Research source

The old Buddhist traveller thus describes the serpent deity in the temple at Sankisa in the Farrukhâbâd…

Date of account: Second edition published 1896
Source: The Popular Religion and Folk-Lore of Northern India, Vol. 2 (of 2)
Reference: The Popular Religion and Folk-Lore of Northern India, Vol. 2 (of 2) · selected passage 69
Rights: public_domain
Language: English
Record updated: 2026-08-25

Record summary

The old Buddhist traveller thus describes the serpent deity in the temple at Sankisa in the Farrukhâbâd District--"A white-eared dragon is the patron of this body of the priests

Published source text

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Source passage

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The old Buddhist traveller thus describes the serpent deity in the temple at Sankisa in the Farrukhâbâd District--"A white-eared dragon is the patron of this body of the priests. It is he who causes fertilizing and seasonable showers of rain to fall within their country, and preserves it from plagues and calamity, and so causes the priesthood to dwell in security. The priests, in gratitude for these favours, have erected a dragon chapel, and within it placed a seat for his accommodation; and, moreover, they make special contributions in the shape of religious offerings to provide the dragon with food. Towards the end of each season of rest, the dragon incontinently assumes the form of a little serpent, both of whose ears are white. The body of priests, recognizing him, place in the midst for his use a copper vessel full of cream. The serpent then proceeds to come down from the highest part of the alcove, all the while moving, as though he would pay his respects to all those around him. He then suddenly disappears.

Historical context

Contextual commentary · mention only

This material belongs to a folklore tradition. Story type, collector, community, transmission and literary editing matter when comparing it with other sources.

Modern context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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