[72] The School Master of Jetpur. [↑]
[73] The School Master of Aman. [↑]
CHAPTER IX.
ANIMAL WORSHIP.
The following animals are considered sacred and worshipped by the Hindus.
1. The cow:—is regarded as the holiest of animals. She is worshipped on the fourth day of the dark half of Shrāvan which is known as Bol Choth;[1] and a vow is observed by women in her honour on the fifteenth day of Bhādarvā. It is known as Gautrad Vrat. On this day women do not eat wheat, milk, clarified butter and the whey of a cow.[2]
The sanctity which attaches to the cow is due to the belief that in her body reside thirty three crores of gods.[3]
2. The horse:—The horse is believed by some people to be the last incarnation of God. It is also believed to represent Vāchhado, the deity who cures hydrophobia.[4]
Some people believe the horse to be a celestial animal. It is said that in ancient times it had wings, traces of which are believed to be still visible in its knees.