History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v6.c81.1162

v6.c81.1162

*Udasevikā*—same as Bhūtamātṛ-utsava. This utsava followed immediately after the Indradhvaja was taken down (i. e. it took place on Bh. śu. 13). It somewhat resembled the wild and mystic Roman Bacchanalia In HV II 359-365, KKN 413-421 and KR 387-395 this festival is described at length from the Skanda The origin is traced to Bhairava and a girl called Udasevikā (whose body was smeared with mud) sprung from the mind of Śiva and Pārvatī respectively. They became husband and wife All people become on this day vociferous about sexual matters Men and women go out like crazy persons, ride asses, bulls and dogs, smear themselves with ashes and mud, even men 100 years old act like boys, become void of shame, utter obscene songs, dress like cowherds, *dombas*, barbers and also went about naked. It is remarkable that Skanda averred that gods and *pitṛs* did not accept the offerings of a man who did not take part in this festival and remained aloof. There was difference of views about the time when the utsava was to be celebrated. Vide HV II p. 368, and VP (folios 91-92), which place it in Jy. kr. 1 to 15 (by pūrṇimānta reckoning)