Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

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

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STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATİ SÚTRA (Ch. IV gratification of human desires in their individual and social enjoyments and pleasures.
Thus it is stated in the Uttarādhyayana Tikal that a Ganikā (courtesan) was considered as the jewel (rayana) of the capital of a king, while the Nayadhammakahão* tells of a wealthy courtesan of Campā who was highly accomplished and well.versed in sixty four arts and science of erotics, different dialects, music and dance and other qualifications. She found favour with the court and enjoyed the privilege and honour of carrying the royal umbrella, chowries and fans and also the right of moving in Karnīratha (a kind of chariot used by the high persons) as the chief of many thousand courtesans.
It is known from the other Jaina works tbat the mainte. nance of a chief courtesan' by the big cities of those days for the social entertainment of the rich and aristocratic peoples was à prevailing custom.
Thus it is stated in the Nāyādhammakahão that once two merchants of Campă enjoyed the water-sports, picnic, natural beauty and other meriments with Devānandā, the chief courte. san of the city and they offered her rich presents at the end of their sensual gratification of desires with her.
The evidences of the Bhs regarding the life and position of the courtesans are also corroborated by the Buddhist and Brāhmaṇical works in great details.
It is the well-known account of the life of Ambapālikā6 endowed with beauty, charm and high accomplishments that she was the great courtesan of Vaisalı as already mentioned in connection with the denotation of the term 'Ganiya'. She afterwards became the lay disciple of Lord Buddha and offered abundant gifts to the Buddhist Sangha.
1 Uttarādhyayana sikā 3, p. 64. Nayadhammakahão 3, p. 59. 3 16, 3, p. 59.
4 Acaranga Cūrni p. 71. Nāyādhammakahão 3, p. 60.
Disha-Nikawa II, pp. 95-8 ; Therigatha-252-70 ; Mahabagga VI, 30, p. 231-3.