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31HET9-81960 into day to day affairs. Blind Faith in Superstition
SK reveals that the Jainism had grown in Rajasthan during 8th century A.D. Other faiths also did exist at the time but SK does not throw much light on them, though we do see the mention of terms such as Pisācha, Rāksasi, Vyantara, Candika. It can be infer that superstition and blind faith might have been prevalent there and then. Lower strata people of the then society might be taking to bad omens. Candravarmā, Indra, Meghanāda, Kinnera, Vidyutkumara are such names from which we can infer that the people of that age might be worshipping heavenly elements and objects of nature. Goddess worship was also in vogue as had been viewed from the prevalence of the names of Chandrikā, Kinnari, Yakșiņi et cetera. Sabar and other tribals were also worshipping Goddess. It is believed that the importance of God Shiva alongwith Goddess is always there, but SK does not refer to this god directly. Importance of Upavāsa
No special discussion could be found in SK regarding religious rituals. The greatness of Upavāsa (fast) was recognised then. To keep away miseries of this birth during next one Upavāsa, which has been frequently refered to by Haribhadraji in SK, was most important. For this reason Agniśarman took vow of Upavāsa taking only one meal every month and that too by visiting only one house. Not only this, but if he did not get any food from that house, he instead of going to another house waited till the next turn i.e. next month. From this incident, it seems, that the people then had a total faith in obseving severe vow if need be. Human sacrifice, of course occasionly, was also in vogue for getting the desired things. (p.530). Tribals such Sabar were also used to offer sacrifice for their desire. Vow was also kept
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