down. Just where it emerges from under the barrier it forms a pool which is crowded with mahseer of all sizes. These are wonderfully tame, the bigger ones feeding fearlessly from one's hand and even allowing their backs to be stroked.1[1] They are protected by the Mádgole zamindars — who (see p. 320) on several grounds venerate all fish — and by superstitious fears. Once, goes the story, a Brinjári caught one and turned it into curry, whereon the king of the fish solemnly cursed him and he and all his pack-bullocks were turned into rocks which may be seen there till this day. At Sivarátri a festival occurs at the little thatched shrine near by (the pújári at which is a Bagata) and part of the ritual consists in feeding the sacred fish.
- ↑ 1 Description given by Mr. J. A. Sandell, Superintendent of Police, Jeypore.
