History of Kanauj to the Moslem Conquest c13.s3.39

c13.s3.39

tins), believers in God as a creator (Aiśvara-kāraṇikas), and even athiests like the Lokāyatikas¹. Similarly, there were different classes of recluses as those pulling out their hair (Keśaluñcakas), Pañcarātrikas (Vaiṣṇava ascetics), Pārāsara mendicants, Pāsupatas or Śaivas, Varṇis (Brahmacāris), Bhāgavatas (followers of Kṛṣṇa) etc.² The *Life* also gives us names like the Bhūtas, Kāpālikas, Jūtikas, Sāṅkhyas, Vaiṣesikas, Chingkias (Chūdinkas).³ They differed not only in their observances and beliefs, but as Yuan Chwang tells us, even their garbs varied. "Some wear peacock's tail, some adorn themselves with a necklace of skulls; some are quite naked; some cover the body with grass or boards, some pull out their hair and clip their moustaches; some mat their side-hair and make a top-knot coil."⁴ In this connection it is interesting to recall that Bāṇa also refers to distinguishing sectarial marks on the foreheads. Yuan Chwang speaks highly of such men as "promenaded through life away from human affairs" and devoted their time and energy to gain knowledge and spirituality. They were not moved by honour or reproach, but their fame was widespread and the rulers treated them with ceremony and respect. They got their food by begging and paid no attention whatsoever to their personal needs and comforts in the pursuit of what they considered Truth.⁵