Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s7.1461

v2.c4.s7.1461

Some details are given of the life and dress of the Vrātyas. Their principles were opposed to those of the Brahmins: they beat those unworthy of correction.⁹ Their leader (Gṛhapati) or householder wore a turban (Uṣṇīṣa), carried a whip (Pratoda), a kind of bow (Jyāhroḍa), was clothed in a black (kṛṣṇaśa) garment and two skins (Ajina), black and white (kṛṣṇa-valakṣa), and owned a rough wagon (Vipatha) covered with planks (phalakāstīrṇa). The others,¹⁰ subordinate to the leader, had garments with fringes of red (valūkāntāni dāmatūṣāni), two fringes on each, skins folded double (dviṣamhitāny ajināni), and sandals (Upānah). The leader wore also an ornament (Niṣka) of silver, which Rājārām¹¹ converts into a silver coinage. The Vrātyas, on becoming consecrated, were expected to hand over their goods to the priest. Many other details are given in the Sūtras (e.g., that the shoes or sandals were of variegated black hue and pointed), but these are not authenticated by the Pañcaviṃśa Brāhmaṇa.