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SRNGARAMANJARIKATHA
houses afforded endless pleasures and amusement to rich citizens. But we also hear of a complement of other institutions, which afforded pleasure and entertainment like the glambing house (țintă), theatre (rangaśālā), pleasure houses (kridāgāra, krīdābhavana) and temples (devālaya, devagsha, devāyatana). The love for outdoor life took the citizens out to the parks (udyāna), swimming (jalamajjana), hunting (mrgayā), playing balls (kanduka-krida), swinging (dolāndolana) and dancing (nrtya, nätya).
Religious festivals were also enjoyed with gusto. We have reference to the yātrā-mahotsava of Madana, the worship of the Sun of Vijayasaptami, the worship of the Goddesses Āśāpură and Vin dhyavāsini, and the god Ganapati who helps to attin the desired objectives of life. Mahākālanātha who was presiding deity of Ujjayini, and was therefore worshipped with great fervour. There is an uncomplimentary reference to the pasupata sect (hīnasattvapāśupata-pākhanda) which later on was followed by the Paramāras of Mālwā.55
Among beliefs, we read only of the pigeon being considered unfortunate when it stays in the house. The units of currency mentioned are dramma and pala. Gold coins are usually mentioned as pieces of gold.
From this short review of the times based on information contained in the SMK it can be said that during Bhoja's rule civilization in Mālwä had risen to a magnificent pitch. Our appreciation of Bhoja for having portrayed a faithful picture of one of the most glorious periods of medieval Indian History is heightened when we take into consideration that he worked and stood for all that was glorious in Hindu Culture,
55. An inscription of the reign of Kumărapăla, dated 1169 A.D. threws light on the
distinguished Pāśupata teacher Bhāvabrhaspati. He left Vārānasi and came to Dhārā and the Paramāra kings became his disciples. Vide, A collection of Prakrt and Sanskrit Inscriptions, published by the Bhavnagar Archaeological
Department, p. 186; See also Ganguly, op. cit, p. 249. 56. We come across a similar belief in Somadeva's Yaśastilakaccampū, see Handiqui,
op. cit, p. 407.
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