Appendix 11 - Tirthas mentioned in the Vasudevahindi

TIRTHAS 725. Kanayakhaladara: A holy place on the banks of the Gamga and known to be an auspicious site for penance [Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 225, 233]. Kanakhala of the Puranas [PI, Vol.I., P.306]. Ditipayaga: The same as Payaga or Prayaga. According to the author of the Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, the place was so called because of the drinking at this place of the juice of soma plant which was crushed for the extraction of juice. The word 'diti' is derived from Vda, to crush. The author of the Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa further notes that the place was called by ignorant people as Payaga,i.e. 'a place of sacrifice' as they did not understand the meaning of the original name [Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 193]. According to Jaina tradition, Payaga or Prayaga was sanctified due to the association of the monk Amkaputta who attained ommiscience at this place (Jain, op.cit., P. 322]. Paitthana: In the Asvamedha sacrifice performed by king Sagara many beings were sacrificed near Payaga and Paitthana. [Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 192]. According to the Puranic tradition, the city was given to Pururavas at the request of Vasistha by Ila. It was situated near the confluence of the Ganga and

726 the Yamuna, on the right bank of the Ganga [Markandeya Purana, Chap. CXI, St. 17-18]. Jain accepts its identification with Jhusi opposite Allahabad across the Ganga [op.cit., P.323]. Pabhasa: Situated in Surattha Visaya [Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 79]. Referred to as a sacred place in the Western region of the Bharahavasa. It was visited by Bharaha, and Samti during their expedition of universal conquest for the title of Cakkavatti (ibid., 186, 340]. Princess Susima h Arakkuri L daughter of the king of the city of Arakkuri had visited this place for ablutions (ibid., 79]. According to Jaina tradition, Prabhasa became holy because of the association of the princess Mati and Sumati, who were from Pandya Mathura [Avasyaka Curni II.97, quoted by Jain, op. cit. P. 137]. It is the same as Prabhas Patan in Saurashtra. Payaga: This was situated on the right bank of the Ganga [Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 305]. It was the same as Ditipayaga (ibid., 193], but was so called by the ignorant people because of Sagara's Asvamedha sacrifice, which was performed in its vicinity (ibid., 192]. It was a sacred place for the Parivvayagas [ibid., 43] as well as for the Jains. Jain states that the place was holy to the Jainas as monk Amkaputta attained omniscience at this place lop.cit., P. 321]. It is the same as modern

727 Prayag on the confluence of the Ganga and the Yamuna. Magaha : This sacred place situated in the eastern region of Bharahavasa, was visited both by Bharaha and Samti during their expedition for universal kingship. presiding deity of this sacred place paid homage to both these rulers [Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 186, 340]. Not identified. The Varadama : This sacred place, situated in the south of Bharahavasa, was visited by Bharaha and Samti during their expeditions for the title of Cakkavatti. Varadamakumara, the presiding deity of this place, honoured both these kings [Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 186, 340]. Not identified.