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## Pindianiyukti
## Cultural Content
Any literature, in some way or another, reflects the cultural, religious, and social conditions of its time, because the writer breathes in society. While being primarily focused on conduct, the literature of Pindianiyukti also depicts the contemporary cultural, social, and familial circumstances as the occasion demands. Although presenting a complete cultural description is not the aim here, some topics are being touched upon. The cultural environment in Pindianiyukti can also be the subject of independent research.
## Deities
India is a land of faith, hence the existence of numerous deities and the practice of their worship is prevalent here. In ancient times, eight-day festivals were also celebrated based on deities, such as Indramaha, Rudramaha, Varunamaha, etc.
When entering a battle, the commander and soldiers would pay homage to Chamundadevi. For the peace of calamities like शीतलक and अशिव, people would worship Manibhadra Yaksha and celebrate together in the Yakshayatan on the eighth and fourteenth days of the lunar fortnight. Manibhadra Deva is also mentioned in the Mahabharata. According to Dr. Jagdishchandra Jain, the oldest statue of Yakshas found is that of Manibhadra Yaksha.
It was a common belief that dogs are special deities of Mount Kailash (Meru) who roam the earth in the form of dogs. They benefit those who worship them and harm those who disrespect them. Deities would reside in the worship of a restrained ascetic. They would also punish an impure disciple. For example, the deity residing in the worship of Sangamacharya caused a torrential downpour with fierce winds to awaken the errant disciple Datta.
Some Acharyas were so powerful that the Vyantara Devas would flee at the sound of their tongs. When Sangamacharya struck his tongs, a child who had been affected by Vyantara for six months stopped crying, and the Vyantara Devi fled from there.
1. Mavri P. 130 || 2. Maha 2/10/10. 3. Jain Agam-Sahitya mein Bharatiya Samaj, p. 438. 4. (a) Pini 210/5. (b) Nibha 4427, Chu p. 416: Kailasparvato Meru:, tattha jaani devabhavanani tannivasino je deva ete imam macchalokam aagacchati, jakkharuveena shvanarupenaityartha. 5. Mavri P. 126. 6. Mavri P. 125.