War in Ancient India c5.s2.29

c5.s2.29

This compares favourably with the Tamil practice. When Śenguṭṭuvan resolved to march against the northern kings, the astrologer announced the auspicious time, when the king caused the sword and the umbrella to be taken outside the city ramparts as prasthāna. Then he went to the shrine of Śiva and took the prasādam on his head after due prayers. That which came from the Viṣṇu temple he wore on his shoulders. After entertaining the whole army to a sumptuous dinner and with words of encouragement to the soldiers, the king commenced his march towards the Ganges.⁷³