Mahavira Nirvan Bhumi Pava Ek Vimarsh

SR No.: 002135
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhagwati Prasad Khetan
Publisher: Parshwanath Shodhpith Varanasi
Publication Year: 1992
Total Pages: 268
Language: Hindi
Classification: Book_Devnagari & History
File Size: 12 MB

Page 238

२१८ : महावीर निर्वाणभूमि पावा : एक विमर्श and consequently Padaraona must be a place of no small importance in Buddhistical history. Of this stūpa no trace is now left. There is also at Padaraona, a little way to the north, a few old sculptures in a very ruinous Hindu temple. The principal statue is a squatted male figure with a triple umbrella overhead, and there are a few unintelligible fragments in and about the temple. I was somewhat puzzled at the inappropriate name given to this figure, and likewise to the temple, which the people call Hāthi Bahwāni, or “Elephant Goodess," the figure worshipped being unmistakeably that of a man; but it is just possible that at the time the temp'e was named, the deity inside was a female image, and the old name still serves, although this female figure might have been removed years ago. The manufacture of sugar seems to be quite an extensive industry in this part of the country. The mills are, of course of the old school, mostly of wood, and the manufactories consist of a thatched shed in which the juice extracte from the sugar-cane is evaporated and a number of blindfolded bullocks that toil wearily round and round, while the creaking old mill crushes the cane. In this short description we must not omit the diver who, by-the bye; is very often soundly asleep, përhaps the revolving motion of the machinery upon which he is seated is the cause of this, but I was informed by a cultivator that the capacity for slumber exhibited by this worthy man seldom lessens the daily production. If this be the case, why have a driver at all ? I believe the bullocks have become so accustomed to their driver, that they would cease describing their monotonous circle, were he absent from his post. The more general introduction of the Beheea sugar-cane mills would, I feel sure, greatly forward this industry; for the machine constructed and patented by Messrs. Thompson and Mylne of Beheea has fully proved its