CHAP. IV - INFERIOR CELESTIAL BEINGS OBJECTS OF WORSHIP

Summary

These beings are either the enemies of the gods, as the ŭsoorŭs and rakshŭsŭs; or their companions; or those who are employed as dancers, singers, or musicians in the heavens of the gods. They are worshipped at the great festivals, but have no separate images.

SECT. I.—The Usoorŭs, or Giants

These enemies of the gods are the offspring of Kŭshyŭpŭ the progenitor of gods, giants, men, serpents, and birds, by his different wives. They bear a resemblance to the titans or giants of the Grecian Mythology; and stories of their wars with the gods (some of which will be found in this work) abound in the pooranŭs. Indrŭ, Vishnoo, Kartikŭ, and Doorga, are distinguished among the Hindoo deities for their conflicts with these beings. King Vŭlee, a giant, is worshipped by the Hindoos on their birth-days, with the same forms as are used in the worship of the gods.

Story of the churning of the sea by the gods and ŭsoorŭs.—

The most rancorous hatred has always existed betwixt the ŭsoorŭs and the gods, although half-brothers; the former having been excluded by the gods from succeeding to the throne of heaven: and dreadful conflicts were carried on betwixt them with various success, till both parties sought to become immortal. The giants performed the most severe religious austerities, addressing their prayers alternately to Vishnoo, Shivŭ, and Brŭmha; but were always unsuccessful.