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Page21
At
Kanum, about, half-way between the northern and southern frontiers, the sacred books are
in Tibet, and Lamas are there first met with; but kine are venerated, and some, attention
paid to the distinction of castes; thus partially amalgamating the two creeds. At
Hungrung, on the northern frontier, the religion is pure Lamaic Buddhism . . . . . .
"
Hinduism did exist from before as the very area
is taken to be the abode of Lord Siva and his spouse Parvati or Uma or Durga. Mythological
legends associate this area with the Kinnars or Kimpurushas (what kind of human beings?).
It may be mentioned here that from time immemorial Kinnars or Kinners have been mentioned
in almost every ancient book of religion of Hindus. Ajanta Frescoes have made the Kinners
immortal.
But the Hindu priests being rare, Lamaism did
spread later. That is why though Hindus predominate (90%) Buddhism has been peacefully
flourishing there. Many village entrances have got very old small walls of stones with the
inscription "OM MANE PADME HUM".
These sacred stones are vaguely described as Mane and they are very
common. The Mane has to be kept on the right hand while passing. Chosten and Donktens are
very small structures dedicated to god or the evil spirits.
Almost every village has one Labrang (a place
of worship). Lopchas (squarepiece of stones on the tops of the houses), Darchhot (a pole
erected at one corner of the house to which a flag is attached printed with- "OM MANE
PADME HUM" and Dumgyars (a large praying wheel) are common.
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