Note 6 — Chapter VII

Foreigners have very imperfect ideas of Hindoo temples; they think they are public places where people resort for the purpose of worshipping their gods and also for hearing the instructions of the Brahmuns. The temples are for the former, and not for the latter purpose. In them are placed the images of certain gods, such as Shiba, Kallēē, etc., which are worshipped and taken care of by some Brahmuns, who either hire or own them. People bring (especially on some holiday) their gifts of fruits, confectionery, money, clothes, etc. to the idols, and offer them by the hands of the priests. The low castes are not allowed to tread on the sacred floor, and they dare not do it. They are satisfied with the pleasure of standing outside where the priest comes out, sprinkles holy water on their heads, blesses them by putting his foot on their hands, and returns them their trays, baskets, etc. in which they bring their offerings. These are the leading features of the services in Hindoo temples.

As the gods are presented to the children as irritable, fault-finding, powerful, and fierce, the children fear, but do not love them. When a mother would not have her child touch any eatable, let her only say, “It is for the gods,” and that is enough. But still there are several little ones who by not being allowed to put their hands upon some tempting fruit or confectionery, because it belongs to the gods, hate their idols, now and then. My own younger brother, a boy of four years, remarked, “Mother, you say it belongs to Shalgram, that pineapple belongs to Shalgram. I know that your Shalgram is a mere pebble.”