Note 91 — Chapter II · HEROIC GODLINGS

Diseases among cattle are believed to be brought on by the wrath of minor deities such as Shitalā Mahākāli91 or the sixty-four Joganis.9293 The bhuvās, when they are possessed, declare to the people which particular deity is exasperated, whereupon that deity is conciliated either by offering dainties or a goat or a ram, or by the observance of Ujāṇi. A dhārāvādi—a stream of milk—is poured on to the ground adjoining the village side, and toraṇs of āsopālav leaves (Jonesia asoka) are fastened on the doors of the offended deity’s temple.94 It is also customary to place baklān and vadān at a spot where three roads meet in order to propitiate the evil spirits, who frequent such places.95