CANTO FIFTH.
And worn with resting on her rosary.] The Hindús use their rosaries much as we do, carrying them in their hands or on their wrists. As they turn them over, they repeat an inaudible prayer, or the name of the particular Deity they worship, as Vishnu or Siva. The Rudráksha mala (which we may suppose Uma to have used) is a string of the seeds or berries of the Eleocarpus, and especially dedicated to Siva. It should contain 108 berries or beads, each of which is fingered with the mental repetition of one of Siva's 108 appellations.
Not e'en her boy.] Kártikeya, the God of War.
Of those poor birds.] The Chakravaki. "These birds are always observed to fly in pairs during the day, but are supposed to remain separate during the night."
Friendship may soon in gentle bosoms dwell.]
Dante.
CANTO SIXTH.
The Heavenly Dame.] Arundhati, wife of one of the Seven Saints; she is considered the pattern of excellence, and is invoked at the marriage ceremony by the bridegroom.
'The Boar.] An Avatar, or incarnation of Vishnu. In this form he preserved the world at the Deluge.
That thirsty bird.] The Chátitaka, supposed to drink nothing but rain-water.
Proud Alaká.] The capital of Kuvera, the God of Wealth.
The bright Champac.]
"The maid of India blest again to hold
In her broad lap the Champac's leaves of gold."
Lalla Rookh.
Angiras.] One of the Seven Saints ; the father of Vrihaspati, the teacher of the gods.
