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unbroken descent from the most devout worshipper of the god,' viz. Maheśvara or Parama-Maheśvaral during the same centuries.
Ka palikas and Haddasarakkhas ( Asthi sarajaskas )-The sect of the Kāpālikas has been frequently nentioned in the NC., and it was bighly despised by the Jaina monks and society.The Kāpālikas (literally, furnished with a human skull) are described as besmeared with ashes and residing at despised or impure places, and their presence was disgusting because of their extreme uncleanliness. They were also regarded as untouchables ( asprśya ) because of the same reason.“ In his work Yašastilaka Somadeva prescribes a bath for the Jaina monks when they happen to come in contact with a Kápālika.* The Kápālikas are shown as keeping ashes (bhoya ) and other fragrant substances like guggula ( most probably for worship ) in a particular object called sikkaga-nantaga (a type of covering used to cover something ) as a part of their ritualistic paraphernalia.?
Another similar sect mentioned in the NC. is that of the Haddasarakk has.8 They have been identified with the Kāpālikas in the commentary of the BỊhatkal pa Bhasya.9 They were akin to the Kāpālikas on the basis of the similar practices
1. Alina Copper-plate Inscription of Sitāditya VII (A, D, 766–67 A. D.);
also grants of Dhruvasena II and Kharagraha 11-CII, III, pp. 180,
182, 185. 2. NC. 2, pp. 38, 227, 244; NC, 3, p. 252. 3. NO. 2, p. 244. 4. Astay for gama faca... teadmatatit ca 19rfesor TTNA: 2,
p. 227. 5. fafarat ca u gu feat Haifa, 37FTFIT T:—NC. 2, p. 244. 6. Handiqui, op. cit., pp. 356-57. 7. fhF 31 3 Anaht 9691Eu...FTTH Fraiseu thuy-NC. 2, p.
38. In the pross.copy of NC, prepared ły Muni Punya Vijaya the text runs as fraiftea Tufeni ( 1, p. 64 ) which appears to be more
correct, 8. NC. 2, pp. 207, 227; NO. 3, pp. 81, 585. 9. Brh, V7. 3, P. 788.
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