king.’ As other temples are usually adorned with figures emblematical of their religion, so Juggernaut has representations (numerous and varied) of that vice, which constitutes the essence of his worship. The walls and gates are covered with indecent emblems, in massive and durable sculpture.—I have also visited the sand plains by the sea, in some places whitened with the bones of the pilgrims; and another place a little way out of the town, called by the English, the Golgotha, where the dead bodies are usually cast forth; and where dogs and vultures are ever seen.

The grand Hindoo festival of the Rutt Jattra, takes place on the 18th inst. when the idol is to be brought forth to the people. I resided during my stay at the house of the Company′s collector of the tax on pilgrims, and superintendant of the people, formerly a student in the College of Fort-William; by whom I am hospitably entertained, and also by Captain Patten, and Lieut. Woodcock, commanding the military force. I was surprised to see how little they seemed to be moved by the scenes of Juggernaut. They said they were now so accustomed to them, they thought little of them. They had almost forgot their first impressions. Their houses are on the sea shore, about a mile from the temple. They cannot live nearer, on account of the offensive effluvia of the town. For, independently of the enormity of the superstition, there are circumstances which render Juggernaut noisome in an extreme degree. The senses are