tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75157662793145950942024-03-05T15:10:33.770-07:00Secrets of the Snake CharmerSnakes in the 21st Century
John C. Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06024060563494957012noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7515766279314595094.post-9414774647994111682018-10-31T10:41:00.001-07:002018-10-31T10:41:13.367-07:00Spider With Three Super Powers | The Hunt | BBC Earth<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UDtlvZGmHYk" width="480"></iframe>typhlopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03587855087524182193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7515766279314595094.post-6350762126488747822018-09-29T14:09:00.001-07:002018-09-29T14:09:44.802-07:00Tumhare Shehar Ka Mausam by Ustad Shujaat Khan | Live | Virasat - Spic M...<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7mM3vkA7OQY" width="480"></iframe>typhlopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03587855087524182193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7515766279314595094.post-76245355439295472312018-07-31T05:47:00.001-07:002018-07-31T05:47:38.478-07:00جو چاہتے ہو سو کہتے ہو چپ رہنے کی لذت کیا جانو۔۔۔!!!۔<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5nCyCpGaMuE" width="459"></iframe>typhlopshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03587855087524182193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7515766279314595094.post-11253325991448962082017-12-22T09:41:00.004-07:002017-12-22T09:41:38.861-07:00The craft of “snake charmers”<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><b>Muhammad
Sharif Khan</b></span></div>
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<b>306 N. Morton Avenue</b></div>
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<b>Morton, PA 19070, USA</b></div>
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<b>Typhlops99@outlook.com</b></div>
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<b>2016</b></div>
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Snakes and people, together, have a
long history that goes back to the time when we were not yet “people” and yet
snake was not recognized with its attributes as today, while snake continued
with its unfriendly habits. It explains our extreme attitude towards snakes,
varying from deification to ophidiphobia - the fear of snakes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The story of snake-man began when we
were yet exploring our surroundings, experiencing new facts, real hard facts,
and started recognizing howls with jackals, chatters with monkeys, growls and
roars to cheetah and lion, we recognized them by their sounds in dark, in light
by their shapes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Since beginning we have been hunters
and gatherers. For long, we knew there loomed something mysterious around
thickets a small insignificant “wound” from its bite, unlike bite of a cat
etc., caused in due course of time agonizing death. So we started fearing going
in jungle, where from flashed glimpses imprinted in our memory “a long,
writing, gliding animal,” it was the start of “Ophidiphobia” the fear of
something that inflicts sudden agonizing death (the snake)!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some among us were more mobile, sharp
and cunning; roamed about in jungle waste, learning the ways of animals, where
a man feared to tread. These men cashed our fear; they realized “snake,” is an
animal, defends itself by injecting venom in the wound, unlike other biting
animals. Thus they knew some animals are venomous other nonvenomous.<o:p></o:p></div>
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They used their knowledge to cash our
fear by tricking us, and earn their living-it was start of snake charmers
craft.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Snake charming in India</b></div>
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The subcontinent is predominantly agricultural.
With changes in seasons flora and fauna changes. Rising temperatures in summer
stir up reptiles and amphibians in their dens, and are frequently encountered
everywhere: homes, fields, pastures, and deserts, so that snake bite cases are
frequent, because of meager medical help, publically local hakims and vaids are
relied on around, who claim to have herbal, Mantra and Dams cure for snake
bite.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The snake-men, had already build up
their reputation public street shows, floating convincing stories.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Adding mystery to snake Because of
snakes swift graceful mysterious gliding motion, sudden appearance/ disappearance
and reappearance from nowhere; bright lid-less eyes, fixed gaze, colorful beauty,
strength to squeeze to death. Fatal consequences of bite, regularly shedding
skin for a shinier and healthier one, suggested snake's longevity and
immortality. Its strange ways aroused feelings of wonder, respect, fear; thus
man started glorifying and worshiping it believing in its mythical powers.
