Ashtalokapala, Aṣṭalokapāla, Ashta-lokapala: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Ashtalokapala means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
The Sanskrit term Aṣṭalokapāla can be transliterated into English as Astalokapala or Ashtalokapala, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Hinduism
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English TranslationAṣṭalokapāla (अष्टलोकपाल) is the name of an ancient sage and devotee of Śiva, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.2.38. Accordingly, as Brahmā narrated to Nārada:—“[...] a king holds in his body parts of the eight guardians of the worlds (i.e., aṣṭalokapāla). Hence a king is the most excellent lord of all varṇas and āśramas. He is the supreme lord. The Vedas say clearly that the king consists of all Devas. Hence, O sage, I am that great deity. Hence a king is nobler than a Brahmin. Take the example of Cyavana. Hence I am not to be disrespected by you. I am to be honoured always”.
The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.
In Buddhism
General definition (in Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: Dharma-samgrahaAṣṭalokapāla (अष्टलोकपाल) refers to the “eight world protectors” as defined in the Dharma-saṃgraha (section 8):
- Indra,
- Yama,
- Varuṇa,
- Kubera,
- Īśāna,
- Agni,
- Nairṛta,
- Vāyu.
The Dharma-samgraha (Dharmasangraha) is an extensive glossary of Buddhist technical terms in Sanskrit (e.g., aṣṭa-lokapāla). The work is attributed to Nagarguna who lived around the 2nd century A.D.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Ashta, Lokapala.
Full-text: Ishana, Varuna, Yama, Agni, Nairrita, Indra, Eight World Protectors, Vayu, Kubera, Varnapati, Ashramapati.
Relevant text
Search found 1 books and stories containing Ashtalokapala, Aṣṭalokapāla, Ashta-lokapala, Aṣṭa-lokapāla, Astalokapala, Asta-lokapala; (plurals include: Ashtalokapalas, Aṣṭalokapālas, lokapalas, lokapālas, Astalokapalas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Jnaneshwari (Bhavartha Dipika) (by Ramchandra Keshav Bhagwat)
Verse 13.4 < [Chapter 13 - Kshetra and Kshetrajna Yoga]