Gorakhnath and the Kanphata Yogis c7.75

c7.75

In the Nizām’s Dominions³ two divisions of the Gorakhnāthīs are found, the Davre and the Rāvals. Both were originally recruits from Marātha Kunbis, but now form independent castes. The Davre, who are of the Navanāth sect, derive their name from the drum (dabara) which they use in singing the hymns of Bhāirava. They are also known as Kumar Bharadī, from the name of a dance which they perform at the commencement of the marriage ceremony of their Kunbi (an agricultural caste) disciples. They admit only married Kunbis and others of higher caste. The recruits are mostly children, dedicated by parents to Bhāirava in fulfilment of vows. The initiation of the boy (or girl) takes place in the temple of Bhāirava at Sonārī, at about the ages of twelve. The lobes of the ears are split and brass rings are worn. The division consists of three exogamous sections. Marriage is usually early, widow remarriage is allowed, polygamy is practised and divorce is permissible. Brāhmans officiate at their weddings. Their gurus are Kānphaṭa Yogis. They are buried in a sitting posture facing east, and are carried to the grave in a cloth bag. The procession is accompanied by musicians. The body is smeared with ashes of cowdung; and bel leaves and flowers are offered. Water is poured into the mouth. Gāñja, tobacco, spirits and the food of the kind the deceased was fond of are placed in the grave. The chief mourner first throws in earth, and offerings of bel leaves and flowers three times and the grave is then filled up. Upon return to the home of the deceased, the mourners chew nīm leaves, wash their mouths and then go to their own homes. Davres rank just below Marāṭha Kunbis. They eat fish, fowl or mutton and drink spirits. There are mendicants amongst them.