National heroes were personified as serpents with supernatural powers, reverend
and worshipped. Snake shapes carved in wood, stone were placed in temples. Its
pendent phallus-like shape related it to <o:p></o:p></div>
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In the subcontinent and Southeast
Asia cobra is intimately associated with folklore, religion and art. In India
annually two days, Nag Panchami (July) and Anat Chaturdashi (September) are
devoted to cobra worship, (based on whatever folklores) all over India.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The snake charmers flock to cities
and villages carrying live snakes, going from door to door, offering their
snakes to devoted peoples to worship them. In return they get milk, grains,
money and clothes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tracking snakes in field----an
expertise of snake-man Catching snakes from wild is a lucrative business. Apart
from supplying snakes to the anti-venous developing laboratories and
scientists, most of the caught snakes are for display and worship, which is
more paying.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There are several gypsy-type tribes
in the subcontinent who earn their living by this business. In Pakistan mostly
they belong to “Jogi” tribe who follow “kka” peer (saint), who permit jogies to
catch snakes under certain conditions: every snake caught will be realized in
wild within six months of its captivity. If a jogi dies of snake bite, he is believed
to not have followed the condition. Every year, in month of September celebrations
are held in honor of the kka peer. When snake effigies are made from kneaded
wheat flower, and are taken from door to door, alms are collected; by the evening
the effigies are buried. So the pledge to allegiance to kka peer is revived.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Failing to hold these cerebrations,
is believed make their women barren and will remain childless, and every man in
jogi tribe will die of snake bite. During marriage of daughters, parents give
them present of live snakes, moreover, before accepting hand of a guy for
daughter, his expertise in catching snakes is tested!<o:p></o:p></div>
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On Indian side likewise there are
several snake catching tribes: in southern India “Irula”, Maharashtra “Mehr”,
and in Orissa “Das” tribes are doing this type of business, every tribe has its
own saint guru with almost similar instructions (Khan1993).<o:p></o:p></div>
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A note on snake bite first-aid. Never
believe what a snake charmer says. Never panic if bitten, remain reassured and
calm as possible. Keep the victim as calm and motionless as possible. Do not
give any medicine without advice from the doctor.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Take the victim as soon as possible
to the nearest hospital. If possible take the snake responsible for the bite
with you. It will help doctors at the hospital to decide which anti-venom to
use. Do not cut the skin at the bite site, do not apply a tourniquet or any
else to the wound.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Keep the injured part of the body as
motionless as possible, wrap a muslin cloth bandage softly around the
bite-site.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p>Snake charming is the practice of pretending to hypnotize a snake by playing an instrument called pungi, been or bansuri. A typical performance may also include handling of different nonvenomous varieties of snakes or performing other seemingly</div>
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dangerous acts: as putting snake in mouth and getting it out of mouth, as well as other street performances, like juggling and sleight of hand. Snakes are so habituated that they to go into their "hide box" or “patari”. Usually the training consist of</div>
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a repetitive tapping sound (vibration) on the cage. A snake can be trained within two months if not sooner. Simple conditioning!</div>
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Typical</div>
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<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> Typical display party of snake charmers, with dazzling colored turbans, beard, bead necklaces, shaggy shirt and dahoti.</td>
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From very childhood future snake-man starts playing with defanged cobras.</div>
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Girls are not left behind.They start playing with non-venomous snakes. Wearing <i>Eryx johnii </i>(round her neck), holding <i>Aphiesma stolata</i></div>
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and <i>Coluber rhodorachis</i></div>
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Common Sand boa,<i> Eryx johnii. </i>Commonly called the<i> </i> Du Muhee. Usually displayed in the show as the “two mouth” snake (nonvenomous).</div>
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<o:p>The Tatari sand boa, <i>Eryx tataricus</i> (non-venomous). Common called the matai.</o:p></div>
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<o:p>Common Royal Snake,<i> Spalerosophis diadema</i> (non venomous). Commonly called the Karar.</o:p></div>
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Manka: a piece of charcoal, sponge etc grated in a round shape. A snake is said to keep it in its mouth; when takes it out it glitters in moon-light in which the snake dances!!? Sold at a high price, if applied to snake bite, it reported sucks the venom from the wound!</div>
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Gidar- singhi: a fluffy bunch of thin fibers, said to grow in the horns of a jackal. It is also believed to grow in size. If kept in antimony powder (gives it yellow color). Posession of it is said to make the owner a fortunate. Sold at high price.</div>
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<o:p>The fljute, punji or Been: the typical musical instrument of snake charmers.</o:p></div>
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Snakes in Indian mythology: Lord Shiva-the god of fertility In a blessing posture with coiled cobra on head top, around neck, and around upper arms.</div>
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<o:p>Snakes in Indian mythology: Lord Shiva-god of fertility meditating With coiled cobra at head top and around neck.</o:p></div>
