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44
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY
worship this Pir with fetters on one's legs, and it is believed that, at the time of worship, the chains break off.1
There is at Dahibáv in the Ratnagiri District a tomb of a Hindu saint named Shri Anand Murti, to which the people of that locality make vows when severe calamities befall them, and it is believed that the saint listens to their prayers.2
When a Brahman assumes the garb of a recluse or Sanyási, he is considered by the people as sacred as a Hindu god, and is worshipped with great reverence, provided he abides by the rules contained in the shastras,
There is a tomb of a Pir at Bawa Málangad in the Panwel taluka of the Kolába District, where the people make vows to the Pir, and it is believed that the Pir fulfils their wishes. Hindu saints such as Rámdás, Dnyaneshwar, Námdev are held in great honour in this District.1
There is a temple of Nágoba at Avas in the Kolábe District where persons suffering from snake-bite, if carried to the temple while still alive, are said to be cured."
At Kawad in the Bhiwandi taluka of the Thána District there is a tomb of a Brahmachari named Sakhárám Báva who has been deified by the people of that District. A great fair is held at the tomb every year.
The following instance is given of a miracle at the tomb Sakhárám Báva of Kawad. A man suffering from fits showed an inclination to go to Kawad to read Guru Charitra for seven successive days. He was taken to that place accordingly. After his arrival, he continued to suffer from these fits in the
1 School Master, Sakharane, Ratnagiri. School Master, Adivare, Ratnagiri.
5 School Master, Akshi, Kolába. School Master, Padghe, Thána.
9 School Master, Umbergaon, Thána.
morning and evening at the time of the worship at the tomb. Once during the fits he said that he would be free from the disease if Rs. 200 were spent in giving a feast to the Bráhmans at Páli. The relatives of the sufferer agreed to arrange accordingly, and instantly the man put his head on the Samádhi (tomb) and threw himself on his back. He came to his senses after ten minutes, and from that time he was completely cured. A feast was then given to the Bráhmans at Páli, and Rs. 200 were spent over it as promised. Another instance of miracular power is cited, and that is of the priest of the goddess Mahaluami of Kolwan. This priest goes up and hoists the flag of the goddess on a steep hill which no other person can climb, and it is believed that he can do this only when the spirit of the goddess enters his body."
At Umbergaon in the Thána District there is a miracle-working tomb of a saint called the Dátár "Pir." Sakhárámbáva of Angaon Kawad, a Hindu saint, is held in high honour in this village. At this place it is a'so believed that some of the Pirs walk round the village at night, and their tombs are said to be seen in motion. The Dátár Pir is worshipped even. by the Hindus of that locality."
At Shirosi in the Murbád Taluka of the Thána District, Sakhárámbáva of Kawad, Dev Mámlatdár, Chandirámbuva of Khed, Narayanbuva of Nanuri, the Swámi of Akkalkot, the Swámi of Kumbhar Peth at Kolhápur, and the Dandekerbuva of Rájápur are the principal saints held in honour by the people. 10
At Mánikpur in the Thána District it is said. that a bright light or flames emanate from certain tombs of Musalman saints 11
* School Master, Náringre, Ratnagiri. 4 School Master, Chank, Ratnagiri. School Master, Váda, Thána. School Master, Dahánu, Thána. 10 School Master, Shirosi, Thána.
11 School Master, Mánikpur, Thána
