Bhadrayu, Bhadrāyu: 1 definition
Introduction:
Bhadrayu means something in 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.
In Hinduism
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: archive.org: Puranic EncyclopediaBhadrāyu (भद्रायु).—A king who was a devotee of Śiva. He was a leper and in his life he suffered much, even the pangs of death. His wife was the dutiful and good natured lady, Kīrtimālinī.
On the sixteenth birthday of Bhadrāyu Śiva appeared before him in the name of Ṛṣabha and blessed him after instructing him on the precepts of Rājadharma. He further gave him a dagger and a conch as weapons and twelve thousand elephants. With the might of all these, Bhadrāyu became unconquerable. (Śiva Purāṇa, Śatarudrasaṃhitā).
One day, while Bhadrāyu was ruling the country, Śiva came in the guise of a tiger and carried away the wife of a brahmin. Bhadrāyu, a firm protector of his subjects gave his own wife to the brahmin and prepared himself to give up his life in fire. Śiva greatly pleased at this selfless act of Bhadrāyu befitting a true King appeared before him and blessed him and gave back the brahmin his wife.
Bhadrāyu in his previous birth was a King called Mandara and Kīrtimālinī in her previous birth was Piṅgalā, queen of Mandara. (Skanda Purāṇa, 3.3.12; 9.14).
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Bhadrayudha, Bhadrayus.
Relevant text
Search found 4 books and stories containing Bhadrayu, Bhadrāyu; (plurals include: Bhadrayus, Bhadrāyus). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
The Skanda Purana (by G. V. Tagare)
Chapter 13 - The Marriage of Bhadrāyus < [Section 3 - Brāhmottara-khaṇḍa]
Chapter 10 - Bhadrāyu Resuscitated < [Section 3 - Brāhmottara-khaṇḍa]
Chapter 14 - Bhadrāyus Gets Śiva’s Favour < [Section 3 - Brāhmottara-khaṇḍa]
The Shiva Purana (by J. L. Shastri)
Chapter 4 - The story of Ṛṣabha < [Section 3 - Śatarudra-saṃhitā]
Chapter 27 - The incarnation of Dvijeśvara < [Section 3 - Śatarudra-saṃhitā]
Chapter 25 - Prayer by the gods < [Section 2.5 - Rudra-saṃhitā (5): Yuddha-khaṇḍa]
Rudra-Shiva concept (Study) (by Maumita Bhattacharjee)
33. Ṛṣabha incarnation < [Chapter 5 - Rudra-Śiva in the Purāṇic Literature]
26. Vṛṣeśa and Dvijeśvara incarnations of Śiva < [Chapter 5 - Rudra-Śiva in the Purāṇic Literature]
5. Protective or benevolent activities of Śiva < [Chapter 5 - Rudra-Śiva in the Purāṇic Literature]
Puranic encyclopaedia (by Vettam Mani)