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A CULTURAL STUDY OF THE NISITHA CURNI
foisa or gotisa ( Astrology and Astronomy ) It was of great practical importance to all the sects alike as the auspicious ceremonies were to be performed only at a time when the omens and portents were auspicious. Vivahapadala2 and Agghakaļas are mentioned as treatises on astrology (joti sagartha ). The former explained proper time for conducting the marriages, while the latter revealed the proper time for entering into enterprises like trade and commerce. Chamda or prosody is specifically mentioned. Besides, a great stress on pada, matta, bindu etc. in the proper recitation of the Vedic as well as Jaina scriptural lores and the innumerable etymological derivations of the words mentioned in the text reveal the popularity of the other Vedangas, i. e. sikşa (pronunciation ) and nirukta ( etymology).
Smyti Literature—The later literature of the Brāhmaṇas has been mentioned as Smstise which was especially mastered by them for learning the proper rules of the science of sacrifice ( homa ). Although none of the Smytis is specifically named in the text, yet some of the statements of the author, especially regarding the six duties of the Brahmanas ( şadkarma-nirata ) etc. are directly based on the Smrti of Manu.
Epics—The great epics like Rāmāyana and Bhāraha ( Mahabharata ) have been referred to as pāvasutt as the study of which was prohibited to a Jaina monk. Validity of the various mythological stories of the Epics and the Puranas has been critically questioned by our Jaina author' which reveals that
1. NC. 4, p. 36; Watters, op. cit, 1, pp. 154-55. 2. faareserie taattle fareas af-NC. 3, p. 400. 3. 372hCaffè TË F# God affe-Ibid. 4. ganeuri TATTİ ETİ tela 91NC. 3, p. 399. 5. NO. 1, p. 12. 6. NO. 3, p. 412. 7. NC. 3, p. 415. 8. TU TEFÀT PRE-TTATTURE Taga-NC. 3, p. 179. 9. NO. 1, pp. 103-4.
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