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A CRITICAL STUDY OF PAUMACARIYAM
Mustard seeds were thrown in the four quarters to offset the effect of evil spirits for the protection of the new-born children (97.10). For the same purpose a string of the nails of tigers was worn by the children (97.10). Jaina worship was performed to avert the consequences of a bad augury (93.6). Deities were invoked for the safety of life (63.1).
It was a general belief that some deities spread epidemic (63.68) and it could subside by the mere arrival of pious monks (89.40) in the affected area. The poisonous effect of a snake bite could be nullified by touching the feet of a pious monk possessing some supernatural powers (77.93). Bath water of a woman born with some divine qualities could cure diseases (63.29-31). Fever could be cured by the mere sprinkling of water by a chaste woman (22. 67). It is stated that the effects of snake bite, evil spirits and diseases (gahabhūyoragapisāyavāhio nāsei 48. 85) could be cured by a medicin al bracelet (vejjakadaya). The (mantras) chants were also used as a means of treating the ailing persons (22. 64; 81. 12; 110.27).
It was believed that one possessed some superhuman power on account of the penances performed in his previous life (64.31, 49). Deeds of the past life were considered to be responsible for the consequences of the present life and even the deities could not undo them (45.35).
D. Lucky Physical Characteristics In the PCV (2. 15-18) some lucky physical characteristics of king Śreņika are given. It was believed that great men possessed these characteristics. Rāvana is also said to have 32 such characteristics (battisasulakkhaṇasamaggo PCV, 11. 105-6). Further the residents of Bhogabhūmis are mentioned to be possessing 64 auspicions physical characteristics (Causatthilakkhanadharā PCV, 102.130). The JP (Su. 29) also corroborates it. In the Jivājīvābhigama (Su. 111, 147) one can find details about these characteristics.
SECTION 7. SUPERNATURAL ELEMENTS.
The people of ancient India had great faith in the existence and efficacy of supernatural elements. They are dealt with in this section.
The PCV furnishes ample information as regards the faith of people in supernatural element. It is through these elements that righteousness and moral virtues are glorified by providing attraction for heavenly existence, pleasure, happiness and extraordinary physical
