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UPADHYE GLIMPSES FROM THE KUVALAYAMĀLĀ
Jayavaraṇa running amuck (248) reflect events in the contemporary capitals.
Playing on the swing was an important sport of the spring (51 f.) during which was celebrated Madanamahotsava giving an occasion for youths to meet in the festive gardens (77 f., see the reference to Madanatrayodaśī in line 15). During the autumn, parties of dancers, actors etc. moved from village to village; and how a programme was enacted at a village is graphically described (46.5 f). There was a festival on the day of the Sharat-paurnima (103.32). While describing the scenes and activities in the city, late in the evening, the author presents a picturesque sketch of the movements of the Kamini ( 156-58). There may be some exaggeration; still there are available some glimpses of the fashionable and luxury-loving section of the society. Festivities like the Indramaha, Mahānavami, Dīpāvali and Baladevotsava appear to follow in succession after rainy season (148.11 f.).
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There is a pretty good number of beliefs reflected in the Kuvalayamälä here and there. Blood and flesh were taken from a living body and used for alchemical purpose (69.24 f.) A robber possessed a miraculous sword and a pill, the latter being always placed by him in his own mouth (251.25, 253.18). More than once a miraculous movement, jumping up a like flash of lightening (vijjukkhittam karanam) is mentioned (73.24, 87.13).
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