Note 38 — Chapter II · THE HEROIC GODLINGS.
Reading edition
In a few temples of goddesses like Jakhái etc. the Pujári is of the Mahár caste.38 A great fair is held in honour of the goddess Vajrá-bái or Vajreshwari near Nirmal in the month of Kártika (November). The Pujári of the goddess is a Gosávi of the Giri sect. The worship of Bhimasena is not prevalent in the Konkan, but the hero Bhima, like Máruti, is held in reverence by the gymnasts. Bhima is not worshipped, but a work called the Bhima-stavaráj is read at the bed of a dying man in order that he may obtain salvation. At Ashirgad there is a gumpha or cave of Ashwattháma, a hero of the Mahábhárata, and it is said that a noise is heard coming from the cave on the full moon day.39