Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies - DUBOIS, Abbé Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies, Dubois | Page 679

SACRED BULL WORSHIP
030
almost every temple, particularly in those dedicated to Siva,
and are to be seen in great numbers in those districts where
the sect of the Lingayats predominates. The sacred bull
is usually represented as lying down on a pedestal, with
three of his legs doubled under him, and the right forefoot
extended straight out beyond his head l
Live bulls are also regarded as objects of public worship
by Hindu devotees. By way of investing them with an
appearance of sanctity these sacred beasts are branded on
the right hind quarter with a design representing Siva's
special weapon.
They are allowed perfect liberty, are never
tied up in a shed, and may graze wherever they please.
They are often to be seen in the streets, where their devotees
worship them publicly and at the same time bring them rice
and different kinds of grain to eat. They are all under the
safeguard of superstition, and though they wander hither
and thither night and day, I have never heard of one being
When they die, even the Pariahs dare not eat their
stolen.
flesh, the bodies being buried with much pomp and ceremony.
Priests of Siva sometimes travel from district to district
with these sacred bulls, whose horns and bodies are deco-
rated with much taste. Large crowds accompany them,
.
carrying flags of various colours and headed by bands of
music.
The real object of all this display is to collect alms
from the faithful, an object which is invariably attained
for multitudes flock to worship the venerated animal,
prostrating themselves before it with every absurd demon-
stration of devotion that superstition can suggest, and one
and all never forget to recompense the leader of the pro-
cession, who, when he thinks that he has collected sufficient
contributions, sets the sacred beast at liberty again.
;
The Bird Garuda.
The kite garuda is held in great honour, especially by the
followers of Vishnu. Brahmins, after finishing their morning
ablutions, will wait till they have seen one of these birds
before returning to their homes. They call this a lucky
meeting, and go back fully convinced that it will bring them
1
There
is
an enormous specimen
in the
Tanjore temple.
Ed.