PREFACE.

All that it is necessary to say by way of preface to this book is, that, having in various former volumes, entitled severally Phallism, Nature Worship, Phallic Objects, &c., entered at some length into a consideration of the peculiarities indicated by these denominations, we now propose laying before our readers an additional mass of important matter which illustrates and throws further light upon the subject. This has been sought out with great labour and research amongst the most trustworthy sources of information, and will form a valuable appendix to the several volumes in question.

CONTENTS.

1. CHAPTER I.

   India, the home of Phallic-worship—Linga described—The bull Nandi—Linga puja—Large and small lingams—Antiquity of Linga-puja—Growth of the Hindu Pantheon—Siva the destroyer—Sacred bulls—Shrine of Ek Linga—Legend relating to rivers—The Churning of the sea—Variety of forms of Siva—Deities of India—Origin of the Universe—Hindu Triad—Aum and O’M—Jupiter Genitor—Attributes of Siva—Worship of Osiris—Identity of Egyptian, Grecian and Indian deities—Hindu temples—Ceremonies.

2. CHAPTER II.

   Hindu evidence respecting the origin of Phallic worship—Legend of the wounded Hara—The four sects of worshippers instituted by Brahma—Resumption of the Lingam by Siva—Siva and Parvati propitiated—Visit of Bhrigu to Siva—The Lainga Puran on the Origin of Lingam worship—Abolition of worship of Brahma—Moral character of Hindu worship—-Profligate sects—Egyptian phallus—Bacchus—Testimony of Tertullian and Clement of Alexandria—Dionysus—Directions for worship—Unsatisfactory legends—Legend of Bhima—The fourth avatar of Vishnu—Visit of Captain Mackenzie to the Pagoda at Perwuttum.

3. CHAPTER III.

   Representations of Siva—Siva’s quarrel with his father-in-law—Quarrel between Brahma and Vishnu—Misconduct of Siva—Bengal temples of Siva—Ancient linga idols—Siege of Somnath—Ferishtah’s history—The twelve great lingams—Account of the Viri-Sawas—The Jangamas—Legend of Ravuna.

4. CHAPTER IV.

   Lingam Worship in the Sheeve Pouran.

5. CHAPTER V.

   The four kinds of stone lingas—Siva under a form called Muhakalu—Temporary images of Siva—Siva’s wives—Siva’s and Parvati’s quarrels—Siva and Doorga—Siva’s names—The heavens of Siva—Latsami—Power of the priests—Tamil poetry—Indecent worship—Dancing girls at religious ceremonies—Christian and Pagan idolatry—Religious prostitution—Worship of the female—Development of indecent practices—Sakti-puja.

6. CHAPTER VI.

   Further account of Right-hand and Left-hand worship—The practices of the Vamis or Vamacharis—The rite of Mantra Sadhana—Ceremony of Sri-Chakra—Claims of the priests to supernatural power—Legends.

7. CHAPTER VII.

   Considerations respecting the origin of Phallic worship—Comparisons between Indian and Egyptian practices and doctrines.

8. CHAPTER VIII.

   Vocabulary of words of Indian and Sanscrit origin.