nty acres of ground. It has nine lofty
tower-like gates of entrance and exit, each one of which has the effect
of forming an individual pagoda. In the central area of the temple is
what is known as the Tank of the Golden Lotus, being a large body of
water covering a couple of acres of ground, leading into which are broad
stone steps on all sides, where the people of both sexes were bathing
for religious purification; an idea not hardly compatible with the
filthy condition of the water itself, which was nearly covered with a
green slime. The temple contains many living sacred elephants, deified
bulls and cows, enshrined idols, and, to us, meaningless ornamentations,
too varied and numerous for description. Our local guide stated the
probable cost at a figure so high we refrain from recording it. The
elephants rivaled the beggars in their importunities, being accustomed
to receive unlimited delicacies from visitors, such as sweetmeats,
cakes, candies, and the like, of which these creatures are immoderately
fond. One peculiarity of this temple was that it seemed to serve a
double purpose, being dedicated to trade and religion. Within its walls
we found established a large number of trading booths, forming a sort of
bazar or fair, where were exhibited dry goods, toys, domestic utensils,
jewelry; in short, all sorts of fancy articles. Madura is famous for
producing high-colored napkins, small shawls and table-cloths, all on
fire with color, and here they were displayed in strong kaleidoscopic
effect. We thought it must be the occasion of some special charitable
fair, after the practice of religious societies in more modern
countries; but were informed that these merchants were engaged in their
regular vocation, and were permanent fixtures in the temple. The natives
crowded about these small bazars, and seemed to freely invest the few
coppers they had. We were followed about the courts, chapels, and
departments of the immense structure by a motley and curious crowd, the
girls and women satisfied to watch and stare at us; but the boys had
imported a London and Dublin idea: turning cart-wheels, somersaults, and
walking all about us on their hands, with feet in the air, to attract
attention and elicit pennies. One little fellow gyrated about in a most
marvelous style, keeping so persistently topsy-turvy as to grow black in
the face, and we finally paid him to keep right side uppermost. Begging
is reduced to a science in India, and