History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v6.c81.1582

v6.c81.1582

*Nīrājanavidhi*—From K. kr. 12 to K. śu. 1 (by pūrṇimānta reckoning); performed in the case of a king, the king to erect to the north-east of the capital a large pavilion with banners &c and three toraṇas (arched gates), worship of deities and homa; the rites begin when the Sun passes from Citrā-nakṣatra to Svātī and continue till Sun is in Svātī; jars full of water and decked with leaves and threads of five colours; to the west of toraṇa elephants were to be bathed to the accompaniment of mantras and horses also, and food to be offered to elephant by the purohita; if elephant joyfully accepted it, it foretold victory; if he rejected it great danger foreboded; various forebodings from other actions of the elephant; worship of arms and royal symbols such as umbrella and banner, till Sun is in Svātī, horses and elephants should be honoured; no harsh words to be addressed to them nor should they be beaten, the pavilion to be guarded by armed men and the astrologer, purohita and the 'chief veterinary doctor and elephant doctor should always be in the pavilion; on the day when the sun leaves Svāti and enters Viśākhā, horses and elephants to be decked and on them, on sword, umbrella, drum &c. mantras to be recited; the king to ride his horse first and then mount his elephant and should come out from under the torana and accompanied by his army and citizens march to the palace, honour the people and take leave of them, this rite is a śānti and should be performed by kings for prosperity and welfare of horses and elephants; HV II. 675-680 (from Vi Dh. II 159) Vide H of Dh vol. III. pp. 230-231 for further details gathered from Kautilya, Br. S chap 44, Agni 268 16-31 and other sources and also RM (folio 79a and verses 1333-1335 in ABORI vol 36 p. 328), KR 333-336, SmK 334-341 Nīrājana is a śānti; vide RNP pp 433-437 (quoting Visnudharmottara).