Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1845-08-13
A Heathcn Temple.

Rev. E.ugenia kincad, for many wears mis-
sionary in the Burman Empire, has recently re-
turned to this country. and is now lccturing on
the condition of tho IIcathon to crowded au-
ditorics. In one of his rocont discourses doliv-
cd in Brooklyn, reported in tho Daily Advor-
tiser, he described Heather Tomplo, which We
have mover seen pa raolled. 1t stands in the city
of Arva, tho golden city, which for 600 years
has boon the capital of tho Burmese Empire.
! The foundations of this Temple of solid
terals: 1t is 1000 feet square, the walls being
S feet thick, and 70 feet high. On tho top Of tho
walls rest two rows of massive pillars. At each
corner of tho wall rises a beautiful spire. On
the top of each spire is placed hugo bar of iron
surmountng which is an iron net work, 10 feet
in diameter, in the shape Of spread umbrella.
On tho bottom edge of this, suspended bells
Of every size and tone. pleco of bright copper
is attached to every clapper. so arranged that
when the wind IS strong every bell is set ringing.
On the top of this Temple is second one, $50
feet square and 80 feet high, and on each corner
rises beautiful tower, with its compliment Of
bells. On the top Of this second stands a third
temple, 100 feet square and 80 feet high, each
corner having its tower and bells; and surmoun-
ting this third is fourth and last temple, IS feet
square and 10 feet high each corner also having
it's spire and bells. From the top of this fourth
temple ascends magnificent splro, with an inn
menso iron net work at its summit-having
numerous bells suspended from Its edge. OnI
walking along by the temple, whom the wind is
strong, and all these bells, comprising endless
variety of tones, ringing wonderful sensa
ton is produced, thong music was descending
around from the clouds.
The whole interior of tho temple Is succeed,
and has tho appearance Of polished marble. In
the center is immense throne, on which the
King of Arva sits--on the throne is placed |
gigantic image. Mr.. kincad had the curiosity
to climb up for tho purpose of measuring some
portion of it, and from the end of the thumb to
the second Joint, a distance of IS inches. |
Every part of the image was IN strict proportion.
an idea, therefore. Of the size may be formed. 1t
was placed there at a cost of 100000 rupees, or
$780, 900. Besides this in inches in tho walls. |
are placed 500 other lima ges, each one larger thai
life, each one upon throne, with inscriptions on
the wall directly above them. On the walls
other images in ters. higher and higher. until
they reach the lofty ceiling. Look about you
which way you will. in this immense building,
and it seems though the gods wore looking
down upon you, wherever you turn your eyes.
Look up this 274 feet of solid mason work, dedi-
Gated to idolatry, and to the thousands upon
thousands of worshippers, who pour in their offer
ngs of gold like water and fancy, if you can, the
expense of this idoatrous worship.
The Temple with all its mages-the 1000 bells
the soul pture, which adorns the building within
and without-,he brick and stone work, and the
lofty towers. cost moro money than all the church
es in New York.
1t was begun and finished within two years.
Thousands were making brick. and more laying
them, and thousands upon thousands engaged IN
the other various departments. We hardly
calculate the cost of the building. Thousands
of poor men cava two months labor to tho work.
others four and but few less. |,