Hiranyasvarna, Hiraṇyasvarṇa, Hiranya-svarna: 1 definition

Introduction:

Hiranyasvarna means something in Jainism, Prakrit. 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 Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

[«previous next»] — Hiranyasvarna in Jainism glossary
Source: archive.org: Trisastisalakapurusacaritra

Hiraṇyasvarṇa (हिरण्यस्वर्ण) or Hiraṇyasuvarṇa refers to “wrought and unwrought gold”, according to chapter 1.2 [ādīśvara-caritra] of Hemacandra’s 11th century Triṣaṣṭiśalākāpuruṣacaritra: an ancient Sanskrit epic poem narrating the history and legends of sixty-three illustrious persons in Jainism.

Accordingly, as Śakra [i.e., Indra] instructed Śrīda [i.e., Kubera]:

“Now, just as a cloud deposits water, quickly deposit everywhere in the Master’s house thirty-two crores each of wrought and unwrought gold [viz., hiraṇyasvarṇa], and jewels; thirty-two each of round iron seats, thrones and other charming things, clothes, ornaments, etc., precious objects giving pleasure to the creatures of saṃsāra

Kubera at once had that done by Jṛmbhaka gods. For the command of those having powerful commands is accomplished with the utterance.

Note: It is impossible to tell whether Hemacandra uses hiraṇya in the earlier sense of ‘unwrought’ gold or in the later of ‘wrought’ gold. The commentator to Ācārāṅgasūtra II.2.1.11 explains it as ‘unwrought.’ Hoernle also favors this for Uvāsagadasāo I.17, n. 22, Malayagiri (Āvaśyakasūtra p. 192) explains hiraṇya as ‘wrought’ and suvarṇa as ‘unwrought’.

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Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

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