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A devotee offering milk to cobra.</div>
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<o:p>Snake charmers often place tsnakes in thgeir mouth to impress their audiences.</o:p></div>
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<o:p>The redness in the man's eyes is due to exposure to the scorching mid-day summer sun as he roamed the desert in search of snakes.</o:p></div>
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<o:p><i>Daboia russelii</i> is sledom used in snake charmer show. Probably because it is so dangerous.</o:p></div>
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<o:p><i>Echis carinatus</i> is rarely displayed in snake charmer shows.</o:p></div>
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<o:p>The spectacled cobra, Naja naja. Perhaps the most commonly used snake by snake charmers.</o:p></div>
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John C. Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06024060563494957012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7515766279314595094.post-9217431466066064302017-12-21T08:16:00.001-07:002017-12-21T08:16:36.302-07:00 Snakes in Pakistani Folklore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The familiar face of a snake charmer—notorious factory where
superstition are manufactured and spread. To earn living. They go on polishing
their stories to make them more believe able and fantastic. It is the art of
Jogies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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----- Extract From <o:p></o:p></div>
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Prof. Muhammad Sharif Khan 2002. <b><i>A guide to the snakes of Pakistan.</i></b>
Edition Chimaira, Frankfurt am Main, pp. 265.<o:p></o:p></div>
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------- 2002. <b><i><u>Die Schlangen Pakistans.</u></i></b> Edition
Chimaira, Frankfurt am Main, pp. 265.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="Heading1Char"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Snakes in Pakistani folklore<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<sub> </sub>Unlike
neighboring Singhalese, Indian and southeast Asian civilizations, Muslim beliefs
and thoughts do not nurture superstitions and myths. Whatever mythological
figures are referred to in Pakistani literature, has been borrowed from Indian,
Roman and Greek sources. On the other hand Pakistani folklore
is enriched with stories and narratives based on misinterpretation of
observation of-natural phenomenon. Mostly such-explanations-are-borrowed from
Indian beliefs to give lores a mythical touch,-but it-is not incorporated in
basic religious Muslim-dogma, which purely-believes-in-Oneness of-Almighty God,
creator-of-all animals,-plants and natural phenomena. It is further inculcated
in Islamic belief that all animals and plants are created to serve
man, who is supreme in the whole creation. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A folklore
takes ages to ripe, mature and spread in far and wide.-Though folklores do not
interfere with religious dogma, however they weaken one's belief in
religion. Birth of a folklore is purely observational, amalgamated with truths.
Partial facts coming from different sources are worked on by several brains to
arrive at most seemingly logical story, much of which is mere fabrication. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In fact
folklores depict how keenly our common man observes, thinks, interrelates
and logically concludes. A lore gradually spreads from one to another,
told as old wives' tale, and remains ever fresh while traveling among folks.
Pakistani snake folklores can clearly be trace to different cultures of the
subcontinent.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The subcontinent
is predominantly agricultural. Changes in its seasons are reflected in its
flora and fauna. It is rich in its herpetofauna; reptiles, especially snakes
are frequent encountered animals in fields, pastures, waters and deserts.
In past, snake bite accidents were frequent while medical care was
meager. Common man had to rely on local hakims and vaids, who claimed-to have
cure for snake bite and-as a proof they told stories relating-the-curing-abilities-of-their-teachers,-certain-great
hakims, vaids,-pundants and mandries, the pivot figures in-folklores.- They
are said to have roamed about in Himalayas and deserts of Sindh and Balochistan
for years until they discovered some herb-or mantra. To keep attention-of
the audience, wondrous snake-stories-are told, which make rounds-in-several
households-of-the village, among young and old,-each subsequent narrator adding
his/her part to make the story more-mythical and supernatural.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In following
section a selection of five most narrated folklores in folk meetings and
literature is presented, to illustrate common beliefs-held about snakes-by
the public. These lores illustrate how an observation is carried-on- human-imagination-invents
interesting stories-and old wives' tales. To enjoy the theme of these tales
fully,-it is deemed necessary to understand meanings of some-of the local terms
used in these tales. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Batasha:-an oval, round crunchy sweet-made-from sugar. Often
served on happy occasions, weddings etc. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Guru: teacher, religious leader.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Hakim: an Arabic word used for a person practicing in indigenous
medicines, a wise man.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Hukka:-is a device prepared by binding two-pieces of curved hollow
reeds and fixing them to-a central earthen-pot filled with water. A
crushed lump of dried tobacco is placed on burning coal in a-cape like
earthen pot on one end of the whole device and from the other end the
smoke is sucked in. It is-used for smoking tobacco; known also-hubble-bubble,
hookah.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">I'd: E eed:-Yearly Muslim festival of rejoicing. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Mantr:-the strange and mysterious incantations-uttered by pundits-and-mantries,
believed to have a magical effect-on-a patient. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Mandri=Mantri:-he who professes incantations to cure snake bites.
