Samipya 1992 Vol 09 Ank 01 02

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

Page 73

As per myths and legendary, the Rishis were disturbed and harassed continuously in performing 'Yajñas' by 'Rakshas' (demon) Shankhasur. So they approached Lord Krishna for help. He advised the Rishis to continue the fight against the demon Sankbasur. Meanwhile the Sankhasur took the form of a cow. As the cow being holy and it's killing was treated as a henious crime, no Rishi took the risk and informed Lord Krishna accordingly. Lord Krishna then created a statue of Goddess Meladı from his dirt (Mel) to kill the cow. But Goddess Meladı also did not agree to commit the crime by killing the cow. Therefore, Lord Krishņa assured her that she would be worshipped both for evil as well as for good purposes. Thus, Goddess Meladi is worshipped both for acquiring Āsuri-Shakti and also for Suri-shakti.
Goddess Melaţi at village Reshamia of Chotila Taluka and also at village Movaiya of Rajkot district are worshipped by Bhūvās on the 14th day of the dark half of Ashyin. On that day, no 'Madh' of Goddess can be errected without offering sacrifice or oblation of goat or a he-buffalo. On this occasion the meat is partaken of in order to win the favour of the Goddess.
There are no particular days prescribed for such worship, but Sundays and Tuesdays would seem to be the most favoured. On such days, offerings are made for the fulfilment of a vow. Fourth category of worship
In almost all societies of the world gods and goddesses are worshipped. The nature of worship is broadly classified into three categories. While the vagharis have the fourth category of worship along with animal sacrifice.
For Self realization
(1) Realization of higher-self or inner self or to realize divinity or oneness with
eternity.
For the Grace (2) Gods and Goddesses are worshipped to earn their grace for oneself as well as for
the well-being of the society. Whatever happiness or the prosperity they enjoy, it is believed to be a bliss or grace of the Gods, and whatever the hardships or calamities are faced are treated as the will of the Gods.
With Conditions (3) The God is worshipped with some worldly expectations and prayed for the same,
viz. prognosis, healing from illness, etc. Thus the worship is done with some expectation, some vow is taken that on fulfilment of the desire, something would be offered or some Pūjā will be performed or a pilgrimage will be carried out to honour the Goddesses.
18)
[ Samipya : April, '92-September, 1992