Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, or the Central and Western Rajput States of India v1.c17.s4.150

v1.c17.s4.150

Each sacred spot, termed ‘ the place of great sacrifice ’ (Maha-sati), is the haunted ground of legendary lore. Amongst the altars on which have burned the beauteous and the brave, the harpy ⁴ takes up her abode, and stalks forth to devour the hearts of her victims. The Rajput never enters these places of silence but to perform stated rites, or anniversary offerings of flowers and water to the manes (pitri-deva ¹) of his ancestors.