ools--that of the right hand and that
of the left. The former runs into mysticism and magic in complicated
observances, and the latter into the most appalling licentiousness. The
worship of the Sakti, or female principle, has become a most elaborate
system. The beings adored are "the most outrageous divinities which man
has ever conceived."[30] Sorcery began early in India; but it is in
connection with this system that it attains to full development. Human
sacrifices are a normal part of the worship when fully performed. We
cannot go farther into detail. It is profoundly saddening to think that
such abominations are committed; it is still more saddening to think
that they are performed as a part of divine worship. Conscience,
however, is so far alive that these detestable rites are practiced only
in secret, and few, if any, are willing to confess that they have been
initiated as worshipers.

[Sidenote: Modern ritual.]
We have not yet said much about the ritual of modern days. It is
exceedingly complicated. In the case of the god Siva the rites are as
follows, when performed by a priest in the temple:

[Sidenote: Worship of Siva.]
The Brahman first bathes, then enters the temple and bows to the
god. He anoints the image with clarified butter or boiled oil;
pours pure water over it; and then wipes it dry. He grinds some
white powder, mixing it with water; dips the ends of his three
forefingers in it and draws them across the image. He sits down;
meditates; places rice and _durwa_ grass on the image--places a
flower on his own head, and then on the top of the image; then
another flower on the image, and another, and another--accompanying
each act with the recitation of sacred spells; places white powder,
flowers, bilva-leaves, incense, meat-offerings, rice, plantains,
and a lamp before the image; repeats the name of Siva, with
praises, then prostrates himself before the image. In the evening
he returns, washes his feet, prostrates himself before the door,
opens the door, places a lamp within, offers milk, sweet-meats, and
fruits to the image, prostrates himself before it, locks the door,
and departs.

Very similar is the worship paid to Vishnu:

[Sidenote: Worship of Vishnu.]
The priest bathes, and then awakes the sleeping god by blowing a
shell and ringing a bell. More abundant offerings are made than to
Siva. Ab