The World of Courtesans c4.54

c4.54

*Samaja* elsewhere (H.V. II. 85, 71-72) indicates a grand feast accompanied by wrestling matches. Thus Krishna held a *samaja* in honour of Bilvodakeshvara in which meat, savouries and sweets were served, and after the feast there was a wrestling match. In Buddhist literature it is mentioned that *samajas* were held on the top of a mountain. Animal sacrifice, partaking of food and drink and a great deal of merry-making were prominent features of the *samaja*. In the *H.V* II. 17, 10 Krishna in order to celebrate the Giriyajna, asked the *gopas* to prepare food and drink and arrange for large pots of meat and sweets. A three-day holiday was declared and the cattle to be slaughtered were brought forward The *gopas* and *gopis*, in a spirit of merry-making, consumed large quantities of food and then worshipped the mountain with perfumes, flowers and incense.