They are responsible in part for spreading snake folklores in public.
Generally they are also snake charmers. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Pundit:-A-Hindu-religious teacher; he is-held-in great reverence
in Hindu religion.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Ji: a suffix used for reverence.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Raja: a small ruler.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Sanyasi=-Yogi=Jogi: a nomadic-tribe man,-who roams about-in
desolate areas, collecting-herbs-and catching <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">snakes.- Claims to have cure for snake bite. Often fleeces
innocent people. Spreads wrong beliefs in-folklores in which charismatic-healing
powers of mantras and magical powers of snakes-are presented exaggerated.
They are the tools who are responsible-of spreading misconceptions in general
public. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Sadhu: simple people accompanying sanyasies, acting as their
personal servants. They lead very austere life.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Sayyad=Shah: a pious person known to be from the dynasty of the
Holy Prophet. They are generally-believed to have some charismatic powers.
<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Vaid:-a person practicing aurevadic system of medicine. He is
thought to be a knowledgeable person curing different ailments.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
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<em><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Folklore- I<o:p></o:p></span></em></h1>
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It happened
during the reign of Mogul Emperor Shah Jahan, that a regiment of soldiers was
stationed to guard royal arsenal in Agra-city, India. Every night four sentries
took turn to guard the depot. One night, the sentries on duty failed to
report back. The search party found them and their horses dead.-Apparently
their bodies showed no sign of violence and there was no wound mark to guess
possible cause of their death. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A soldier
named Sayyad Muzzafer Ali Shah, was known to be a simple and pious man.
Everybody in the regiment respected him. He came to the commandant and told him
that the dead men and their horses were bitten by a poisonous snake.-He showed
him the fang marks on the dead bodies.-Hearing this, everybody in the camp
was panic-stricken.-Sayyad Sahib told the commandant that the victims could be
revived if he was provided with the following items:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">One silver cup,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">One thousand
earthen cups,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">One piece of
white silken cloth,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">One thousand
pieces of white cotton cloth,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Enough fresh milk
to fill all the cups,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">A large white
paper,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">A piece of
charcoal,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">A royal canopy,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">A guilded high
place (throne).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All items were readily-provided. The Sayyad-got-the canopy
erected in a spacious place, and the throne was-placed under its-middle.-Then-he
placed the silver cup in the-center-of-the throne, filled it with milk and
covered it with the silken cloth. All the earthen cups were arranged around the
throne on ground-and filled with milk and covered with cotton cloths.-<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then Shah-Sahib
requested the commandant to order-soldiers-to fall-in double row in front of
the throne, leaving a passage-in the-middle. His request was immediately taken
care of. Then,-he stood-close to the throne and chanted some words in some-incomprehensible
language-and at the same time writing-on-the paper with-the-piece of charcoal.
Lo!-there-began appearing snakes of different-kinds sizes and-colors,-some were
large, some medium-sized, small, thin, some were broad, in-short almost every
variety of snakes was present there.-Each snake,-went-straight to-the earthen
cup nearest to it,-in-an orderly way and sat close to it. Whole atmosphere was
filled with authoritative-chanting voice of Shah Sahib, who went on-writing and
chanting uninterrupted, and the rustling-noise of wriggling of the snakes added
an aura of mystery to the-atmosphere.--- <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
After half an hour, everybody's
attention was attracted to a huge hooded black snake which appeared at the end
of the passage. A small beautiful snake-was riding on its hood, it had a-golden
crown on its head. It was followed by several hundred snakes.-As the golden
crowned snake entered the pavilion, Shah-Sahib-came forward-and-welcomed him
and showed him to the throne and-all-other snakes bent their heads in respect.
