CHAP. VII - DEITIES WORSHIPPED BY THE LOWER ORDERS ONLY

Summary

SECT. I.—Pŭnchanŭnŭ

Is a form of Shivŭ: the image has five faces, and in each face three eyes. Some persons make a clay image, and worship it with the usual forms, adding bloody sacrifices; while others worship Pŭnchanŭnŭ before a stone placed underneath the vŭtŭ, ŭshwŭt'ht'hŭ, or koolŭ trees. This stone is painted red at the top, and anointed with oil. Offerings of flowers, fruits, water, sweetmeats, and fried peas accompany the worship, and sometimes bloody sacrifices. In almost every village this worship is performed beneath some one of these trees. In some villages several of these shapeless stones are to be seen thus anointed, and consecrated to the worship of this god. In other places the clay images of Pŭnchanŭnŭ are placed in houses, or under trees; and old women, called dyasinēēs devote themselves to his service: they sweep the inside of the clay temple, and repeat the ceremonies of worship for others; constantly remaining near the image, and receiving all offerings and presents. Not more than one woman waits upon one idol, unless she admit a pupil, who expects to succeed her. These women, either married or widows, are treated almost as witches.