Note 72 — Chapter II · THE HEROIC GODLINGS.

At Málád in the Thána District, the Banyan tree is worshipped by women of the Dwijas, i.e., of the twice born castes, on the full moon day of the month of Jestha. Copper or silver coins and fruit are offered to the tree. These offerings are taken by the Bráhman priest, who explains to them the modes of worship. The Bráhman priest is also given some money as a gift. This Vrata, i.e., vow, is observed by women by fasting for three successive days, from the 13th to the 15th day of the bright half of Jestha (June). The Pipal tree is worshipped daily by some men and women of the Bráhman caste. Women walk round this tree for a hundred and eight times or more daily. Some persons hold a thread ceremony for the Pipal tree in order to obtain a son, and worship the tree for a certain period. It is worshipped with fruit and copper coins. Wooden cradles are also offered to the tree. Wells are worshipped on auspicious days such as Parwani by women of the upper castes.72 At Padghe in the Thána District the Banyan tree is worshipped on the full moon day of Jestha, and the Pipal is worshipped every Saturday in the month of Shráwan (August). The Pipal tree is not worshipped before the performance of its thread ceremony, and its thread ceremony is not performed till the tree bears at least one thousand leaves.73