Shah Sahib begged to be pardoned-for giving trouble to the king of snakes. He-explained
to the king of snakes by pointing towards the dead bodies of four men-and-their
horses and said he wanted the-culprit-snake-be called and punished. At this the
king snake said something to the large black hooded snake, who hurriedly left
the pavilion.-There prevailed-pin-drop-silence; even the breathing-sound-of-the
audience-was audible. After about half an hour or so the-large-black snake
appeared dragging behind a smaller black snake, who at the-sight of- king
snake began trembling all over. The king snake pointed to-the dead bodies of
men and horses. The small black-snake went-to each of them and sucked the
poison from the fang-marks on their bodies. And-Lo! before all,-to their
bewilderment, the-erstwhile-dead men and horses stood up and looked around in
amazement.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then Sayyad-Sahib-went
forward respectfully and uncovered-the silver cup and requested the king-snake
to honor him by accepting the-cupful of milk. The king-snake readily dipped its-mouth-in
the-cup and drank it empty. Shah Sahib wiped its mouth with-the silken cloth.
Then all rest of the snakes drank from their cups.-<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then-Shah
Sahib requested the king-snake to allow him to-punish the culprit snake. The
king-snake consented by bowing its head.-Shah Sahib stood close to the king
snake and began chanting and-tearing-the paper from its middle.-Suddenly-the
culprit-snake began to cry and toss and roll restlessly-on-the ground. Then its
body started splitting from the middle of its-head. As soon Shah Sahib finished
tearing-the-paper,-the snake's body fell dead cut in two halves. Shah-Sahib
requested the commandant to-order to present-guard-of-honor-to-the king-snake,
after which the whole army-of snakes left.-Everyone-was astonished on what he
saw, and-desired-to learn-from Shah Sahib how to call the king-snake. The
commandant also requested-Shah-Sahib to teach him. Shah Sahib avoided. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That night
Sayyad Muzzafar Ali Shah slept on his cot as usual, in his tent, nobody saw him
next morning, he disappeared without leaving trace. Despite the effort of the
whole regiment he was nowhere to be found.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<em>Folklore-II<o:p></o:p></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This
folklore is quoted in-first person<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One morning in summer, I and my servant were going to visit-a
small village, in Tehsil Phalia, District Gujrat, Punjab,-Pakistan.-I was
riding on a mare while the servant was walking on-my side. When we were nearing
Phalia, suddenly we saw one and a half foot long snake lolling on ground
in our way. We changed our course without disturbing it. When my servant, by
chance, looked back he saw that the snake was following us by taking short
jumps. We were terrified. I told my servant to jump up on the horseback behind
me so that we-may leave the place as soon as possible. He refused to-do so, and
requested me to get away fast from the danger. I quickened my-pace, the man ran
for some distance along me, but-soon-was breathless. He decided to face the
snake. He stood firmly holding his stick in his both hands. It was about thirty
yards away from him.-By this time the snake was about five yards from him,-it
suddenly-took a jump high in the air when it was dropping on-my servant. He
swayed the stick and gave the dropping snake a mighty blow. It struck the snake
at its midbody. I saw the snake-breaking in two halves at mid air. I heaved a
sigh of relief, we both went to-look at the dead snake. Only its tail half
was-lying there, we were unable to find anterior half of its body. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To our
utter amazement the stick melting away in a smoky cloud which disappeared in
the sky. Peoples gathered around told us that the snake-was-very poisonous, it
had been blocking the passage of passerbys for past two years.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soon we
reached our destination. My servant ran high fever and was unconscious for two
days. Hakim Sahib told me that the fever was-due-to the snake's poison-transmitted-through-the
stick.-If he had held the stick longer, he would have been dead since
long.-- <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<em>Folklore-III<o:p></o:p></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is
stated that in a small village Gangoora, Near Bajnor, India,-a shepherd was
bitten by a poisonous snake.-Despite-all efforts of local hakims and sanyasis
he died of the poison. The dead-body of the shepherd was thrown in the River
Ganges. At down stream a synyasi who was bathing on the bank-of-the river. He
saw the floating dead body and dragged it out of water. From signs-and-appearance-of-the
body he knew that it was a-victim-of-snakebite. He slit open its-skull and-lighted
fire, chanted some mantras. Soon the dead-man rose up and asked for water.-<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The sanyasi
taught the revived shepherd different mantras, how to deal with different
snakes and cure snake-bite cases. Both sanyasi and the shepherd-roamed about-in
villages and towns professing their trade and asking for alms.-By-chance, after-several
years, they reached the shepherd's village. When they were roaming through
streets, they-arrived at the door of shepherd's <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
house, members of his household recognized him, and
persuaded the sanyasi-to allow the shepherd to join his family. But they-were
told, if the shepherd was-separated from sanyasi, he-would die-of-the-poison.
