Life in Ancient India as Depicted in the Jain Canons, with Commentaries: An Administrative, Economic, Social and Geographical Survey c12.s2.t5: Sacrifice

Life in Ancient India as Depicted in the Jain Canons, with Commentaries: An Administrative, Economic, Social and Geographical Survey c12.s2.t5

Language: English

Sacrifice

c12.s2.t5.1

The practice of sacrifice was very common among the Brāhmaṇas During his tour Mahāvīra is stated to have spent the rainy season in a sacrificial house (aggihottavasahī) of a Brāhmaṇa of Campā²⁴

Then we hear of Vijayaghosa who was engaged in performing Brāhmaṇical sacrifice The monk Jayaghosa approached him for alms and converted him to his faith,²⁵ after preaching the true sacrifice We have already referred to Ajja Sejjambhava who was engaged in his sacrificial duties when visited by the pupils of Pabhava Besides, the Brāhmaṇas were employed by the kings for the same purpose Reference has been made to the priest Mahesaradatta who was versed in the four Vedas and who used to perform sacrifice to avert evil against the king²⁶

c12.s2.t5.4

²⁵ Uttarā 25.

c12.s2.t5.5

²⁶ See Supra p 58.

Linked texts (1)

Uttarajjhayaṇa — Ardhamāgadhī Prakrit