Note 32 — Chapter IV · WORSHIP OF ANCESTORS AND SAINTS.
Reading edition
A samādh is taken during life in the following way.
A deep pit is dug in the ground. The person who wishes to take a samādh goes into a deep trance by meditation, and then runs yelling and screaming to the pit, while drums are beaten furiously and a loud din is raised, so that none should hear a possible exclamation or cry from the runner. In the midst of this din the runner leaps into the pit and is covered over with salt and earth. An altar is raised over this spot with Shiva’s image, which afterwards becomes an object of worship. It is believed that if a word or a cry from the runner is heard while he is taking the leap, the whole village will be destroyed.—Mr. K. D. Desāi. ↑