[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879) › c5.1707 # A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1707 A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1707 - **Language:** English ### [c5.1707](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1707) “The simple-minded Arian people, whose whole religion was a worship of the wonderful powers and phenomena of nature, had no sooner perceived that this liquid had power to elevate the spirits and produce a temporary frenzy, under the influence of which the individual was prompted to, and capable of, deeds beyond his natural powers, than they found in it something divine : it was to their apprehension a god, endowing those into whom it entered with godlike powers ; the plant which afforded it became to them the king of plants ; the process of preparing it was a holy sacrifice ; the instruments used therefor were sacred. The high antiquity of this cultus is attested by the references to it found occurring in the Persian Avesta ; it seems, however, to have received a new impulse on Indian territory.”—Whitney. - [Previous: c5.1706](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1706) - [Next: c5.1708](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1708) - [Up: c5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1707](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1707) · Pramāṇa