________________
UKTI-VYAKTI-PRAKARANA
79
of Banaras 'on a very.sound footing (21/17–18). In, religious festivals, after the people had taken their bath and worshipped at the temples, they offered alms to the Brahmanas and thereafter partook of their meals (11/11-12). Cows were given to the Brāhmaṇas as gifts (14/18-19); and giving big feasts to them was regarded as a merito-. rious act. , In such' feasts, given by the religious-minded people, the invitees did full justice to the food (36/3). The Brāhmaṇas were not satisfied with coarse food; they:immensely enjoyed sweet laddus (14/19). As soon as a Brahmin. entered the dwelling of a house-holder due respect was shown to him and he was offered a stool to sit (50/25). Aftere enjoying good food and receiving some cash money the Brahmins were fully satisfied and offered their benediction to their hosts (9/36-37).
The people of Banaras in the 12th century as to đay regarded the Gangā with great affection and respect. It was universally accepsted that taking bath in the Gangā removed sins (5/23-24). .
People in Gūhad wāla period showed full respect to their forefathers. It was the confirmed belief of the people that it was by the religious deeds of their decendants that their forefathers attained. salvation; and the forefathers in the heaven blessed their progeny in return (21/20-22). But the departed forefathers were not to be appeased with mental respect only, they required concrete examples of their respect in the periodical srāddhas as ordained by Hindu religion. Feasts given to the Brahmins were to the immense liking of the departed forefathers; as soon as a son of the family washed the feet of the Brahmins his forefathers went to the heaven (38/11). Offering water oblation also pleased the forefathers ( 42/8, 51/20). It was, however, ordained by the Hindu Šāstra that the performance of srāddha at Gaya liberated the souls of the forefathers. In thiseage as well the Hindu offered pinda at Gaya (23/12 13), and there were officeating priests who shepherded pilgrims to that city (51/28). . .
Expiation as a means to get rid of sins, and belief in untouchability, were distinguishing features of the Hinduism of the 12th century. The drinking of the Panchagavya (a mixture of milk, curds, ghee, cow's urine and cow-dung) was supposed to remove all sins (29/30).
. Men on the street also believed in ghosts and the effectiveness of the charms. At one place the ghosts are mentioned'infesting the burning ground ( 34/31). The charms and incantations were supposed to be insbued with hypnotic power ( 45/30), and they were also supposed to possess the power to restore the dead to life ( 46/26 ). .
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
