The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c10.498.4

v1.c10.498.4

To reconcile this conflict, I can only suppose that custom—and custom in matters of religious ceremonies is all powerful—must have decided in favour of the war chariot. In the beginning of fifth century, Fa Hian, however, found in Behar something very like the modern *rath* used in carrying about Buddhist images in religious processions. He says, “Every year, in celebration of the eighth day of the moon *mao*, they (the people) prepare four-wheeled cars, on which they erect bamboo stages, supported by spears, so that they form a pillar two *cang* high, having the appearance of a tower. They cover it with a carpet of white felt upon which they place the images of all the celestial divinities, which they decorate [**133**] with gold and silver and coloured glass. Above they spread an awning embroidered work; at the four corners are chapels, having each a Buddha seated with Bodhisattvas standing beside him.”