Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 230

Sec. IVI
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
205
brought from a slaughter's house (ghayatthāna) just on the belly of the king assuming a pretended unconscious state.
Similarly the Pinda Niryukti' refers to the rise of pregnancy longing of queen Sudamsaņā to take the flesh of the deer on the sight of their images in a painting hall, while the Vivāga* Suya tells of the desire of another lady to take abundant food, drink, spices, sweets and wine.
The evidences of the Jaina texts with regard to the pregnancy.longings are also supported by the Brāhmaṇical and Buddhist workså.
This fact of desire of the pregnant women corresponds to realities.
Birth and its Celebration
The BNS presents a vivid picture of the celebration of birth of a new born child who was the light of joy to the whole family whether it is rich or poor.
Thus it is stated in the text that when the auspicious message of the birth of a male child given to by the queen, Prabhāvati Devi was conveyed by her chamber-maids to her husband, king Bala of Hastinapuri, he took a silver pitcher filled with pure water and consecrated (washed) their heads with Sacred water, honoured them with the diamond of his crown and ornainents put on by him, gave abundant gifts of love suitable for livelihood, and entertained them thus, and then payed respect to them by making them free i, e. removing the bondage of their slavery."
In honour of the birth-ceremony of his new born son king Bala ordered the release of prisoners, raised the standard of weights (ummāņam), made the inner and outer parts of the city
1 Pinda Niryukti, 80. 2 Vivāga Suya, 3, P. 23. 8 See Suśruta Samhita, Sarirasthāna, Ch. III, P. 90-92; also
Cf. Mahāvagga X, 2, 5, p. 343; Kathāsaritsägara , Appendix III, pp. 221-8. Refer to Life in Ancient India as depicted in the Jain canons by Dr. J. C. Jain, p. 149–50 for details, 4 Bhs, 11, 11, 428.