The Antiquities of Orissa v2.c16.s2.38

v2.c16.s2.38

At the beginning of the inscription, opposite the commencement of the first and the second lines, there is a symbol like the figure shown on the margin. (Woodcut No. 1). It bears some resemblance to the Tāntric symbol called Kūrmacakra, or "the Tortoise symbol," which is deemed an essential requirement when performing mystic rites, and particularly when a person is desirous of acquiring power over mystic *mantras* by repeating them a great number of times under particular restrictions. At such times an outline of the symbol is drawn on the earth, and the performer sits upon it. According to the *Tantrasāra*: "For him who, without knowing the Kūrmacakra, peforms the rite of *japa*, (repetition of a mystic *mantra* with a view to obtain command over it and supernatural powers,) the rite proves ineffectual, and leads to mischief". Ordinarily the symbol is looked upon as that of the earth. The resemblance, however, of the Kūrmacakra with the symbol under notice is not strong, and I am not, therefore, prepared to say for certain that it is really iutended for a tortoise. The three projections on the top may pass for the head and the fore-paws of the animal, and the side ones for the hind paws, but there is no mark for the tail, and this in the Hindu symbol is generally very prominent.