CHAPTER VIII.

The religion of the Hindoos--Castes--Brahmins--Kshatriyas--Vaisyas--Sudras--Sub-division by mixed marriages--The Triune Godhead: Brahma the centre, Vishnu the preserver or sustainer, and Siva, the destroyer--The Hindoo Pantheon--Brahmin place of worship--The Sacred Cow--Transmigration of souls--Degrees of punishment for various sins--The fate of the murderer, the adulterer, the unmerciful 124