Travels in India (Tavernier) 134.1

134.1

The Brahmins possess much knowledge of astrology, and know how to predict eclipses of the sun and moon for the people. On the 2d of July 1666 at one o’clock P.M. an eclipse of the sun was visible at Patna, a town of the Kingdom of Bengal. It was a wonderful thing to see the multitude of people, men, women, and children, who came from all quarters to bathe in the Ganges. But they must begin this bathing three days before they see the eclipse, during which time they remain day and night on the banks of the river in order to prepare all kinds of rice, milk, and sweetmeats to throw to the fishes and crocodiles which are in the river. Immediately on the Brahmins giving the word, when they know it is the fortunate hour, whatever kind of eclipse it may be, whether of the sun or moon, the idolaters are accustomed to break all the earthen vessels used in their households, and not to leave one piece whole — this causes a terrible noise in a town. Every Brahmin has his book of magic, in which there are a number of circles and semicircles, of squares and triangles, and many other kinds of figures. They draw divers figures on the ground, and when they perceive that the fortunate hour has arrived they all unite in crying aloud to the people to throw food into the Ganges. A terrible noise is then made with drums, bells, and large disks made of similar metal to that of our cymbals, which they strike one against the other;