Page:The People of India — a series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan Vol 3.djvu/211

 BRAHMIN. (160)

HE figure represented is engaged in his "Pooja," or morning worship, with the objects of his adoration before him. From the horizontal mark on his forehead, which is composed of sandal wood paste, and may be either white or saffron colour, he is evidently a worshipper of Siva, under any of his appellations— Mahadèva, Bhudrinath, &c. He is not clean shaven, which may be accounted for by a vow, by being unable to find a proper conjunction of planets for the operation, or by his observing ceremonies after the death of a near relative. He is enveloped in a light silk or serge shawl or mantle, because woollen or silk do not involve impurity which cotton does. Below he wears a dhoti, which, if cotton, must be damp or wet while the ceremony lasts; or he may wear a waist cloth of thin serge or silk. His " junwa," or sacred thread, passed over his left shoulder, hangs outside his mantle, because it has to be passed through his hands at certain portions of his ritual, in order that it may be preserved pure. His objects of adoration are placed upon a low stool before hun, which is covered by a clean cloth. In his immediate front are three small idols, which are probably Siva under three forms, or Siva and his consort, Bhowani Doorga or Kali. The sacred stone Shalgrama lies at the side of the plate, as also the necklace of Rudraksh, which is supposed to be worn by the god. All these, and some other objects which are not clearly discernible, are in a brass thah or platter, which he has scoured till it is as bright as gold. Outside this platter are the bell he rings to apprise the divinity of his service; the conch shell which he blows to invite all gods to partake of it; a small brass vessel containing water and leaves of kusa grass, or the toolsee plant (sweet basil); and an incense burner, from which a stick of fragrant pastile is sending up a grateful perfume; and a cup containing the thin sandal wood paste, used for the idols and himself

Before this ceremony, however, the Brahmin has had to perform many others. As he wakes from sleep, he must repeat the names of his tutelary divinities, and implore their protection of him during the day. As he puts his right foot out of