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CCXXVIII
Kavyanusasana an important part in the history of Gujarat, from the time of Vanarāja to Kumāra pāla.
In this connection, the name of Vasāha Abhada may be mentioned. He was not directly connected with the state in any way. He must have, however, been a very influential person of the times, as we shall see anon he was one of those who was consulted by Kumārapāla about the succession to the throne after him. From a very poor condition he rose to be one of the richest men of Anahillapura. He maintained his high position throughout the reigns of Kumāra pāla, Ajayapāla and Bhima II.
We learn from the P. P. S. that of the sons of Ābhada two were Māheśvarins, that is, worshippers of Mahesvara or Şiva and three were Srāvakas, that is Jainas. (p. 33).
According to the Prabandharatnakosa of Rajasekharasūri he had a daughter named Champalade , who had become a widow early in life, and who used to manage his household affairs being very learned and tactful (p. 100). It was this Abhada who saved the temple of Tārangā from being destroyed by the orders of Ajayapāla.
Now we come to the Purohitas of Siddharāja and Kumārapāla. We saw that Amaşarman was the Purohita of Karna. It was through his miraculous powers that the evil effect of the magic of the Purohita of the king of Mālava was warded off. The Surathotsava informs us that it was through his blessings that Siddharāja could conquer the king of Sindhu, the king of Málava and the king of Sapādalaksha. Kumāra performed many sacrifices and built many lakes.
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