Both of them were kept-as guests in the shepherd's house for long time.
However, they left the house to roam about, occasionally returning to
enjoy feasts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<em>Folklore-IV<o:p></o:p></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pundit
Chooni Lal, who was famous vaid in Lahore, Pakistan, once-told me a true story
which was related to him by-his-late Guru Ji:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On a summer
evening when the sky cleared after monsoon shower, it was pleasant outside,
Guru Ji decided to have a walk in the nearby garden. As he came out of his
house, he met a well dressed horseman, after exchanging greetings, the horseman
told Guru Ji that he was new to the place. He wanted to stay for a night, so he
requested-Guru-Ji if he could help him to find a place to rest for night. Guru
Ji impressed by his dress and way of talking, readily offered him his house for
the night. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the horseman was comfortable, he introduced himself to
Guru Ji that he is a mantri in the court of a nearby Raja. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Both Mantri
and Guru decided to have a walk in the garden and enjoy the pleasant evening.
As they were walking suddenly a snake crossed their way. The mantri told
Guru that the snake had recently bitten some person. Guru was reluctant to
believe.-Mantri, to prove his assertion, requested-him-to follow-him and
started walking towards the direction from-where the-snake came. Soon they were
in a small village,-they-heard wailing-and-crying of women, and found that-the
peoples-were preparing a dead body for last rites. They were told the dead man-was
a farmer who was-bitten by a snake, a few hours ago. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The-mantri
told the people to be quiet and-stop preparing for the last rites, he promised
that the dead man would be-alive again. When the people had settled down, he
chanted some-mantras and took out four kuries (shell of a gastropod mollusc)
from-his pocket-and threw them up in the air.-The-kuries-disappeared in the
air. After half an hour, people saw a snake coming towards the gathering. The
pair of kuries were moving round its head as if guiding it, while the rest
third pair was covering the snake from sides, not letting it slide away
to sides.-So lead, the snake came close to the dead body and-sucked and
sucked the poison from the fang marks. Soon the man rose up, to-the-utter
amazement of the gathered peoples.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Later the-Mantri-told
the mob that he was going to punish-the snake for its offense. He began
chanting-mantras and the snake began to tremble all over restlessly tossing
twitching its body on the ground.-After-some time it fell down helplessly. The
Mantri held took up the snake by its tail and threw it on-a barren piece of
land, away from the village. Both Guru-and Mantri returned to their village.
Guru was much impressed by Mantri's-feat,-and did-his best to make him
comfortable. Next morning-Mantri-took leave, despite host's insistence to stay
a few days more, he left. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<em>Last folklore<o:p></o:p></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Well
Sir, my-name-is Jamal Din and my father was Alim Din,-we-are from-Gujranwala,
Punjab, Pakistan. My father was a laborer,-he-worked hard to make both ends
meet. He had two-wives, first wife-was childless and-from my mother he had
three sons. I-am the-youngest. Both of my elder brothers died in young age. As-I
grew up, I started working in fields with my father. Soon I got a job as-a
coachman in the house of a revenue officer, in Lahore.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"In-1904,
famous Kangra earthquake rocked whole of India.-At the-time of the quake I
was cutting fodder for the cattle-along with-three of my friends, 3 miles away
from Lahore in-Raj-Garh area. I-remember, I almost fell due to the strong jolts
of the quake. On that fateful day, I was bitten by a snake on my left ankle. I
almost-tore the snake away. I-well-remember the brute had a pattern of blue,
yellow, green, golden and-white stripes on its body. I was greatly shocked by
the bite and- felt my-heart-sinking; soon I was out of my wits, and ran-about-in
fields like a madman. My friends, seeing what had happened to-me were-in panic.
