Page:The Sundhya, or, the Daily Prayers of the Brahmins.djvu/31



Saligram is a small red stone, a kind of Ammonite, found in the River Gunduck; and is held sacred by the Hindoos, and worshipped as an Idol. According to the Poorans, it is dedicated to Vishnoo: it is kept in a small box of any white metal the worshipper may have the means of procuring: iron alone is excluded. The Artee, Dhoopdanee, Thalee, Ghunta, Abkhora, Sumputtee, Kuttoree, red and yellow sandal-flowers, toolsee, betel-leaves, sooparee, areka-nut, jeneo, a piece of cloth to cover the Saligram, sweetmeats, and the shunk, or conch shell, are all necessary in this worship. From this deity the votary supplicates never to be born again in this world. This sign is worn, on the forehead between the eyebrow, and is put on in the Pooja of Vishnoo: it is done with the mud of the sacred stream: many draw it on the breast and arms also. The necklace is of toolsee-seeds.