Research source

The person who wishes to take a samadh goes into a deep trance by meditation, and then runs yelling and…

Date of account: Published 1914
Source: Folk Lore Notes. Vol. I—Gujarat
Reference: Folk Lore Notes. Vol. I—Gujarat · selected passage 115
Rights: public_domain
Language: English
Record updated: 2026-08-25

Record summary

The person who wishes to take a samadh 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

Published source text

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Source passage

Source text · mention only

A deep pit is dug in the ground. The person who wishes to take a samadh 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. Desai.

Historical context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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Modern context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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