Hindu Temples: What Happened to Them v2.c19.s3.30

v2.c19.s3.30

One such story was told by Shykh Faridud-Din ATTar, the renowned mystic poet in his *ManTiqut-Tair* (Conference of Birds). In this story, writes Muhmmad Nazim, the Sultan is made to show his preference for the title of idol-breaker to that of idol-seller. While rejecting the offer of the BrahmaNas to ransom the idol of Somnath with its weight in gold, Mahmud is supposed to have said, I am afraid that on the Day of Judgment when all the idolaters are brought into the presence of Allah, He would say, Bring Adhar and Mahmud together one was idol-maker, the other idol-seller. Adhar or Ezra, the uncle of Abraham, according to the Quran, made his living by carving idols. The Sultan, according to ATTar, then ordered a fire to be lighted round it. The idol burst and 20 *manns* of precious stones poured out from its inside. The Sultan said, This (fire) is what Lat¹³ (by which name ATtar calls Somnath) deserves; and that (the precious stones) is my guerdon from my God.¹⁴