Sketch of the Religious Sects of the Hindus c5.39

c5.39

The sixth class of Sauras, in opposition to the preceding, deemed it unnecessary to address their devotions to the visible and material sun : they provided a mental luminary, on which they meditated, and to which their adoration was offered : they stamped circular orbs on their foreheads, arms, and breasts with hot irons ; a practice uniformly condemned by SANKARA, as contrary to the laws of the Védas, and the respect due to Brahmanical flesh and blood.