Times Cryptic 685

[mikesnr]

18d. Religion - popular one embraced by composer millions follow (10). B---------

[sarumite]

Brahmanism

[crofter]

S ~ you need the other spelling Brahminism
It's BRAHMS about IN (popular) +I then M(illions)

[kettledrum]

Slip of the typing finger, Sarumite! It should be Brahminism

[mikesnr]

Thanks. Had Brahms and m(millions), but still stuck on ani resolution!

[sarumite]

Thanks crofter . . you just beat me to it, on checking I realised that the 'ani' variant didn't completely fit the clue. :0)

[crofter]

I've just been checking up on the new Monarch of the Month, wickedtongue ~ but has he got a wickedmind?

[geo0939]

I think this bears another look. Brahms +one (can be A )with popular being IN. Plus the fact that Brahmanism is the usual spelling.

[crofter]

I take your point, but the wording "popular one" given in the clue does not mention reversal (as it should to get the order "A NI"). That's why I discarded the usual spelling and went for the "IN I" version.

[geo0939]

I 'd say this is a case of "either or" crofter. It could hinge on the lack of a reversal clue or the alternative spelling, which I don't fancy since the god is named Brahma. I guess we'll have to check the answers.

PS: I submit this online, and had already submitted both answers. (Belt and braces).

[crofter]

geo0939: I've done the same each-way bet myself in the past (eg the last Rainbow Quiz with Starlight Express) and I'll do it again if I must.

I'm not a gambling man, but I'd bet on INI over ANI. Let me know the outcome, when it is declared! Cheers.