Note 27 — Chapter II · HEROIC GODLINGS
Reading edition
In his whole life-time Bhīma is said to have fasted only on one day, which happened to be the eleventh day of the bright half of Jyeshtha and is now called Bhīma-agiāras. On this day people who desire to be cured of dyspepsia observe a strict fast, taking neither food nor water, and pass their hands over their bellies repeating the name of Bhīma and also offer cocoanuts to his image.27 On the night of Bhīma-agiāras, persons who are anxious to obtain health, wealth and victory over their enemies, bathe the image of Bhīma in water and panchāmrit28 and worship it according to the prescribed ceremonies.29