Note 560 — Chapter I

In the changing circumstances of life, women more readily have recourse to religious vows for the fulfilment of their wishes than men. This fondness of women for vows has brought into vogue a number of vrats or religious observances which are practised by women only. Gangigor or Ganāgor, Vat-Sāvitri, Molākat, Goutrāt, Alavana or Alunda, Eva-vrat, Tulsi-vrat, Umā masheshwar-vrat, and Surya-vrat are instances of such vows.551 The Molākat-vrat is observed by virgins from the eleventh to the fifteenth day of the bright half of Āshādh.560 The Goutrāt-vrat is believed to secure male progeny, as well as long life to the husband. It is observed on the fourth day of the dark half of Shrāvana, on which day women fast till the evening, and then take food after worshipping a cow.561 The object of the Eva-vrat (or Jiva-vrat) is to secure eternal exemption from widowhood, the day for this vow being the last day of Āshādh. It is then necessary to observe a fast till the evening; and the only food allowed is a preparation of wheat, taken at nightfall.562