A History of the Mahrattas v1.c13.62

v1.c13.62

¹ [‘At every crisis of his life Sivājī professed to be guided by the dreams or visions vouchsafed by his tutelary deity; and it is hard to say how far the convenient revelations were the product of cunning policy or the subjective realities of a mystic fanaticism.’ (Times Lit. Supp., February 6, 1919.) In India the belief is widespread that during sleep the soul of a man leaves its physical tabernacle and wanders abroad, and that the gods reveal themselves on these occasions. Sivājī’s usual practice, however, seems to have consisted in falling into a trance, and while in that condition repeating instructions believed to be inspired by the goddess. A similar practice is still followed by the Bhagats and other professional visionaries among the lower classes in Bombay, and from the respect paid to these humble soothsayers, one can realize how greatly Sivājī’s supposed inspiration must have added to his position and influence in Mahārāshtra.]