Travels in India (Tavernier) 19.1

19.1

From Dehly to Badelpoura (Budurpur) . 8 coss. „ Badelpoura to Peluel-ki-sera (Pulwal) . . . . . 18 „ „ Peluel-ki-sera to Cotki-sera (KotwAn ?) 15 „ „ Cotki-sera to Cheki-sera (Sheikh-i-SARAI ?) . . . . . 16 „ At Cheki-sera there is one of the grandest pagodas in India with an asylum for apes, both for those commonly in the place and for those which come from the neighbouring country, where the Banians provide them with food. This pagoda is called Mathura; formerly it was held in much greater veneration by the idolaters than it is at present. That was because the Jumna then flowed at the foot of the pagoda, and because the Banians, both those of the place and those who came from afar in pilgrimage to perform their devotions there, were able to wash themselves in the river before entering the pagoda, and on coming out of it before preparing to eat, which they must not do without being washed ; besides, they believe that by washing themselves in running water their sins are more effectually removed. But for some years back the river has taken its course to the north, and flows at a good coss distance from the pagoda ; this is the reason why so many pilgrims do not visit it now. From Cheki-sera to Goodki-sera (?) . 5 coss. ,, Goodki-sera to Agra . . 6 ,,