________________
Lord Mahāvira's Religious Contemporaries and Sects
189
old gods underwent modification and alteration, and new gods were created. Contact with indigenous cults at this time was responsible not only for the importation of new objects of worship, but also for the incorporation of new mythologies of the older cult. Not only from Brahmanical literature, but from Buddhist and Jaina literature also, we know about the popular deities worshipped during the sixth century B.C.
INDRA
Indra, the chief of all other gods, is the Vedic god of great antiquity, and it appears that he was one of the most popular deities. In the Kalpasūtra, Indra has been described as enjoying divine pleasure in heaven in the company of various gods, eight chief queens, three assemblies, seven armies, seven commanders-in-chief, and body-guards. Indramaha was most prominent among all other mahas in ancient days. The festival of Indra was celebrated with great pomp and show. In Buddhist literature, he is mentioned by various names such as Sakka, Vasava, Maghava, and so on. He is also described as descending to this world for helping the virtuous punishing the evil-doers. He resides in the place known as Sudhammi, Vejayanta, and Missakasāra in the beautiful Tävatinsa heaven.3
BRAHMĀ
During the period of the Brāhmaṇas, Prajāpari occupied the supreme position and was looked upon as the creator. In the sixth century B.C., he was called Brahma. In the Buddhist Vikāyas, it is this personal Brahmă of the popular religion that is pictured, attacked, and ridiculed. In fact, his unity is not recognized, and many Brahmās with different appellations, such as Sanatkumāra, Salampati, and so on were conceived for worshipping."
1. Kalna, 1. 13 2. Ja, No. 540. 3. KS. 1, 254-307; ja. II, 312. 4. J:, I. 3.4; Digha, 1. +1; Sa, 1, 210; KS. 1, 251, 191-2, 2;
II, 21,
nr.
