The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v2.c31.58

v2.c31.58

The *Dvyāśraya* gives a somewhat different description of the death of this ruler of Cutch. In this work Hemacandra connects Mūlarāja’s struggles against the ruler of Cutch and the Ābhīra² chieftain of Saurāṣṭra³ into one episode. He gives us the following account of Grāharipu, the ruler of Sorath. He lived at Vāmanasthalī,⁴ a city resplendent with the flags of Hanumān and Garuḍa, and at Durgapallī.⁵ He ate the flesh of animals and drank spirituous liquor. The ‘Mleccha’ hunted in Revatācala and slew deer at Prabhāsa⁶ which should not be slain. He took the flesh of cows, despised the Brāhmans, and killed the pilgrims going to Prabhāsa. He was rich and powerful, and once compelled the Rājā of Sindhu-*deśa* to pay him tribute. He was in close alliance with the powerful Lākhā of Kaccha-*deśa* and also with the Turks and other *Mlecchas*. We are then told that, being asked by Somanātha (Śiva) in a dream to destroy Grāharipu, Mūlarāja, though on good terms with the Ābhīra ruler, marched against him. In the struggle that followed Grāharipu was taken prisoner, and Lākhā was killed. Mūlarāja then went to Prabhāsa and worshipped the *liṅga* at Somanātha.¹