Kathasaritsagara (cultural study)
by S. W. Chitale | 1975 | 109,498 words
This essay studies the Kathasaritsagara reflecting the history and cultural traditions of that period in Ancient India. The Katha-sarit-sagara, written by Somadeva, is a vast collection of nearly 350 stories compiled into 18 books. It holds immense cultural significance by reflecting diverse aspects of medieval Indian society, encompassing various ...
The seven jewels of a Chakaravartin
Naravahanadatta the hero of Kathasaritsagara was destined to be the Chakravartin of the Vidyadharas. But his father-in-law tells him that unless he has secured all the distinguished jewels of an emperor he will not be able to conquer his rival Mandaradeva and become a Chakravartin. 57 proceeds to acquire them. Seven Jewels of a Chakravatin 58 He therefore Their traditional number is seven. The seven jewels of a Chakaravartin mentioned by Somadeva are as follows:- 59 1. The lake in which none but the emperor succeeded to bathe (Chakravartisarah). 61 61 2. The Sandle-wood tree (Ratnachandanapadapa), 3. The jewel of the mighty elephant (Mahahastiratum), 62 63 4. The sword-jewel (Khadgaratnam), 5. The moon-light jewel (Chandrikaratnam), 64 6. The wife-jewel (Kaminiratnam) and 57. Nirnaya Sagar 14.4.196-198. 58. The seven jewels of a Chakravartin according to Buddhist Canonical works are Ratha, Hasti, Haya, Stri, Kanchuki, Senapati and Ranga, Tawney, C.H. 'The ocean of Stories', Vol. VIII. p.71, also see Zimmer, Philosphies of India, pp.130-131. 59. Nirnaya Sagar 14.4.143-144. 60. Ibid. 14.4.198. 61. Ibid. 15.1.19. 62. Ibid. 15.1.20. 63. Ibid. 15.1.21,22. 64. Ibid. ra "
41 65 7. The jewel of Charms (Vidyaratnam nama Vidyamsveni). Six out of the above seven jewels were on the mountain 66 Govindakuta. The seventh viz. Sandle-wood-tree (ratnachandanapadapa) was acquired by Naravahanadatta after observing a strict Now. 67