Ditto,

19 Shujab-Gunge, N. 28 W.-S. 72 W. 1

nearest distance (S. end) 0,8 F.

PLACE S.

Jan. 20 Noray, N. E.-S. 55 W. nearest 30 Yds.

Do.

26 46 45

Clear.

Windy.

21 Surya-koond, Temple of the Sun, N. 47 Į

Do.

26 45

6]

Do.

Do.

W. 2,16 Fs.

Do. 26

48

Do.

Do.

Do.

26

58 46

Clear.

Light breeze.

15 Ditto,

Do.

16 Rampoor, near Muswasee.

Oct. 17 Eservun, S. 70 E. 4,1 F.

18 Aterdhinee, N. 42 W. 6 Fs.

19 Sultangunge, S. 30 W.-S. 60 E. 1, 9 Fs.

Purcrab, South-east angle S. 30 W. 4,4

375

XXVI.

A DISSERTATION ON SEMIRAMIS,

THE ORIGIN OF MECCA, &c.

From the Hindu Sacred Books.

BY LIEUT. FRANCIS WILFORD.

N

IN

the Scanda-purana and Visva-sara-pracasa, or declaration of what is most excellent in the world, we find the following legends, which have an 'evident relation to the origin of Semiramis, the Syrian dove, Ninus, and the building of Niniveh, Hierapolis and Mecca, &c.

MAHA-DEVA and his consort Parvati, with a view to do good to mankind, quitted their divine abode on Cailasa, and proceeding towards the north, alighted on the summit of the Nishada mountains, where they found the Devatas ready to receive them, with a numerous retinue of Celestial Nymphs, and Heavenly Quiristers. Maha-deva was so struck with the beauty of some of the Apsaras, and his looks were so expressive of his internal raptures, that Parvati, unable to conceal her indignation, uttered the most virulent reproaches against him. Conscious of the impropriety of his behaviour, Maha-deva used every endeavour to pacify her; he humbled himself; he praised her, and addressed

addressed her by the flattering appellation of Mahabhaga; but to no purpose. She fled into Cusha-duip, on the mountains of Vahni-vyaptą, and seating herself in the hollow trunk of a Sami-tree, performed Tapasya (or austere devotion) for the space of nine years ;, when fire springing from her, pervaded with rapid violence the whole range of mountains, in so much, that men and animals were terrified, and fled with the utmost precipitation. Devi, unwilling that her devotion should prove a cause of distress to the animal creation, recalled the sacred flame, and confined it in the Sami-tree. She made the hollow of that tree her place of abode and dalliance; and hence she is called Sami-Rama, or she who dallies in the Sami-tree.

THE fugitives returning, performed the Puja in adoration of her, with songs in her praise. The flame confined in the Sami-tree still remains in it; and the Devatas are highly delighted with the fire, which is lighted from the Arani (or cubic wood of that tree.), The Arani is the mother of fire, and is produced from the Sami-trec. From that time, this sacred tree gives an increase of virtue, and bestows wealth and corn. In the month of Aswina, or Cooar, the tenth of the first fifteen days of the moon is kept holy, and Puja is made to Sami-Rama and to the Sami-tree; and those who perform it obtain the object of their desires. This sacred rite I have hitherto kept concealed from the world, says Maha deva, but now I make it known. for the good of mankind; and whosoever performs it, will be victorious over his enemies for the space of one year.

VOL. IV.

3 C

DURING