Sketch of the Religious Sects of the Hindus c5.4

c5.4

SIVA, in acknowledging that the distinguishing marks of his votaries, the skull, tiger's skin, and ashes, are reprobated by the Vedas (Srutigerhitam) states, that he was directed by VISHNU to inculcate their adoption, purposely to lead those who assumed them into error.—NAMUCHI and other Daityas had become so powerful by the purity of their devotions, that INDRA and the other gods were unable to oppose them. The gods had recourse to VISHNU, who, in consequence, ordered SIVA to introduce the Saiva tenets and practices, by which the Daityas were beguiled, and rendered "wicked, and thence weak."