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RELIGIOUS SECTS
In referring to the origin of this system we must no doubt go back to some antiquity, although the want of chronological data renders it impossible to specify the era at which it was first promulgated. That it was familiarly known and practiced in the eighth century, we may learn from the plays of BHAVABHÚTI, particularly the Málati and Madhava', and from several of the Saiva Puráňas, in some of which, as the Kurma Purána, we have a string of names which appear to be those of a succession of teachers”.
of crutch, like that of a walking crutch, covering that with a piece of common hide: these materials he carries with him in a little bag, which is shown to those who come to see him exhibit. The servants of the houses hold a blanket before him, and when it is withdrawn, he is discovered poised in the air, about four feet from the ground, in a sitting attitude, the outer edge of one hand merely touching the crutch, the fingers of that hand deliberately counting beads; the other hand and arm held up in an erect posture. The blanket was then held up before him, and they heard a gurgling noise like that occasioned by wind escaping from a bladder or tube, and when the screen was withdrawn he was again standing on terra firma. The same man has the power of staying under water for several hours. He declines to explain how he does it, merely saying he has been long accustomed to do so.” The length of time for which he can remain in his aerial station is considerable. The person who gave the above account says that he remained in the air for twelve minutes; but before the Governor of Madras he continued on his baseless seat for forty minutes." — Asiatic Monthly Journal for March, 1829.
See especially the opening of the 5th Act, and Notes. ? Šiva, it is said, appeared in the beginning of the Kali age as SVETA for the purpose of benititing the Brahmans. He re
