Essay name: Vasudevahindi (cultural history)
Author:
A. P. Jamkhedkar
Affiliation: Savitribai Phule Pune University / Deccan College Post Graduate and Research Institute Pune
This essay is an English study of the Vasudevahindi reflecting cultural history and traditions of the life of people in ancient and medieval India during the 6th century. The Vasudevahimdi is a romantic and religious tale that revolves around the wanderings of Vasudeva (a former Jain monk) and religious teachings in the guise of love stories, a common theme of poetry in Jainism.
Chapter 5 - Religion and Philosophy
151 (of 153)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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605
In the description of the celebrations of Imdamaha
held at Bhaddilapura the Vh(P) states that many people had
gathered near the place where Imda was worshipped by young
ladies. While leaving the place in vehicles, every one drove
his vehicle keeping the revered place to his right2.
1 There is also a reference to the red banner of Imda³
which was probably connected with the rituals of Imdamaha.
Another festival of local importance referred to
in the Vh(P) is the saramaha,i.e festival in honour of the
lake near the city of Campa. Even Vidyadharas attended
this festival and presented dance recitals in honour of the
lake 4.
In the Vh(M) also there is a reference to the
Atthahiyamahima
which was hela by the Vidyadharas on mt.
Simaṇaga in commemoration of the investiture of the lores
a
by Dharna, the king of Nagas 5. The description of these is
similar to the komudi celebrations held in Savatthi.
1. For a similar description of Imdatthana, see Brhatkalpa-
Bhasya, 4.5153.
2. Vh(M), 220-21.
4. Ibid., 155–56.
3. Palasapattaparihio viva sakkajihao; Vh(P) 187.
5. Vh(M), II.26a. Another Atthahiya in honour of monk
Samjayamta held regularly by the Vidyadharas is also
referred to; Vh(M), II.167a.
