13. Clothes in General

Clothes are generally referred to as objects of gifts to brahmins on certain occasions like sacrifices. King

418 Indradyumna is said to have given rich clothes in dana when he performed the great Rajasuya sacrifice (47.84). It is said that one who gives clothes in dana goes to Yamaloka in chariots decorated by horses; and elephants (216.12,13). Elsewhere it is stated that one who does not give I clothes in dana goes to hell (225.12). Clothes were used for the purpose of worshipping the deities. Thus they are said to be used in the worship of lord Purusottama (51.55) and Sun (29.47). When we come to the chapters on sraddha, clothes' are referred to as a primary necessity of man. It is stated that without clothes there can be no activity, no sacrifices, no knowledge of the vedas, therefore, clothes should be given particularly at the time of sraddha (220.139). The Vayu P..(80.39-40) also notes the same sentiment. The weating of clothes is attached a religious sanctity and it is stated that one should sip water at the time of wearing clothes (221.132). Stealing of clothes is considered to be a sin. It is stated that one who steals clothes is troubled by the Yama-dutas in the hells with terrible weapons (215.133,134). of clothes. There are rules e for not wearing particular type Thus it is said that one should not wear red, variegated and black clothes, one should not make a complete

419 change of his clothes or ornaments. And transparent raiment {fice, or whatever is much damaged, whatever is infested with dice, or has been trampled on, or has been looked at by dogs, and has p been licked or thrown down or has been befooled by the extraction of pus should be avoided (221.53-55).