z:\ ambedkar\vol 04\vol4 03.indd MK SJ YS 21 9 2013/YS 8 11 2013 83
RIDDLE NO. 11 83
“Originally the gods were all alike, all pure. Of them being all alike, all pure, three desired, ‘May we become superior’ viz., Agni, Indra and Surya (the sun).
“2. ………..
“3. Originally there was not in Agni the same flame, as this flame which is (now) in him. He desired : ‘May this flame be in me’. He saw this grahs, he took it ; and hence there became this flame in him.
Originally there was not in Indra the same vigour, etc. (as in para 3).
Originally there was not in Surya the same lustre etc.”
For how long these three Gods continued to hold their places of superiority over the rest it is difficult to say. But that at a later stage a change in the scene has taken place is beyond doubt. This is evident by a reference to the Chula-Niddessa. The Chula Niddessa is a treatise which belongs to the Buddhist literature. Its approximate date is.... (left incomplete).
The Chula-Niddessa gives a list of sects which were then prevalent in India. Classified on the basis of creeds and cults. They may be listed as follows :
I. CREEDS
Sr. Name of the Sect No.
Ajivika Shravaka [1] Ajivika [2]
Nigatta Shravakas Nigantha [3]
Jatil Shravakas Jatila [4]
Parivrajaka Shravakas Parivrajaka [5]
Avarudha Shravakas Avarudhaka
II. CULTS
Sr. Name of the Sect The deity which is No. worshipped
Hasti Vratikas [6] Hasti [7]
Ashva Vratikas Ashva [8]
Go Vratikas Go [9]
1 Shravaka means a disciple.
2 Mendicants following special rules with regard to livelihood.
3 Mendicants who are free from all ties and hindrances.
4 Mendicants who twist their hair on the head.
5 Mendicants who escape from society.
6 Vratikas means a devotee.
7 Elephant.
8 Horse.
9 Cow.