Samipya 1992 Vol 09 Ank 01 02

Author(s): Pravinchandra C Parikh, Bhartiben Shelat
Publisher: Bholabhai Jeshingbhai Adhyayan Sanshodhan Vidyabhavan

Page 70

periods. It was practised amongst Brahmias, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, Sūdras, Dravidians, Non-Aryan Indians and aboriginal Tribes from time immemorial.
Besides the higher-grade deities, whose worship is enjoined and treated in the Shastras and Purāņas, numerous other minor deities, none of whom however, find a place in the Scriptures, are worshipped by the lower classes.
The worship of Goddess had a strong grip all over India from 600 B. C. to 400 A. D. The Yajur-veda is full of hymns of Goddess worship. Worship of Goddess 'Ambika' is recommended in 'Devi' Purāņa and Markandeya Purāņa. Gayatri-Pagh and Chandi-Paph are recommended everywhere. Of course the Goddess mentioned in Vedas can be worshipped only by Brahmins and Goddess mentioned in Purāņas can be worshipped only by Kshatriyas and Vaishyas. Sūdras and Non-Aryans have no authority to worship these Goddesses. Other Goddess and particularly 64 Jognts and other individual Goddess can be worshipped by them. But ultimately the worship of Goddesses of all categories leads to 'Shakta' or 'Shakti' (energy) worship.
Joginis
The Joginis are the folk-goddesses. In the Skanda Purāņa, we find two different lists of the names of the Jogiņis, one consisting of 48 names while the other having 64 names. These all belong to the fearful forms of Devies and these goddesses are to be worshipped with Bali. In Navarātra, its Yatrā, also known as Jatar, among Vagharis is also to be arranged for Devies. There after one becomes free from the fear of the ghost, Bhūtas, witches, Pisachas, and the demons.
These Joginis are sometimes represented as eight fairies or sorceresses created by Durga and sometimes there are various forms of Goddesses. These sixty or sixty-four Goddesses are capable of being multiplied to the number of ten millions. The Skanda Purāna describes that there are as many Joginis as there are Gotras (one for each Gotra). Some of these are also designated as Kuladevatas (family gods).5 Or Kuldevis.
Generally, no human shape image is set up in the temple of these deities known as Madh'. However, idol worship is observed. A small silver idol of Clan-goddess is kept with consorts in a holy copper-pot in a sacred place and only during Jatar, this idol is taken out and worshipped. Thus idol as well as image worship is observed. In some of the groups, only the image worship is prevalent. Their pictures are depicted on a piece of cloth and it is being prepared by special class of this community. However, the original deity is 'Shakti' the Goddess of energy or power. Its various aspects are manifested through Jogaạis and local deities. They are worshipped. Further, Goddess 'Amba' is also worshipped amongst this community. Her picture is also found with Trishūl, Dakla and sword in her hands.
It is further learnt that among some sub-groups idols of only those Goddesses manifesting divine powers are installed in the 'Madh' whereas in the case of Goddesses
Vagharis of Gujarat ; An Ancient Tribe ]
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