The Ancient and Medieval Architecture of India: A Study of Indo-Aryan Civilisation c17.9

c17.9

He was delighted with its shady groves and gardens; the pools of translucent water shining with the open petals of the blue lotus flowers; the kanaka trees with deep red blossoms, and the pleasant retreats under the dark-leaved mango trees. “There were thousands of Sanghârâmas in India,” he wrote, “but none equal to like the holy Ganges rushing out into the plains at Hardwar. Higher up the ravine ends as a precipice, over which the torrent pours from the wooded heights above in seven falls (*sât kund*), as Gangâ leaps through the matted locks of Siva's hair in the forests of Himâlaya.