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THE FOLKLORE OF GUJARAT
95
religious austerities. It is said that he at the shrine of this Pir with an offering of took Samadh during life. This Samadk is a sweet preparation of ghi, sugar or molasses, said to work miracles, at times.
and wheat flour. The Muhammadans distri4. Similarly, a bard in the religious bute cooked rice among the Fakirs about house at Nayanagar called Sharadà Matha this shrine. has taken a Samadh during life, and his tradition runs that, once seven eunuchs remains and the structure over them have defied the power of this Pir saying that become an object of worship.
they would put no faith in him unless they 5. The Samadh of Làlà bhakta :-Làlà conceived sons. This they did, and when bhakta was a native of Sàyolà. He was in terror regarding their approaching famous for his piety, and after his death his confinement, they were told that the children Samadh was deified. It is said in reference would have to be taken out by cutting to this Samadh that a meal of dainty dishes their bodies open. The tombs of these prepared for five or six persons by its side, seven eunuchs and their sons still stand would satisfy the hunger of a company of near the tomb of Devalshà to bear testimony fifty, if one happened to arrive there at the to his glory and miraculous-power. time of serving the meall.
9. The Kabur of Haji Karmani :-Is 6. Datart Pir:-The tomb of this Pir is situated at Dwarkan and is much respected situated on Mount Girnar. Almost all by both Hindus and Muhammadans.? people in Kathiàwàr and many from Gujarat 10. The tombs of Jesal and Toral : offer vows to this Pir,
These are said to be the tombs of a husband This Pir is also known by the name of
and wife of the names of Jesal and Toral. Kala Yavan. It is believed that he has They are situated in Anjár, a village in the power of releasing the chain bonds of
Cutch. It is said that originally these tombs a person falsely accused with an offenci
were at the distance of twenty-seven fcet provided he approaches the Pir in chains.
from one another, but now the distance The sanctity of this Pir is so great that
between them is only 7 feet. A belief is vows in his honour secure to persons desiring
current that the day of judgment will come inale heirs the birth of sons.
when these two tombs meet. 7. Asimi Pir :-The tomb of this Pir
11. Haj Pir and Gebànshà Pir : The is in Lunàr. He is believed to ensure the
tombs of these Pirs are at Mendarda. Vows fulfilment of certain vows made by those
are offered to the Hà; Pir (Pilgrims saint)
with the object of securing a good rainfall who have faith in him."
after an unusual drought, also for the 8. Devalshd Pir :-The tomb of this
restoration of stolen property. Vows to Pir is sitnated at Amaràn abont seven miles the Gebanghà Pir are believed to be efficafrom Todia. Many Hindus perform the cious in curing foot discasos of cattle and first hair-cutting ceremony of their children skin diseases of children,
• A samadh is taken during life in the following way.
A deep pit is dug in the ground. The person who wishes to take a samadh goes into a deep trance by meditation, and then runs yelling and scronming to the pit. while drums are beaten furiously and a loud din is raised, so that none should hear a possible exclamation or cry from the runner. In the midst of this din the runner leaps into the pit and is covered over with salt and earth. An altar is raised over this spot with Shiva's image, which afterwards becomes an object of worship. It is believed that if a word or a cry from the runner is heard while he is taking the leap. the whole village will be destroyed. Mr. K, D. Dosai.
1 The Pathshala Shastri, Bbayavadar.
Datar means the great giver' or munificent. The Pir is so called on account of his power of fulfilling the vows of many. 1 The School Master of Dbank.
3 The School Master of Movaiya. • The School Master of Dhank and Moti Parabdi. 5 The School Master of Dadvi. 6 The School Master of Dadvi.
The School Master of Dadvi, The School Master of Davalia.
9 The School Master of Mendarda.
