The Antiquities of Orissa v2.c17.73

v2.c17.73

The tank is fed by one or more natural fountains at the bottom; but the water is anything but pure. It is of a dull green colour, and full of confervæ and animalcule, which, however, in the eyes of the faithful enhance its merit. Kept in a large [**70**] vessel in a quiet corner, protected from drafts of wind, the water is found to be in motion for hours, and a small flower or two, left floating on it, move about in circles. The motion is of course due to the animalcules, probably also to the confervæ; but as this is not manifest to the unsophisticated pilgrims and the ignorant people of the neighbourhood, supernatural power is appealed to as the cause of the motion.