History of the Parsis : including their manners, customs, religion and present position : with coloured and other illustrations : in two volumes

232 HISTORY OF THE PARSTS. [CHAP. V.

so greatly dreaded that none of the community dared to question its behests.

Another important step which the Panchayet took in the direction of reform was that of prohibiting Parsis from sending offerings to Hindu temples. Parsi women in the earlier days were very credulous and full of superstition. They believed everything which was poured into their ears by crafty and designing persons, whether they were Parsi priests, Hindus, Brahmans, or Mahomedan fakirs. They were ready to make vows to Hindu gods and Mahomedan saints for the fulfilment of their desire to be blessed with children if they were barren, or to secure the undivided affection of their husbands if they happened "not to be on good terms with them, and for the general attaimment of any wishes they might cherish. It was further brought to the notice of the Panchayet that many Parsi women and men also were in the habit of wearing charms, amulets, and threads, obtamed from conjurors and magicians in the belief that by wearing them they would not only be protected from evil spirits, but that they would also secure their own happiness and the realisation of all their hopes. In these objectionable practices the men too often connived at the weakness of their better halves. The Panchayet therefore, with a view to effectually suppress these pernicious customs which

were dishonourable to the Zoroastrian religion, pro-