The Rashtrakutas and their Times c21.206

c21.206

Besides astrology, there were a number of other superstitious beliefs current in the society. It was believed that if certain vows and conditions were observed, gods could be compelled to do the needful; we sometimes come across devotees threatening the poor god with non-co-operation. From one of the Raṭṭa records from Saundatti we learn that Kesirāja of Banahatti had sworn to the Unborn :—'If disease and trouble should ever manifest themselves among those whom I protect, I will come to you no more.' ¹⁶¹ Catching a serpent alive was regarded as a signal proof of chastity; Sugalādevī, the wife of Maṇḍalaśvara Varma, had caught a serpent alive in her hand and a temple was built in her honour as the chastest lady of the land. ¹⁶² Spells and enchantments against serpent bites were current, but evidence is available to show that their futility was often realised. ¹⁶³ Many women were induced to administer herbs and medicines to their husbands, which were supposed to be efficacious in keeping them under their control, but which very often ruined their health and hastened their death. ¹⁶⁴ Sometimes some loyal subjects used to take the vow that they would offer their own heads, if their king were to be blessed with a son. Sorab No. 479 informs us that in c. 991 A.D. Katega took a vow to offer his head to the goddess Gundabbe of Hayve, if his king Sāntivarman got a son; a son was soon born and then Katega allowed the royal soldiers to cut off his head, and of course went to heaven. ¹⁶⁵ There were others who used to vow to offer their own heads in case a son was born to them, cases are on record to show that such history were actually kept.¹⁶⁶ Ibn Khurdadbā informs us that persons who had grown very old and weak very often used to commit suicide in holy places, either by drowning or by burning themselves on auspicious days.¹⁶⁷ This custom may have prevailed to some extent, since the famous Chandella king Dhanga is known to have courted death by allowing himself to be drowned at Prayāga, when he had grown very old.¹⁶⁸