A History of the Mahrattas v1.c7.106

v1.c7.106

Such Bramins as can be termed religious instructors, are either Oopadheeas, or Gooroos; the distinction in these is, that the Oopadheeas is commonly the hereditary domestic teacher in a family, and the Gooroo is the chosen instructor and intercessor of an individual. Many persons, especially men of consequence, choose some celebrated devotee for their spiritual guide, whose sanctity is supposed to be such, that by his intercession with the Deity, objects will be granted which would be denied to the less worthy individual. Such a mediator, though he may not attain the character of a Sadhoo, is superior to other Gooroos, and acquires the appellation of *Mahapooroosh*.¹ It is remarkable that the Mahapooroosh of the Mahrattas is sometimes a Mahomedan.²