________________
Religious position
237
4. Sankhoddhāra : It was an auspicious place in Saurāştra (IV.13). People used to take auspicious water to their houses from this place (IV.13).
Beliefs and Superstitions Mantras (incantations): It was believed that some mantras may take hold of a person. They are called 'Kilaka mantras (XIV.45). With the help of Mantra, a king can be controlled and the enemy can be killed (XIV.46-48). For killing an enemy'Ugramantras' (Fierce incantations) are to be used (XIV.48). Rākşasas could be removed with the help of Mantra and Tantra (X 63).
Bhūtas : Nineteen kinds of Bhūtas are referred to by Hemacandra (V.61). Abhayatilakagani on the basis of Nārāyaṇasiṁhitā bas explained them as Sura, Asura, Yakşa, Rākşasa, Kaśmala, Bhasmaka, Pits, Vināyaka, Pralāpa, Piśāca, Antyaja, Yonija, Bhūta, Apasmāra, Brahmarākşasa and Vaiśyarākșasa.
Pretas ; Existence of paretas (spirits) is also referred to (IV.61).
Pišācīs : A belief in the existence of female spirits viz. piśācīs and Sākinīs is found in the poem (11.68.XIV.4).
Divinity: A belief in divine and unseen voice is found in the poem (VIII.5,8; XI. 107). These divine voices play a part in political sphere also.
Räkşaşas : They eat buman-flesh and protect temples (X.78). They drink the blood of human-beings (X. 60). Their physical formation is fierce and they have hair erected. Rākşasas could be avoided by Mantras, Tantras and Astras (weapons X. 63). They can appear and disappear at once (X.66-57).
Pretīs : They are mentioned as having long tails made of poison (IV.62). Their tails are variegated, arrow-like, Guruda
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org