Hurriedly they collected the fodder and off-they went to Lahore, leaving me all
alone in my agony. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
---Fortunately,-a small stream-was flowing close by. I laid
myself at its bank, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
whenever-I-came to my senses, I washed my face with the-cold
water and drank plenty of it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- When my friends reached Lahore, they told the-revenue
officer about my precarious condition, he-sent-his servants-to take me to
Lahore. I was attended by Hakim Noor-Din of-Mochi Gate, Lahore. After one week,
I was able to walk-round and-soon I took charge of my duties. One day, the
Hakim told-me that-a receptive female snake had bitten me and from hence on-a-snake
would bite me-regularly once or twice a year; this fate-I could-not escape till
my death. Hearing this I was so-horrified that I remained fainted for several
hour. I felt myself the-most miserable person in whole Lahore. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At-the-time-of
this unfortunate incidence,-I was about twenty-five-years-of age, and was
recently married.-As-time passed, I almost forgot the incidence, worked
normally and had-a beautiful-son.-I felt myself a strong man, and-had-no-worry.
Suddenly one day I started feeling strange weakness-and lethargy in my body,
and felt a strange odor similar to that of the musk-melon-flower- issuing-from
my body. I went-to-consult-Hakim Sahib,-he-reminded-me that it was twelfth
month-since-I-was bitten.-The changes taking place in my body were to-invite-and
attract the male-snake to bite me. In an-utter panic, I went to consult several
hakims, vaids and mantries; all of them told-me it-was-the nuptial odor of
female snake, so nothing could-be done.-The odor became stronger day by day and
on the-fifteenth of the twelfth month, it was most intensified. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
--- That day I felt my body-would-break-down. That day I
could not-work.-I-felt-a strange-strong-desire to be bitten by a snake! I felt-I-would
enjoy-it as sexual experience, I was in an ecstasy and-rejoiced thinking-that
the time was nearing to get my utmost-desire.-At last I saw a snake coming
towards me, as it neared I presented to it-my-leg, it bit me on big toe. I felt
an- extreme-sense-of enjoyment-and-could not bear it, so I lay down. The-snake-was
lying-beside me. When I came to my senses, the snake had-disappeared. For-next
ten days I felt very weak. Meanwhile,-I-was-told about-a Pir Buksh Mandri of
Piruki, Wazirabad, Gujranwala. As-I met him, he advised me to crush the head
and neck of the snake as it comes next time to bite. He assured me if I did
this, no snake would ever dare come near me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After-six-months,
again-I felt-intensification-of-that typical odor in my body. One day when I
was preparing fodder for the-cattle, I saw a snake coming, I withdrew in a
corner, as-it came-close, I presented my leg to it, as it bit-I put-a-cloth
round-its head and crushed it under my teeth. I-felt-something trickling down-my
throat. Next morning when I woke-up,-to-my utter-horror,-I felt intensification
of the same-odor in-my body! Shortly a snake appeared and bit me. From hence
on, my-bad luck took another turn. I was being bitten every day by a-snake! I
visited Pir Buksh Mandri, and he told me he could not be of any help.-I-met
several jogies, hakims, vaids, sanyasies-and-mandreis.-I-did-whatever I was
advised to get rid-of-the-snake menace.-I was told to smoke peacock feather,
eat the black-concentrate-of tobacco from inside of hukka pipe, the-most-bitter
and-foul smelling thing I ever ate; I took soup of-mongoose;-I wore a piece of
skin of Markhoor goat (a mountain goat thought to eat-only snakes) in my neck--
but with no redemption of my sufferings.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After-six
month of the first bite, my son was-born.-Since then my wife had killed about
two thousand snakes, out of- which 20-to 25 I ate raw and 25 to 30 after
cooking, under the-advice of-various benefactors. One day, when I came to
lunch,-my-wife was-lying on a cot, she had been bitten by a snake hiding-under
faggots.-From-hence on our hardships took another turn, I-was being-bitten
daily and my wife every eighth day. Every time-she felt the same odor. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was I'd
day,-I was sitting with my family, we were enjoying.-My son was playing in my
lap, occasionally I-tickled-him, then-we- laughed together. My wife was
busy in-cooking-sweet rice.-My son's legs were on my legs. At the same time-a- snake
came-to bit me in routine, during biting, its tooth touched-the lad's-leg.-The-poor-child
was also included-in-the-vicious circle; I was being bitten daily, my wife
every eighth day and my son-every third month! The only person left, in my
house, was my niece who was staying with us and helping my wife with chores.
