Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

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

Page 285

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STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SŪTRA
[Ch. IV
The general people enjoyed pleasure and felt the efficacy of joy by perforining different religious festivals, such as, festival of Indra (Indamaha), that of Kārttika, that of Vāsudeva, that of Nāga, that of Yakşa, that of Bhūta (Vyantaras), that of Kapa (well), that of Tadāga (tank)...... that of Stupa', etc.
It appears from the Bhs that a special arrangement was made for the social entertainment of the people with the dance-drama, performed by an accomplished artist in a public hall.
An indirect reference is made in the text to the public theatre hall where hundreds and thousands of people assembled to witness and enjoy the dance-drama presented by a young beautiful well-dressed actress. . The comparison of the Universe with a theatre hall, made by the greeters and eulogists of prince Jamäli in connection with their greetings and instructions to him on his way to the Bahuśālaka Caitya in order to get himself initiated by Lord Mahāvīra to Sramana Dharma, clearly suggests that the threatre was a great resort of the pleasures and amusements for the people.
Thus it is said, "hold the flag of worship inside the theatre hall of the three worlds."'3
Last of all, the study of the references to the drinking of liquor and wine business (rasavānijja)" clearly shows that the suppressed desire of the individuals for joy and happiness was given a free satisfaction by this way.
The account of the sports and amusements is also found in the other Jaina texts. In addition they refer to various sports and amusements enjoyed by the people, such as, games of lac marbles (vattaya), tip.cat (adaliyā), ball (tindusa), doll(pottullu), cloths (sāļollaya)', bow (sara pāyaya), race of bullock cart
1 BhS, 9, 33, 383. 3 1b, 9, 33, 385. 6 16, 8, 5, 330
? 10, 11, 10, 422.
Ib, 5, 2, 181; 15, 1, 554 6 Nāyādhani makahão 18, p. 207.