4.4. Other constructions for shelter, etc.

EDUCATION AND ARCHITECTURE D. Other constructions for shelter etc: 445 Kudiraya Kutira (33.85) was the cottage or hut which was a residence of the poor. Houses with holes and perforations (chhiddasayamandiesum gharesu 20.162) are mentioned to be the abodes of unlucky persons. Asama Asrama was a hermitage which was meant for recluses (8.155) and monks (89 33). Generally the abodes of the monks cousisted of Guha, Kandara-Kandara, Pabbhara = Pragbhara=i. e. cavern, cave, or shelter roof of the hill (29. 29) and Ceiyahara Caityagrha i. e. places of worship or temples. Granaries for storing corns have also been referred to (dhannamahantakottharo 2.3). Manca was the gallery of benches which was erected on the occasion of the ceremonies of 'svayamvaras' (6.159; 24.12) to accomodate the candidates and the public. On the occasion of the fireordeal of Sita similar 'mancas' were erected to accomodate the public (101.7: 102.24). They are also called as Pecchagihamandava (101.7) Preksa-grhamandapah i. e. the sitting arrangement made for visitors and observers. Rama's return from Lanka was welcomed by erecting several canopies (mandava) which were raised on pillars with golden work (kanayothambhapaura 78.53). Torana was an arch which decorated the entrance. The Paumacariya refers to the Toranas attached to the ramparts (8.266), palaces (6.46), temples (29.3; 66.6), residential building (53 85) erected independently in various quarters of the town (78.51). They were adorned with banners and flags (8.266). Sometimes they were temporarily erected to receive great persons (78.51). They were also set with gold or jewels and beautified with strings of pearls (78.51). Setu (Seu 3.11) is referred to. Its context indicates it to be a bridge over a strait. towns 8.267; Arama pleasure gardens, Udyana-parks, Kanana=groves and well laid out in and around the Upavana planted forests were These were (2.12; 6.137; 35.28; 80.14). the places where royal persons and public flocked for pleasure and sports. These places were equipped with ponds, big and small (Sarasi & Sara 2.12), tanks (talava-tadaga 33.20), reservoirs of water, square. (Vavi Vapi 2.12; 46.75) or long and (Dihiya Dirghika 8.267; 46.75) or circular in shape (Pukkharini Puskarini 8.267). Vapi with steps paved with gems and gold (manikancanam 102 29) has been referred to. Kings played sports with their damsels in these gardens and tanks (5.218). Females also frequently visited these narrow

446 A CRITICAL STUDY OF PAUMACARIYAM In these places (46.75). and took their pleasure bath there gardens special houses were erected to facilitate the pleasure visits of the royal members (81.4). Gardens were resorts for wandering monks (5.224; 6137). Permanent gardeners looked after these gardens (5.225). The Paumacariya reveals that the Samastakusumaudyana of Lanka was systematically planned. It was situated on the Puspagiri hill (46.66) It had seven and extended from the bottom of the hill to its top. divisions from the bottom to the top. The first two parts were meant for male-citizens (nayaro ramai) who sported there. The next two parts were for the women fold (kidai vilasinijano). The fifth provided shelter to the monks who devoted themselves to meditation. The sixth was meant for the visitors. Public sports were not allowed there. The seventh part was the best part of the garden. The whole garden flourished with several kinds of trees and plants. It was well laid out with tanks and reserviors full of lotuses. People freely enjoyed their baths. Sport houses for public also were provided. There the cuckoos chanted sweet notes. It was duly provided with flights of steps (46.66-67). Jina-temples are variously called as Ceiyahara (2 12), Ceiyabhavana (5.134), Deula (8.265), Jinahara (11.3), Jinabhavana (77 25), Jinayana (77.28), Jinalaya (8.139), and Jinagara (108.16). Temples have been referred to be standing in the middle of (31.120) or outside (33.92) the habitation or in the gardens (45.43; 47.51). Further they are said to have been constructed in villages, towns, on river-banks of rivers, hills, (8.167), confluences and at junctions of the roads (59). Lanka is referred to have Jina temples (8.267). The palaces of Ravana and Vibhisana are said to have accomodated private Jina temples (77.3,25). The Vamsagiri (40.9) and the Sammeta mountain (9.60) have been mentioned to be abounding with Jina-temples. Jina-temples white in colour (8.136;8.138), kissing the sky (8.265), set with gems (rayanavicchuriya 8.138) and gold (varakanayabhittiyam 9.60;77.25) and having thousand pillars (66.26;77.25) have been referred to. Then there were the shrines of Yaksas. A Jakkhahara or Jakkhanilaya (82.46,47) is said to have been situated on the outskirts of Rajagrhanagara.