Page:Life in India or Madras, the Neilgherries, and Calcutta.djvu/372

320 As a specimen of their views as to the character and agency of demons, we would mention the story told of a female devil called Mootoo-Ammen. Having, as they say, been cast out of her place, and condemned to wander for thousands of years on the earth, she entreated that some favour might be granted to her which would lighten the wretchedness of her banishment. Her superior answered that the only boon he had to bestow was the power of injuring men, of destroying children, and cursing the earth with barrenness. This gift was quite satisfactory, and she went forth to exercise her vocations, and to be worshipped and propitiated with sacrifices by the people.

The effects of such a belief can readily be imagined. Fear, not love, is the moving cause of worship, and no holy influence is exerted upon the heart. Sin is not rebuked, crime is not checked, the mind is not elevated; on the contrary, the soul is belittled, debased, and degraded, even by the act of worship.

They offer sacrifices of fowls, sheep, and goats to the demons whose favour they desire, and whose vengeance they fear; and to English and Pariah devils they give libations of spirituous liquors. They believe firmly in possessions by