We next come to the celebrated temple of _Ambalapusha_, which lies also on the sea-coast, and is dedicated to _Shiva_ or _Mahadèva_. This temple, which is exceedingly rich, has belonging to it particular districts and villages, and is under the direction of chiefs who are totally independent of the government of the country. The latter, however, keeps here a _Cariacarer_, whose business is to watch the conduct of these chiefs. The infamous festival, called _Padèni_, during which the statue of the god _Shiva_ is carried round in the night time, and before him a _lingam_, or phallus, is celebrated at this temple. These diabolical nocturnal orgies are attended, not only by the Pagan Indians, but it is required that all the Christians residing in the territories dedicated to the god should be present also. On this occasion the Pagan Indians perform a dance, to which the Christian women are invited; and if they refuse to come voluntarily, they are dragged thither by force. I applied, therefore, at different times, both to _Cumàren Cembaga Ràmapulla_, a magistrate of distinction, and to his successor _Padmanàbha Cembaga Ràmapulla_, earnestly intreating that they would prevent the overseers of the temple from thus abusing their power, and no longer suffer them to compel the Christians to be partakers in so detestable a festival. The overseers, however, found means to make a thousand excuses, and always referred to ancient usage. But this did not discourage me from pursuing the accomplishment of my object; and as I was invested with full power by the above magistrate, I caused some Christian fishermen from _Cattur_ and _Tumbòli_, who had taken a share in the celebration of this festival, to get a severe beating before the church-door, as a warning to other Christians not to participate in such abominations in future[64]. Still following the coast, we arrive at _Alapushe_, a town of considerable size, inhabited by a great number of Pagans, Mahometans, and Christians of St. Thomas. The king of Travancor caused a large canal to be dug here, in order that the inhabitants might send their merchandise by water, to be put on board foreign ships lying on the coast. In this town one of my friends, Manuel Fernandes, was established as factor for the king, and inspector of the warehouses. We have here a striking instance of the manner in which circumstances change in regard to harbours and places of trade. In the first century after the birth of Christ, the greatest trade was carried on at _Covàlam_, _Arampalli_, and _Coleci_. In the ninth century, when the Arabs settled on the sea coast, _Collam_ was the most celebrated place of trade. After that period the cities of _Cochin_, _Calicut_, _Porrocàda_, and _Cubungalur_, held the next rank; and at present, by the wise regulations of the king of Travancor, _Puntora_ and _Alapushe_ enjoy the same advantages.