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360
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
worshippers are Saivas, who form the largest proportion of the Hindu community in Bombay. The characteristic sign by which they are known is two or three semicircular or horizontal lines on the forehead of red or greyish white paint. The former is prepared from the wood of the Raktachandana (Pterocarpus Santalinus), or from turmeric (Curcuma longa) and chunam (carbonate of lime) or borax, both of which substances change the yellow of the turmeric into red; the latter or the greyish white paint is made from the wood of white sandal (Sirium myrtifolium); but at the time of worship, instead of these preparations, ashes are applied to different parts of the body while repeating certain mantras. The horizontal lines on the forehead have also a round dot in the middle, which may be either of the same or of a different colour. The women of the Saivas make use of a different preparation, which in the first stage, or as found in commerce, is called ra và, the powder of which is called pinzar when dry, and when mixed with oil (sesamum) is called kumkuma. Previous to application, turmeric powder and the juice of bimbla (Averrhoa Bilimbi) are added to the mixture. The Siva Purána and Sivalilampita, written in Prakrit, may be consulted by such as wish to extend their knowledge on the subject of linga-worship and the duties of the worshippers.
In the compound round this temple are four other small shrines, mostly occupied by Jogis leading a life of ease and contemplation, which is just as lucrative an industry in their case as that of others living on the alms of the faithful.
The principal temple of Bholes vara is said to have been built by the Sarasvatis about two centuries ago, from among whom are elected the members of the committee of management; while the smaller shrines are of modern construction, one belongs exclusively to the Sonârs or goldsmiths, and another to the Simpis or tailors. All these temples are under the immediate superintendence of the Gujarat Brâh
mans.
Thakurdwaras are certain places in Bombay named from temples dedicated to different deities, and called Thakurdwaras from their meaning doors of an idol,' from 'an idol,' and ''a door.' There are some three
[DECEMBER, 1875.
temples thus named, the principal of which is on the Breach Candy road near Girgam. It has a tower of black stone or basalt, which is conspicuous among a number of yellow and red washed houses and cocoanut trees around it. It is dedicated to Rama, whose image, placed in a niche, is painted of a bluish colour; while the image of his brother Lakshmana, who is always placed by his side, is painted white. Râm a holds in one hand a bow, and in the other an arrow.
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This temple was built by a Bâwa or ascetic by name Atmârâma, who died, at the advanced age of ninety, in 1836, on the 7th day of Krishnapaksha of the ionth of Śrâvana. He was highly respected by the Hindu community and consulted as à sage. He was also a poet and wrote verses in Prakrit in Pada metre, but they are mere prayers and contain nothing remarkable they are sung daily by his followers. His life was spent in religious austerities, and when he died a subscription was raised to build a samadhi or tomb, erected in the compound of the temple, just in front of the entrance door, where his votaries crowd together every morning and evening to pay him their devotions. There is no epitaph or inscription of any sort on it, but the place is well known by the name of Atmârâmabawa's Thakurdwara.
The tomb of Atmârâmabâwa does not simply record his memory, but contains his body; this is rather singular among the Hindus. It is said, however, that an exception is made in the case of Rishis and Swamis, who, when they have the courage to live on bread and water, and sleep on a hard stone, have the chance of getting their remains consigned to a grave. This perhaps points to the fact that the Hindus think it irreverent to burn one who has gained among them the reputation of a spiritual guide or saint.
During the life of this Atmarâmabawa the offerings of his sectaries were immense, and it is said that his renown was so great that Sayaji Gaika wâd, who succeeded to the government of Baroda about the year 1818, made him a present of a village in his territory yielding him annually an income of five hundred rupees, which he spent wholly in charity. Other Thâkurdwaras contain nothing striking to deserve special description, and are almost all situated along the same road.
Ramawadi.-This is a small place between
