CHAP. II - OF THE IMAGES

Summary

The images of the Hindoo gods are made either of gold, silver, quicksilver mixed with the powder of tin, brass, copper, iron, mixed metal, crystal, stone, wood, or clay. The common workmen in gold, silver, brass, &c. make these images.

The images made of gold are generally those of Doorga, Lŭkshmēē, Radha, Krishnŭ, and Sŭrŭswŭtēē; which are kept in private houses, and worshipped daily. These images must not be less in weight than one tolŭ; they are generally three or four.

The image of Shēētŭla is often made of silver, kept in the house, and worshipped daily. It is as heavy as ten or twelve roopees.

The images of Shivŭ only are made of quicksilver and crystal. They are very small, and are kept in the houses of the rich, and used for daily worship.

Small brazen images of many of the gods are kept in private houses, and worshipped daily. These are very small, weighing only an ounce or two.

Very small copper images of Sōōryŭ, and of Shivŭ riding on a bull, are preserved in private houses, and worshipped daily.

The images of mixed metal are those of Radha, Doorga, Lŭkshmēē, Shivŭ, &c. The images of any of the gods may be made with this mixed metal; and may be worshipped either in private houses or in temples.