If one _will_ visit a region devoted to a god whose power is
represented by a hooded serpent, he should not complain at meeting the
real thing, occasionally. Elephanta is dedicated to Shiva, the
Destroyer, her attributes being imaged in the person of the cobra.
"Ugh! How gloomy!" muttered Hope, as they descended into the damp,
cool cavern, keeping close to her father, but letting her roving eyes
take in the mass of carving on every side.
"What does it all mean, papa?" asked Faith, also drawing closer.
"It is grand, and horrible!"
"Dose be gods," replied the native guide, giving her a reproachful
look. "It is one s'rine to deir memory."
"Dear me! I wouldn't want to remember them," she went on quaintly, not
noticing his look. "I am only afraid I shall, in my dreams. How can
any people believe that supreme power can take such shapes as these?"
Her father looked thoughtful.
"Yet, after all, it is not so strange. When I think of the cruel
forces in nature man had to overcome in early days, with his constant
terror of the many he could not in the least understand--like
electricity, or wind, even--and his danger from savage beasts and
deadly reptiles, is it any wonder he got hold of but one idea,--that of
power? It took a Saviour to fully teach him love and salvation. Even
the prophets and priests couldn't make him fully understand. No, I
don't wonder the ancients tried to propitiate all these harmful forces
and begged for their mercy--poor wretches!"
As he spoke, in a low tone, they were passing slowly around the gloomy
place at the heels of the guide, and shudderingly gazing at the hideous
representations of a barbaric faith which seemed starting out of the
shadows under the upheld torches.
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