Page:Three Years in Tibet.djvu/181

Rh RELIGION V. LOVE.

Purang, of which mention has been made more than once, is its central mart and enjoys great prosperity, though located rather to the south. Purang also forms a mid-Himalayan post of great religious importance as a sacred spot for Buddhist pilgrims. The town boasts, or rather boasted, of its possession of three Buddhist images of great renown — those of the Bodhisattva Mahasattvas Manjushri, Avalokiteshvara and Vajrapani. According to tradition these were brought thither from Ceylon in olden times. Unfortunately about six mouths prior to my arrival in Ngari a big fire broke out and destroyed two of these idols, the image of Manjushri alone being saved. Much as I wished to visit Purang, I was apprehensive of many dangers to my impersonation if I went thither,