One day-my-wife was lying on a cot and the girl was siting-beside her.-It was
the time of the visit of snake; my wife saw it-coming.-She told the girl not to
move, but the girl-was-terrified and jumped down from the cot, her foot fell on
the snake, so-she was bitten too!-<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An elderly
person, with a-long flowing beard, told my-wife to-eat cooked meat of snakes. I
collected snakes for 15 days-in an earthen pitcher. I chopped off their heads
and tails, and-cut them in pieces, my wife cooked the meat and we ate to our
fill. I don't-know why things proclaimed by different-people-as-cures enhanced
our-sufferings ?-We ate snake meat in order-to-cure ourselves-of the snake
menace but it increased-our sufferings, now-every day four snake came: one for
me, second for-my-wife, third for my son and fourth for my niece! We all-were
really-in great trouble.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I-did-my
best to avoid contacts with snakes: once I-hung myself-from the ceiling of my
room, but within minutes-a-snake came out of the roof and bit me. Next time I
decided to remain on my coach after checking it thoroughly, and lo!-A snake
came from under the seat of the coach. Oh, I was utterly desperate.---------- <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At last,
perhaps due to my prayers or prayers of some holy man,-time of my redemption
from snake menace arrived. In November, 1929, a man from neighboring village
came and told me-that famous sanyasi Nanagal Ditta Singh was staying in shamlat
(common sitting place for villagers) of his village. People from all over the area
were visiting him,-asking for advice-and cure for their ailments.-It was
evening, and I almost ran to meet the-sanyasi, without-telling anybody in my
house. Sanyasi Ji was lying-on-a mat,-and-two sadhus were sitting beside him. I
saluted him-by bowing my head and could not control my tears. I went on
weeping, I was out of my wits. Sayasi ji asked me repeatedly what was-the
matter-with-me.-I was unable to control myself and-went-on crying.-At last
sayasi gave me a pinch of powder and told me to take it with water,
which was provided to me by one of the sadhus. I soon felt better. I told
him about my miseries. He assured me, that- I would soon-get rid of
the snakes.-He was very sympathetic. He told me to come next morning with
my family,-and bring 30 seers (about 60 lbs) of goat milk. With strong
assurances from the sanyasi I returned. I had no money for the milk,-I borrowed
10 rupees from a friend. Next morning I bought milk, and took my family to the
sanyasi ji . The sanyasi was not there; the two sadhus greeted us. They called
each other by the name of Bava Sawa Das and Bava Maran Das. They took the
milk from me, and ordered three bucketful's of cow-dung. They thoroughly mixed
dung with water and let it settle; decanted water from the-surface, thrice-repeating
the whole procedure. The washed dung was later mixed with the milk. One of
the sadhus gave each of us a pinch of green powder-placed in a batasha-and told
us to eat it.-Then they excavated-a pit large enough to contain the-four of-us
until-only tops of our heads were visible from outside. We were told to sit in
the pit, and the milk mixed dung was slowly poured on our heads, as it
descended on our bodies, we felt heat-coming out. We felt it soothing. We sat
in the pit for the whole night. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Next-morning-we
were taken out of the pits,-cotton blankets-were-wrapped around-us-and we sat
for next two days close to-fire. We-were given bread and milk to eat by the
sadhus.-The-day-we descended in the pit was our first day when we were not
bitten by snakes.---<o:p></o:p></div>
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On third
day Bava Sawa Das gave us a strange smelling-ointment,-and told us to rub it on
our bodies. We readily did-that, and felt stronger. Then he gave me a powder
and advised all of us to-take a pinch from it and churn it 101 times in sour
milk-and eat it with breakfast every morning. Then one of the sadhus took the
hukka and went to east while the other, slung his bag on his shoulder and left
to west,-leaving-us behind.-We thought they had gone for some time.-We-sat
there waiting for our benefactors, we wanted to offer-them our services-and
some presents for the good deed they have done-to us,-but we saw no trace of
them. Perhaps Almighty God-had-sent them-only-to redeem us from our
agony". Saying this-Jamal-Din lifted-the cloth from his arms and legs, innumerable- fang
marks were undeniable proof of the-truth of his strange story.<o:p></o:p></div>
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John C. Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06024060563494957012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7515766279314595094.post-34436402635064043802017-12-15T17:08:00.003-07:002017-12-16T08:21:51.964-07:00Secrets of the Snake Charmer 2.0<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This website was originally set up in 2010 to promote <i><b>Secrets of the Snake Charmer</b></i>. Much has happened in the world of Squamata science in those eight short years. This website will update the 2010 book with whole revised chapters, color photos, and it will be a bit more interactive. This will take a while.<br />
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John C. Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06024060563494957012noreply@blogger.com0