Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

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

Page 284

Sec. VIII]
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATÍ SÚTRA
259
The reference to the theatre hall (peochāghara)? supported on many hundred columns (anegakhambhasayasamnivitha) inside the palace clearly shows that the members of the royal family entertained themselves with dances, dramas and songs presented by the professional dancers, actors and musicians respectively in that hall.
The Bhs presents a vivid picture of ainusements enjoyed by the ruling Ksatriya princes by referring to the cases of the princes Jamāli' and Mahābalain their respective residences at Katriyakundagrāma and Hastināpura.
It is stated that both of them passed time by enjoying thirty-two kinds of dramatic representations in the company of very beautiful young ladies, singing and singing, dancing and dancing, by fondling them in the upper palace and experiencing five kinds of sensual gratification of human desires, i.e. sound, touch, taste, object of beauty and smell, througout the nights of all the six seasons of the year.
There is also an evidence to show that the young man moved along with the young lady, holding her hand in his hand and enjoyed the pleasure of her charming association, beauty and youth,
Juvatim juvāne hatthenam hatthe............
"
Besides these, the members of the royal and rich aristo. cratic families organized feasts and entertained themselves and their friends, kinsmen, relatives, attendants and the peoples of the city and of the country together with abundant food and drink on various occasions, such as, birthday, marriage ceremony, at the time of renouncing the world, on the day of Kärttika-Caturmāsiku pratipadā and Puuşadha-vrata dayo (pausadha vrata = fasting vow). was observed by one class of householders after enjoying first abundant food and drink,
1 Bhs, 11, 11, 429. 16, 9, 33, 383. 4 16, 5, 6, 208.
6 Ib, 11, 11, 429. ? 16, 3, 1, 134 ; 11, 9, 417. , 16, 12, 1, 437.
3 lb, 11, 11, 431. 6 15, 11, 11, 430. 8 15, 15, 1, 541.