________________ Vaisali in Ancient Literature 185 born again, while others were left on the ground that they might return if possible to their former homes,1 The castom of disposal of their dead bodies sometimes by exposure, sometimes by cremation, and sometimes by burial, was in vogue among the inhabitants of Vaisali.2 The Vaisalians had various festivals of which the Sabbarattivara (whole night festival) or Sabbaratticara was the mosi important. At the Sabbarattivara festival songs were sung, trumpets, drums and other musical instruments were used.8 When a festival took place at Vaisali, ali the people used to enjoy it and there were dancing, singing and recitation, V. Religious History The Vaisalians especially the Licchavis of Vaisali were of a strongly religious and devotional bent of mind. Both Jainism and Buddhism found many followers among them. Before the advent of these two religions, the Licchavis or to call them by their wider designation, the Vajjians, appear to have been imbued with a strong religious spirit and deep devotion. They had many shrines in their town as well as in their country and they worshipped the deities in the shrines with proper offerings and with the observance of due rites and ceremonies. Even after Jainism and Buddhism had obtained a strong hold on the Licchavis of Vaisali, the great body of the people of the Vajji country remained staunch followers of their ancient faith, the principal feature of which was Caitya worship, although they had due regard for the Jaina or Buddhist sages, that wandered over their country, preaching the message delivered by their respective teachers. The Buddha on the eve of his last departure for Vaisali and shortly before his passing away from this world said, "As long as the Vaijians honour the Vajjian shrines in town or country, so long the Vajjians are expected not to decline but to prosper".5 Towards the end of the Buddha's life, the Licchavis were devoted worshippers at the numerous shrines scattered about their country. From the meagre mention of the Caityas of the Licchavis in the Buddhist books, it is not easy to determine what the principal objects of their worship were. There is nothing to show that the religious belief of the Liccbavis was in any way different from the form of faith obtained in other parts of 1. Beal, Romantic Legend of Sakya Buddha, pp. 159-60. 2. Indian Antiquary, Vol. XXXII, p. 234. 3. Samyutta Nikaya, J, pp. 201-2.4. Psalms of the Brethren, p. 63. 5. Mahaparinibbana Sutta, Digha II. 24
