The Tree is at the North end of the King’s Dominions at Annarodgburro.  This Tree, they say, came flying over from the other Coast, and there planted it self, as it now stands, under which the Buddou-God at his being on earth used, as they say, often to fit.  This is now become a place of solemn worship.  The due performance whereof they reckon not to be a little meritorious:  insomuch that, as they report, Ninety Kings have since reigned there successively, where by the ruins that still remain, it appears they spared not for pains and labour to build Temples and high Monuments to the honour of this God, as if they had been born only to hew Rocks, and great Stones, and lay them up in heaps.  These Kings are now happy Spirits, having merited it by these their labours.

Those whose Ability or Necessity serve them not to go to these Places, may go to some private Vihars nearer.

[The high honour they have for this God.] For this God above all other, they seem to have an high respect and Devotion; as will appear by this that follows.  Ladies and Gentlewomen of good Quality, will sometimes in a Fit of Devotion to the Buddou, go a begging for him.  The greatest Ladies of all do not indeed go themselves, but send their Maids dressed up finely in their stead.  These Women taking the Image along with them, carry it upon the palms of their hand covered with a piece of white Cloth; and so go to mens houses, and will say, We come a begging of your Charity for the Buddou towards his Sacrifice.  And the People are very liberal.  They give only of three things to him, either Oyl for his Lamps, or Rice for his Sacrifice, or Money or Cotton Yarn for his use.

Poor men will often go about begging Sustenance for themselves by this means:  They will get a Book of Religion, or a Buddou’s Image in a Case, wrapping both in a white Cloth, which they carry with great reverence.  And then they beg in the name of the Book or the God.  And the People bow down to them, and give their Charity, either Corn, or Money, or Cotton yarn.  Sometimes they will tell the Beggar, What have I to give?  And he will reply, as the saying is, as much as you can take up between your two fingers is Charity.  After he has received a gift from any, he pronounceth a great deal of blessing upon him, Let the blessing of the Gods and the Buddou go along with you; let your Corn ripen, let your Cattle increase, let your Life be long, &c.

Some being devoutly disposed, will make the Image of this God at their own charge.  For the making whereof they must bountifully reward the Founder.  Before the Eyes are made, it is not accounted a God, but a lump of ordinary Metal, and thrown about the Shop with no more regard than any thing else.  But when the Eyes are to be made, the Artificer is to have a good gratification, besides she first agreed upon reward.  The Eyes being formed, it is thenceforward a God.  And then, being brought with honour from the Workman’s Shop, it is dedicated by Solemnities and Sacrifices, and carried with great state into its shrine or little house, which is before built and prepared for it.