Life and religion of the Hindoos.

by Joguth Chunder Gangooly

CONTENTS.

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LIFE AND RELIGION OF THE HINDOOS.

	Page
PREFACE	[xxvii]
BOOK I.
CHAPTER I.
Hindoo Caste.—Its Origin, Elements, Division, Subdivision,Strength, and Influence on the People.	[1]
CHAPTER II.
The Birth.—Distribution of Presents.—Writing on the Forehead.—TheFeast of Eight Peas.—The Day of Purification, etc.	[13]
CHAPTER III.
Education.—Sanscrith.—Chalk in the Hand.—Patshata, theTeacher.—The Discipline in the School.	[18]
CHAPTER IV.
The Second Birth.—Brahmun Consecrated Thread.—Disciplineand Privileges of the Brahmun’s Life.	[27]
CHAPTER V.
The Marriage.—Polygamy.—Koolyn and Moulick.—Marriage.—Age.—Selection.—Agreement.—Anointment.—Bachelor andMaiden Feasts.—The Joy-Cakes.—Bridegroom starts for Bride’sHouse.—Reception.—Discussion.—Twelve Friends Party.—ThrowingStone Party.—Ceremony.—Good Interview.—Dining-RoomPlagues.—Distribution of Money.—Return.—Reception.—BridalFeast.	[38]
CHAPTER VI.
Death.—Boithornee.—Bathing.—Anointment.—Sho.—Burningthe Body.—Expression of Mourning.—Widows.—Shoratho.	[55]
CHAPTER VII.
Domestic Life, Education, etc.	[65]
BOOK II.
INTRODUCTION	[80]
CHAPTER I.
BOIS-AK, APRIL.
The New Year’s Day.—The Change of Account-Books.—SacredChoir.—Dedication of Water-Pitcher.—Women’s Ceremony.—Way-sideHospitality.—The Idols in Water.	[92]
CHAPTER II.
JO-ISTO, MAY.
The Worship of Shus-ty.—Son-in-law invited.	[102]
CHAPTER III.
AUSH-ER, JUNE.
The Bath of Jogger-nauth.—The Worship of the River Gunga.	[105]
CHAPTER IV.
SHRA-BUN, JULY.
The Roth Jatra, or the Car of Jogger-nauth.	[130]
CHAPTER V.
VAUTHRO, AUGUST.
The Birthday of Krishno.—Fasting and Worship on the Occasion.—Rejoicingof Nuntho; the Worship of Monsha,—a Goddesswhose Messengers are Serpents, Adders, Toads, etc.	[134]
CHAPTER VI.
AUSHEEN, SEPTEMBER.
The Doorga pooja.	[136]
CHAPTER VII.
KARTIC, OCTOBER.
“The Lamp in the Air.”—The Goddess Kallee.—Torch-Festival.—RedMarks on the Door-Post.	[149]
CHAPTER VIII.
OG-GROW-HAW-UN, NOVEMBER.
Juggur-dhartree and Rash-jatra.	[155]
CHAPTER IX.
POUS, DECEMBER.	[157]
CHAPTER X.
MAGH, JANUARY.
The Morning Bath.—Shoresh-sotee, or Muse.	[158]
CHAPTER XI.
FAL-GOON, FEBRUARY.
The Thole-jatha.	[165]
CHAPTER XII.
CHOITHRO, MARCH.
Churuck-pooja.—Hook Swinging.	[167]
MISCELLANEOUS	[180]
APPENDIX	[185]
A SKETCH OF MY LIFE AND EXPERIENCE.
PREFACE	[195]
CHAPTER I.
My Childhood and Education.—My Mother.	[197]
CHAPTER II.
My “Second Birth.”—Consecration for the Priesthood.—ReligiousTraining.—Death of my Father.—English Schools.—Zeal forIdolatry.	[210]
CHAPTER III.
First Views of Christianity.—Prejudices.—Sermon on the Mount.—NewTestament.—Efforts and Struggles.—Comparison of Hindooand Christian Doctrines.—Conversion.—First Zeal.—Perplexedby the Trinity.—Visit to a Missionary.—Trinitarianism.—MyDifficulties.—Deistical Companions.—Arrival of Mr. Dall.	[221]
CHAPTER IV.
Why I became a Unitarian.—My own Reading and Study of theBible.—The Missionaries’ Doctrines.	[256]
CHAPTER V.
Interest in America.—Desire and Purpose to go.—My Friendagrees to accompany me.—Ill Reports of America.—Horror ofSlavery.—My Friend fails me.—Will go alone.—Arrangements.—MyMother.—Last Days at Home.—Voyage.—Arrival inAmerica.—My Experiences here.	[270]
FAREWELL!	[301]

THE
LIFE AND RELIGION
OF
THE HINDOOS.

TO THE REVEREND C. H. A. DALL.

My dear Friend and Pastor:—

Desirous of acknowledging the precious religious instructions you have imparted to me, and the blessings you are still bestowing on my beloved country, I, in your name, respectfully present this small volume to your countrymen, that they may know the manners, customs, and religious institutions of that distant nation for whose regeneration you are cheerfully spending the best part of your life, away from home and family. That your Christian labors may be ever attended with success, and your life be crowned with the smile of Heaven, is the heartfelt prayer of

Your disciple,

JOGUTH CHUNDER GANGOOLY.

Medfield, Mass., 27 October, 1859.