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4
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY
while possessed by her, the will of the mātā, replying for her to such questions as may be put to him. The devis are supposed to appear in specially favoured bhuvas and to endow them with prophetic powers.2
The following is a list of some of the inferior local deities of Gujarat and Kathiawar :
(1) Suro-puro. This is generally the spirit of some brave ancestor who died a heroic death, and is worshipped by his descendants as a family-god at his birthplace as well as at the scene of his death, where a pillar (palio) is erected to his memory.3
(2) Vachhro, otherwise known by the name of Dada (sire).-This is said to have. been a Rajput, killed in rescuing the cowherds of some Charans, who invoked his aid, from a party of free-booters. He is con sidered to be the family-god of the Ahirs of Solanki descent, and is the sole village-deity in Okha and Baradi Districts." Other places dedicated to this god are Padānā, Aniālā, Taluka Mengani, Khajurdi, Khirasara and Anida, He is represented by a stone horse, and Charans perform priestly duties in front of him. Submission to, and vows in honour of, this god, are believed to cure rabid-dog-bites."
(3) Sarmālio commands worship in Gondal, Khokhari and many other places. Newlymarried couples of many castes loosen the knots tied in their marriage-scarves as a mark of respect for him.* Persons bitten by a snake wear round their necks a piece of thread dedicated to this god,"
(4) Shitala is a goddess known for the cure of small-pox.-Persons attacked by this disease observe vows in her honour, Kälävad and Syadla are places dedicated to her."
(5) Ganagor.-Virgins who are anxious to secure suitable husbands and comfortable
1 Mr. Jethabhai Mangaldas, Schoolmaster, Gondal. 3 Mr. D. K. Pandya, Schoolmaster, Dhank. Mr. L. G. Travadi, Schoolmaster, Upleta.
Mr. H. R. Pandya, Schoolmaster, Khirasarā. Mr. D. K. Pandya, Schoolmaster, Dhank.
establishments worship this goddess and observe vows in her honour,"
(6) Todālia-She has neither an idol nor a temple set up in her honour, but is represented by a heap of stones lying on the village boundary-Pädal or Jampā. All marriage processions, before entering the village (Sänka) or passing by the heap, pay homage to this deity and offer a cocoanut, failure to do which is believed to arouse her wrath. She does not command daily adoration, but on occasions the attendant, who is a Chumvalia Koli, and who appropriates all the presents to this deity, burns frankincense of gugal (balsamodendron) and lights a lamp before her,10
(7) Buttaya also is represented by a heap of stones on a hillock in the vicinity of Sānkā. Her worshipper is a Talabdia Koli. A long season of drought leads to her propitiation by feasting Brahmans, for which purpose four pounds of corn are taken in her name from each threshing floor in the village.10
(8) Surdhan. This seems to have been some brave Kshatriya warrior who died on a battlefield. A temple is erected to his mepory, containing an image of Shiva. The attending priest is an Atit.10
(9) Ghogho. This is a cobra-god worshipped in the village of Bikhijada having a Bajana (tumbler) for his attending priest.1 10
(10) Pir. This is a Musalman saint, in whose honour no tomb is erected, the special site alone being worshipped by a devotee, 10
(11) Raneki is represented by a heap of stones, and is attended upon by chamars (tanners). Her favourite resort is near the Dhedvādā (ie., a quarter inhabited by sweepers). A childless Girasia is said to
2 Mr. Nandlal Kalidas, Schoolmaster, Chhaträsä. Mr. H. R. Pandya, Schoolmaster, Khirasarā. Mr. D. K. Pandya, Schoolmaster, Dhank, 8 Mr.L. G. Travadi, Schoolmaster, Upleta.
*Two pieces of cloth, a shouldercloth and a scarf are cast over the bridegroom and the bride, and they are tied together by a knot. It is the unloosening of this tie which is here referred to.-Mr. K. D. Desai. 10 Mr. N. M. Dave, Schcolmaster, Sänkā
