At Chauk in the Kolába District, the same plan of stealing the idol of the god Krishna is observed as a cure for barrenness. But here the idol is returned with great pomp, and replaced in its original place after the birth of a child. The godlings Hanumán and Bawan Vir are also worshipped for the cure of barrenness.[63]
At Poladpur in the Kolába District the favourite method of curing barrenness is to obtain copper amulets and black or red cotton strings from a Fakir.[64]
The following are the methods in vogue for the cure of barrenness at Khopoli in the Kolába District.
(1) To inquire from a sorcerer the cause of barrenness, and then to perform the rites mentioned by him.
(2) To use copper amulets and cotton strings taken from a Mántrik, i.e., one well versed in the mantras.
(3) To walk round the Tulsi (basil) plant or the Pipal or Banyan tree daily in the morning after worshipping it.
(4) To feed another woman’s child, or to give milk to a child.[65]
At Náta in the Kolába District, a woman wishing to have a child is required to strike with a knife the Jack, the Tamarind, and the Chámpa trees during an eclipse. It is believed that by so doing the woman will bear a child, and the trees will also bear flowers and fruits.[66]
At Medhe in the Roha taluka of the Kolába District, the following methods are in vogue for the cure of barrenness:—
(1) To worship the god Shiva and to observe fasts on Mondays.