Travels in India (Tavernier) 129.1.4

129.1.4

It is covered from the neck to the base with a grand mantle which hangs on the altar, and this mantle is of gold or silver brocade according to the nature of the ceremonies. From the first this idol had neither feet nor hands, and this is how this fact is explained. After one of their prophets was taken up into heaven, when they were all plunged in tears and laments at losing him, God sent to them from heaven an angel who was like the prophet, so they treated him with great honour and respect. But while the angel was afterwards engaged in making the idol, impatience seized upon them, and they removed it to place it in the pagoda, although, as yet, it was unprovided with feet and hands. But as it was too deformed, they made hands for it of the small pearls which we call “pearls by the ounce.” As for the feet, they cannot be seen, being concealed under the mantle. There is nothing left uncovered save the hands and face ; the head and body are made of sandal wood. Around the elevated dome in which the idol is seated, from the base up to the top, there are numerous niches containing other images, the majority of which represent hideous monsters, and they are made of stone of various colours.