Samipya 1992 Vol 09 Ank 01 02

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

Page 81

away the evil spirits from the patients by magic incantations, or transfer them to others by waving a certain number of grain seeds round the head of the patient. By another process the Bhuvas can confine the evil spirit in a glass bottle, which is burried underground.
There is also a belief that the sixty four Joganis, or their clan-Goddesses (kul-devies) when they are desirous of victims, cause baneful epidemics among mankind, the only remedy in such a case is the offering of a goat or a he-buffalo, or the observation of 'Jatar' or other ceremonies in their honour.
No physician can be consulted without the consent of the Goddess through the media of Bhūva, who declares that Goddess would remain present in the form of medicine to heal the patient. Of course, during serious illness or during emergency doctors are consulted by enlightened and educated families, but they have to take the post-facto sanction of the Goddess.
Rabies
In case of Rabies or the bite of the dog, or hydrophobia it is compulsory to take the patient to Goddess 'Haddakan.' Nobody is allowed to go to hospital or to the Doctor. Here the vow of 1/4 month is taken before the Goddess and some black string is tied over the upper portion of the elbow. If nothing happens to the patient, the Jatar ceremony is performed and if the Rabies is diagnosed the patient is not removed to the hospital but he is kept inside the temple of Goddess Haddakan along with Bhuva who has to face the patient and hold him for a pretty long time till he is cured. If anybody seeks the help of a physician or a Doctor, he is supposed to pay the penalty for performing the Jatar, or one is ex-communicated from the caste.
They have immense faith in Goddess "Hadḍakan." She is considered to be the most powerful Goddess, so no Vaghari would dare to take any false oath in her name.
Madh of Goddess Haddakan situated in village Kothagam near Kalol, dist. Mehsana and madh situated in village Indoli near Dholka, dist. Ahmedabad are famous for occult powers and blessings.
The dog being the vehicle of Goddess Haddakan, it is never hurt by Vagharies, otherwise it is apprehended that wrath of Goddess would ruin them.
The growth of science and technology has given rise to new thoughts and concepts which challenge the very foundation of religious beliefs whereas on the other hand, the traditionalists look upon faith as the final authority in deciding the validity of the 'will' of goddess as final spiritual truth.
In any walk of life, reason follows faith. We perceive thing and then reason about it. This is also a process in the realm of religion, that which is envisioned by
[Sampуa: April, 92-September, 1992
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