Page images
PDF
EPUB
[graphic][merged small][merged small][merged small]

account for its presence, since in R. V. x, 97, 6, a physician, 'chaser of disease,' is termed a fiend slayer. Water drunk out of a cup made of Rhinoceros horn is stated by Lane to be thought a cure for poison in Egypt (Manners and Customs of the Modern Egyptians, 1896, p. 268).

The Goat which appears on some Indian examples may be inserted as an emblem of Pūshan, who was especially the God who was the 'Giver of blessings, the conductor by ways free from fear and danger' (R. V. x, 17, 5); while in R. V. x, 26, 7, he is termed the Strong Friend of all prosperity.'

The Lion was a Vāhana of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity,1 and of Parvati, the wife of Siva. Reliefs of lions are numerous at Anuradhapura and elsewhere, at the entrances of monastic buildings; and a lion's face with open mouth is also carved in the front of the crowns of most of the Dwarpal or Guardian Deities at these edifices. Lion statues were set on the tops of the high side pillars at the Ruwanwaeli and Miriswaeți wāhalkaḍas, with open mouths as though roaring. It is evident that in these sites they were thought to have protective powers against evil spirits. This notion will account for the lions on a royal throne, the Sinhasana, or 'Lion throne.' The claws are also amulets. (See Fig. No. 217.)

No clearer proof can be desired that the symbols on the early coins were inserted because of their defensive powers, than the little figure holding an object like a staff which is curled over his head, on the early coin No. 12, Plate XIX of Smith's Catalogue. The same figure is found carved in stone on a slab, and placed as a door guardian at Anuradhapura, near the Ruwanwaeli dāgaba. It is there said to represent Bhairava, as the defender of temples and treasures. Being the master of all demons he would be expected to protect the owner of the coin from them. At Benares he guards Saivite temples, and' saves his votaries from demons.' 2

[ocr errors]

1 In Egypt it was identified with the Sun. Nebseni is represented as saying, I am the Lion-god Rã [the Sun]." Dr. Budge, The Book of the Dead, p. 110.

2 Sherring, The Sacred City of the Hindus, p. 119. (Quoted by

[graphic][merged small][merged small]

account for its presence, since in R. V. x, 97, 6, a physician, 'chaser of disease,' is termed a fiend slayer. Water drunk out of a cup made of Rhinoceros horn is stated by Lane to be thought a cure for poison in Egypt (Manners and Customs of the Modern Egyptians, 1896, p. 268).

[ocr errors]

The Goat which appears on some Indian examples may be inserted as an emblem of Pūshan, who was especially the God who was the Giver of blessings, the conductor by ways free from fear and danger' (R. V. x, 17, 5); while in R. V. x, 26, 7, he is termed the Strong Friend of all prosperity.'

The Lion was a Vāhana of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity,1 and of Parvati, the wife of Siva. Reliefs of lions are numerous at Anuradhapura and elsewhere, at the entrances of monastic buildings; and a lion's face with open mouth is also carved in the front of the crowns of most of the Dwarpal or Guardian Deities at these edifices. Lion statues were set on the tops of the high side pillars at the Ruwanwaeli and Miriswaeți wāhalkaḍas, with open mouths as though roaring. It is evident that in these sites they were thought to have protective powers against evil spirits. This notion will account for the lions on a royal throne, the Sinhasana, or 'Lion throne.' The claws are also amulets. (See Fig. No. 217.)

No clearer proof can be desired that the symbols on the early coins were inserted because of their defensive powers, than the little figure holding an object like a staff which is curled over his head, on the early coin No. 12, Plate XIX of Smith's Catalogue. The same figure is found carved in stone on a slab, and placed as a door guardian at Anuradhapura, near the Ruwanwaeli dāgaba. It is there said to represent Bhairava, as the defender of temples and treasures. Being the master of all demons he would be expected to protect the owner of the coin from them. At Benares he guards Saivite temples, and' saves his votaries from demons.' 2

1 In Egypt it was identified with the Sun. Nebseni is represented as saying, "I am the Lion-god Rā [the Sun].” Dr. Budge, The Book of the Dead, p. 110.

2 Sherring, The Sacred City of the Hindus, p. 119. (Quoted by

« PreviousContinue »