Mattavilasa Prahasana
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Mattavilasa Prahasana (meaning 'drunken revelry') is a Sanskrit play composed in the 7th century by the Pallava king Mahendravarman I. It is a satirical play that ridicules the decadent nature of Buddhism and the Kapalika and Pasupata sects of Saivism, but not Jain monks.
Mahendravarman's leaning towards Jainism is revealed in a passage in the play where he highlights the Jain method of attaining salvation by following ahimsa, abstaining from the drinking of liquor and the eating of meat, in contrast to the Kapalika path to salvation.
[edit] The Story
Composed in an era where Buddhism was extensively prevalent, Mattavilasa tells the story of Satyasoma, a poor Saivaite belonging to the order of Kapalikas.
While wandering with consort on the streets of Kanchi in an intoxicated state, he loses his begging bowl and this deprives him of his identity. Both wander around the town in search of the begging bowl.
After much searching, the scapegoat is a poor Buddhist monk, Nagasena. When the Kapali and his female companion come across the Buddhist monk, they suspect him of stealing their begging bowl and repeatedly him, demanding him to return their bowl. But, the monk on the other hand, reiterates that he has nothing to do with the bowl and that stealing goes against the principles of his faith.
The Kapali however snatches the monk's bowl and claims it to be his own when a Pasupata, a Saivaite of another order, comes on the way. He interferes to arbitrate the case but only adds to the confusion. At last, they resolve to present the matter before the court. However, the real culprit turns out to be a mad man.
