Jain Journal 1983 10

SR No.: 520072
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 1983
Total Pages: 35
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 3 MB

Page 21

OCTOBER, 1983
It is to be noted that the names of the Mallas and Licchavis are come across in the Manusmrti among the Ksatriyas who have been regarded as Vratyas. 81
As already observed, the eulogy and glorification of Ekavratya82 have been made throughout the entire fifteenth kanda of the Atharvaveda. This Ekavratya was infused with a serenity and loftiness and had later on, according to Dr. D. R. Bhandarkar, developed into Rudra-Siva 83 who "had a close connection with the Vratyas"84 as is indicated by the attributes given to him, such as Mahadeva Isana, 85 etc.
The God Siva shown on the seal illustrated in plate XII of “Mahenjodaro and the Indus Civilization" is, according to Dr. D. R. Bhandarkar, doubtless a prototype of the historic Siva with his three faces, seated in an attitude of yoga and with urdhva-medhra clearly exhibited. 86 In the Sivamudra of Mahenjodaro the pair of horns which is found meeting in a tall head dress on the head of Siva crowning his head may be the representation of uşnisa of Ekavratya-Rudra-Siva in another form as mentioned in the Atharvaveda.87
Pumscali (harlot), Magadha, 88 etc. also are found to be associated with the Vratyadeva. But no relation of the Vratyas has developed with the Vedic God. Therefore, it may be accepted that the form of w of the Vratyas has perhaps originated from the Vratya cult on the basis of the thoughts and ideas conceived by the Vratyas themselves.
It seems that the Brāhmanas did not first accept the Atharvaveda in the list of the Vedas because of its relation with the Vratyas as it is clearly indicated by the evidence that the Vedas were counted by mentioning Vedatrayam—the Rk, Yaju and Sama, 89 leaving aside the
81 jhallo mallasca rajanyad vratya licchavirevaca
natsca karanascaiva khasau dravida eva ca-Manu X. 22. 82 vratya asidiyamana eva sa prajapatim samairayat sa ekavratyo abhavat, etc. AV,
15th Kanda, 1-6. 88 Some Aspects of Ancient Indian Culture, pp. 40-48. 84 Bhandarkar, Collected Works, IV, 147-76. Vide Vratyas in Ancient India, p. 38. 85 so avardhata sa mahanabhavat sa mahadevo abhavat sa devanamisam paryat sa
isano abhavat etc. AV, 15th Kanda 1-15. 86 Some Aspects of Ancient Indian Culture, p. 41. 87 Ibid., p. 42. 88 sraddha pumscali matro magadho vijnanam ... pravarlan kalmalirmahih, AV,
15.2.5
usah pumscati mandri magadho.... AV, 15.2.13. 89 ara iva-rathanabhau prane sarvam pratisthitam rco yajumsi samani yajnah
ksatram, brahma ca-Prasnopanisad 116.