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TILAKAMANJARI OF DHANAPALA
His firm belief in the orthodox lore of legends and myths, such as the search of Maināka from the ocean by Himalaya,' the piercing with arrows by the son of Jamadgni (i.e. Parasurama), of the Krauñca mountain, the approach of Sarayu river situate to Bhagirathi in order to inquire after the news about the ascent to the heavens, of the sons of Sagara consumed by the fire of wrath of Kapila3 etc., his inclination towards the Vaiṣṇava faith, his attitude towards the institutions of castes and stages of life all go to establish his basic belief in the Hindu way of life and philosophical understanding. His ideal king in Meghavahana taking care of all such institutions and abiding by the tenets of six schools of philosophy is the true reflection of the personal leanings of Dhanapala. The performance of sacrifices, the way of charity known as affability, circumspective nature all being the personal traits of Meghavahana embody in reality the personal cult of Dhanapala. He also upholds the lofty ideal of devotion or faithfulness in preference to imperial awe." Unlike Dandin he evinces great respect for higher values of morality and little respect for the objectionable deeds. That is why he says.
110
"He (i.e. Meghavahana) was averse to embracing of other's wives but not to service of his own men."
270
The transformation caused by the pride of riches, the torment caused by the group of passion, shackling by the alligators in the form of the objects of senses, the bonds of attachment (lit. love) of intoxicated maidens, excessive doze of affluence etc. were a source of indignation for him."
His love for the high ideals of life is reflected in his illustration of Meghavahana feeling satisfied in elevating his opponents, being a great devotee of battle and never allowing them to bow down. His Harivāhana, too, maintaining perfect equanimity divorced from spite and intolerance when finding a co-suitor to the royal sovereignty of Meghavahana, imposed
1. TM. Vol. I. TM I. P. 44. LL. 2. Botad ed.
2. Ibid. p. 44. L. 4.
3. Ibid. p. 47. L. 2. P. 62. L. 4.
4. Ibid. p. 58. L. 1. वैष्णवानां कृष्णवर्त्मनि प्रवेशः ।
5. गुरुवितीर्णशासनो भक्त्या न प्रभुशक्त्या । Ibid vol. I. p. 62. LL. 1-2.
6. स्वजनपराङ्कमुखः परभार्यासु न सपर्यासु । Ibid Vol. I. p. 62. L. 2.
7. अनर्तितो लक्ष्मीमदविकारैरखलीकृतो व्यसनचक्रपीडाभिरनाकृष्टो विषयग्राहैरयन्त्रितः प्रमदाप्रेमनिगडैरजडीकृतः TM. Vol. I. p. 64. LL. 2-3.
