Essay name: Samrajya Lakshmi Pithika (Study)
Author:
Artatrana Sarangi
Affiliation: Savitribai Phule Pune University / Department of Sanskrit and Prakrit Languages
This is a study in English of the Samrajya Lakshmi Pithika (written by Lolla Lakshmidhara) representing an encyclopedic manual for emperors. The Samrajyalaksmipithika encompasses about 3870 verses in addressing topics such as public festivals, governance, warfare (military strategy), and rituals associated with the Tantric worship for the deity Samrajya-Lakshmi.
Chapter 3 - General Ritual mentioned in Samrajya-lakshmi-pithika
244 (of 262)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
Download the PDF file of the original publication
388
All four-fold caste and women, even the bastards, are said
to enjoy freedom of worship during this month. Thus, one
observes a liberalisation of the general restrictions of
worship, due possibly to the special sanctity attached to
this month.
xxi) Makara Sankranti
on
Now, we pass off to the month of Pausa (Dec.-Jan).
During this month SLP incorporates the duties of a king
on the occasion of Makarasankranti in which worship is
accorded to the sun-gad in order to pacify the troubles
caused by his south-ward movement (dak峁n膩yana).
Duty of a King on the Bhogin day :
The previous day to Makarasa峁僰ranti is known as
the Bhogin. At Samgava (early morning) of this day, the
king is led by the priest to occupy the seat of gold where
he is besmeared with scented unguents and then is
ceremonially bathed. This act is said to be directed to
rid him from all sufferings, caused by the southward
movement of the sun. The bath is followed by numerous
gifts he gives to brahmins and ladies whose husbands are
alive (suvasinis). He also receives their benediction and
carries on his head, the rice-grains thrown at him in course
