cumstance Mahadeva named the well Manikarņiká. Mr. Prinsep, in his "Views of Benares," makes the following remarks on this subject:-"After Kashi had been created by the united will of Iswur and Párbati, the two incorporated energies of the formless and quality-less Bruhm, the active pair determined to give their paradise the benefit of an inhabitant; and Poorooshotama (the supreme male, Vishnoo,) became manifest. Shiva gave him instructions how to behave himself, and left him to his own meditations; whereupon, as a first exploit, with his chakra or discus he dug the tank denominated, from its origin, the Chakr-pushkarni. He then engaged in the usual course of austerity, at the sight of which Shiva shook his head in astonishment, and one of his earrings fell; whence the name of the ghat Manikarnika (jewel of the ear). Vishnoo upon this spot also obtained, as a boon from Mahadeo, the privilege which Kashi enjoys, of giving mookti or emancipation to all objects, especially those who bestow gifts, erect lingas, and do not commit suicide within the holy precincts."

A series of stone steps on each of the four sides of the well leads down to the water. The seven lowermost steps are said to be without a joining, and to belong to the original well as built by divine hands; and, although the singular fact of several joinings being visible is, to the uninitiated, a slight difficulty in the way of such an assertion, yet the Hindus, brushing aside such a trivial circumstance, readily accept the explanation given by the Brahmans, that the joinings are only superficial, and do not penetrate through the stones. Upon the stairs, in a niche on the north side, is a figure of Vishņu; and, at the

mouth of the well, on the west side, is a row of sixteen diminutive altars, on which pilgrims present offerings to their ancestors. The water of the well is very shallow, being not more than two or three feet in depth. It is insufferably foul, and the effluvium from it impregnates the air for some distance around. The worshipper, descending into the water, laves his head and body with the vile liquid, and, at the same time, utters certain phrases appointed for the ceremony.

Directly in front of Manikarniká, and between it and the Ganges, is the temple of Tárakeswar, or "the Lord Táraka." When a Hindu dies, and this god is propitiated, he breathes into his ear, they say, a charm or mantra of such efficacy that it delivers him from the misery of the future, and secures for him happiness and joy. The idol is in a kind of cistern, which is kept filled with water offered in sacrifice; and, consequently, the deity is invisible. In the rainy season, the swollen river flows beyond this temple, which, for several months, stands immersed in the stream. Its foundations are thereby undermined, and the blocks of stone of which it is composed incline to separate from one another. The upper part of the tower has been entirely removed, in order to lessen the weight resting upon the base of the building.

Upon the Manikarniká ghát or stairs, on higher ground than that occupied by the Tárakeswar temple, is a large round slab, called Charana-páduká, projecting slightly from the pavement; and in the middle of it stands a stone pedestal, the top of which is inlaid with marble.

In the centre of the marble are two small flat

objects, representing the two feet of Vishnu. The tradition is, that this deity selected this precise spot for the performance of ascetic rites and the worship of Mahadeva. It is, consequently, held in great veneration by the natives, and receives divine honours. In the month of Kártik, multitudes of people flock to Vishnu's feet, imagining that all who worship them are guaranteed a sure introduction into heaven. Mr. Prinsep observes, that "the charanpáduka (impression of Vishnu's feet) is said to mark the spot on which he alighted. It is distinguished by the figure of two feet cut in white marble in the centre of a round slab, probably intended to represent the chakr or discus; but, as the charan is generally thought to be peculiar to Buddha and Jain places of worship, the emblem is, probably, of modern and spurious introduction where it is here set up. There is another páduka near

the mouth of the Barna Nála."

The Manikarniká ghát, while the most sacred of all the gháts in Benares, is also the intermediate point of them all; so that, were the city divided into two portions at this place, they would be nearly equal in extent. Ascending the second flight of stairs, we come to a temple of ancient reputation, but probably of modern construction, occupied by Siddha-vináyak, or Ganes. Imagine a figure painted red, having three eyes, a silver-plated scalp ornamented with a garland of flowers, and an elephant's trunk, this last member being hidden behind a cloth which conceals a large portion of the idol, and, in front, is so tucked in as to resemble the cloth which a barber wraps about a man before shaving him. At the feet of the god is the figure of a rat,-the