Studies in Jain Literature

SR No.: 001868
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: V M Kulkarni
Publisher: Shardaben Chimanbhai Educational Research Centre
Publication Year: 2001
Total Pages: 114
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Literature, & Story
File Size: 14 MB

Page 434

416 STUDIES IN JAIN LITERATURE attempts at abortion, sorcery, capturing travellers as victims for a sacrifice, entertaining a guest with a meal and liquor, woman falling in love with her servant : all these are eloquent of the state of society in Haribhadra's days. Candalas were employed as executioners. At the request of a Candala, king Viradhavala stopped this practice and assigned to Candalas land for a settlement. In Samaraiccakaha it is the kings and merchants that figure prominently. And the author being himself a Jain shows partiality for his own dharma. 2nd bhava contains a very interesting description of marriage ceremonies. Fixing the day for marriage in consultation with astrologers, the anointing of the bride, her toilet, dressing of the bride-groom, his riding in great pomp to the marriage-pavilion, elderly women stopping him at the door and asking of him the customary present, touching of his brow with a gold-pestle equipped with a ring at its head, his being taken to the bride by the bride's maids, the various kautukas he performed, the unveiling of the bride's face, panigrahana to the accompaniment of auspicious songs, bride's being brought to the 'altar' by the bride-groom, presents to the people, their circumambulating fire, the presents given to the bride-groom by his father-in-law, and to the bride by her father-inlaw are of great interest to a student of the antiquities of the Indian society. We also meet with references to all fine arts. It appears singing, dancing and painting were carried to perfection; and there are copious references to pregnancy-longings, their satisfaction; the festivities in connection with the birth of a son, the ceremony of naming the child, and to sraddha ceremony; hunting, game of chess, riding, dancing and music were the means of entertainment. Such is the picture of Indian life as depicted in the Samaraiccakaha. Notes and References : 1. Pt. Sukhalalji, however supports Muni Jina Vijayaji's date see Samadarsi Acarya Haribhadra (pp 8-10). 2. For details the reader is referred to pp. 17-39 of the very learned and masterly Introduction to Brhat-Kathakosa edited by Dr. A. N. Upadhye, M.A., D. Litt. 3. For a full discussion of the title the reader may consult Dr. Upadhye's paper (pp. 23 24) in the Bharatiya Vidya [January, 1947] 4. e.g. Here aa Hogar (all) etc. 5. e.g. the description of the advent of spring : A rRTE a cife 755371 etc. 6. gre I agreftrifa fatima (franit) etc. 7. FE, facten, fauer, 451, Gym, gujas