THE WORSHIP OF THE SERPENT.
My dear Children--If you have never heard much about the Hindoos, you
will be astonished to learn how numerous are the objects of their
worship. They worship many living creatures, such as the ape, the tiger,
the elephant the horse, the ox, the stag, the sheep, the hog, the dog,
the cat, the rat, the peacock, the eagle, the cock, the hawk, the
serpent, the chameleon, the lizard, the tortoise, fishes, and even
insects. Of these, some receive much more worship than others, such as
the cow, the ox, and the serpent Cobra Capella. I will speak at present
only of the worship of the serpent.
Of all the dangerous creatures found in India, there are none that
occasion so many deaths as serpents. The people are very much exposed to
their bite, especially at night, when they are walking. They tread upon
them, and, as they generally do not wear shoes, the snakes turn their
heads, and strike their fangs into those parts of the feet which are
nearest to the place where the pressure is made upon their bodies.
Sometimes the bite is followed with instant death. The Cobra Capella is
one of the most common snakes, and one of the most poisonous. It is
said, that it has a thousand heads, one of which holds up the earth. It
has a peculiar mark on its back, just behind the head. This mark very
much resembles a pair of spectacles, without the handles. If you should
go near it, it would raise the fore part of its body about six inches,
widen out its neck, so as to be about double its common width, and
prepare to strike you. The reason why the Hindoos offer sacrifices and
adoration to it above all the other serpents is, because it is so
frequently met with, and is so much dreaded.
In order to induce the people to worship this dangerous enemy, the
Hindoos have filled their books with tales concerning it. Figures of it
are often to be seen in the temples, and on other buildings. They seek
out their holes, which are generally to be found in the hillocks of
earth which are thrown up by the white ants; and when they find one,
they go from time to time and offer milk, plantains, and other good
things to it.
[Illustration]
The Hindoos, as I before observed, have eighteen annual festivals. One
of these festivals is held for the purpose of worshipping this serpent.
Temples in many places are erected to it, of which there is one of great
celebrity in Mysore. When the festival occurs at this temple, great
crowds of people come together to offer sacrifices to this creeping god.
Many serpents besides the Cobra Capella live within it, in holes made
especially for them. All of these are kept and well fed by the Brahmins
with milk, butter, and plantains. By such means they become very
numerous, and may be seen swarming from every crevice in the temple. To
injure or to kill one would be considered a great crime.
Many of the natives call the Cobra Capella nulla paampu, that is, good
snake. They are afraid to call it a bad snake, lest it should injure
them. The following is the prayer which is offered before the image of
this snake. O, divine Cobra, preserve and sustain us. O, Sheoh, partake
of these offerings, and be gracious unto us.
Can you think of any thing, my dear children more dishonoring to a holy
God, than such worship? And what have you ever done to prevent it? Have
you, every morning and evening, prayed that the Gospel might be sent to
this people? Did you ever give any money to send it to them? Did you
ever think whether it may not be your duty, by and by, to come to them,
to tell them of this Gospel?