The World of Courtesans c11.155

c11.155

Kshemendra in his *Narmamala* (III. 54-58) describes the superstitious fears of a courtesan of his time. She invited a Kaula teacher to consecrate the *paravaghati* in her house She was obliged to him for a magic powder which was supposed to bring lovers under her control. In the *Deshopadesha*, III. 39-49, the superstitious fears of a courtesan are emphasized. This woman was suffering from anemia because of repeated child births, but she thought she was possessed by a spirit and requested the *guru* to give her a protective charm. As a matter of fact her head, neck and arms were loaded with charms On a sacred day she established herself at a *tirtha*. She was clad in white garments and sold her body without any compunction. She worshipped gods, listened to the interpretation of dreams and consulted astrologers. She wanted to go to Varanasi for the expiation of her sins but could not do so as the eating of onion was prohibited there. She also believed in ghosts and alchemy.