Page:Life in India or Madras, the Neilgherries, and Calcutta.djvu/498

434 the height of a thousand feet. On its summit is a house belonging to the British residency, which gives its occupant a delightful prospect and the enjoyment of cool breezes. To the Hindus it is known as the site of two temples of great repute, and of a colossal bull cut from the rock. Hither the rajah, as well as a multitude of pilgrims, makes an annual visit for the purpose of idolatrous worship.

The sun was just setting as we reached Nungengood, fifteen miles south of Mysore. Its bright rays were reflected from the gilded summit of the pagoda of the great temple of Siva which stands here, making it look like a tower of burnished gold. How striking the contrast between this apparent brightness and beauty, and the real darkness and hatefulness of the place! The temple of Nungengood is famous even among the temples of India for being covered all over with figures so obscene that they might make the vilest blush. Yet this is the residence of one of the supreme gods of the Hindus; and the place of assembly, at certain seasons, for thousands of benighted idolaters, who come hither to adore and pray to the god who presides in such a dwelling. If no nation, as is said, will be better than its gods, what