Rakkhasa, Rakkhasā: 5 definitions

Introduction:

Rakkhasa means something in Buddhism, Pali, the history of ancient India, 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 Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

A class of demons, chiefly nocturnal and harmful.

They usually have their haunt in the water and devour men when bathing there.

Some of them live in the sea. E.g., Thag.v.931; SN. vs. 310; J.i.127; vi. 469; DhA.i.367; iii.74; Mhv.xii.45, etc.

-- or --

. A minister of Sena I. He built a dwelling house, called after him, in the Abhayuttara vihara. Cv.l.84.

context information

Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Discover the meaning of rakkhasa in the context of Theravada from relevant books on Exotic India

India history and geography

Source: archive.org: Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society 1963

Rakkhasa is the name of a building (allied to Mulaso-vihāra) built during the reign of Sena I (833-853) and forms part of the Abhayagiri-vihāra temple complex situated in Anurādhapura.—The Abhayagiri-vihāra complex (including Rakkhasa) was founded in March, B.C. 89, by king Vaṭṭagāmaṇi Abhaya who demolished a Nigaṇṭha (Jain) shrine called Titthārāma, built by Paṇḍukābhaya in the 4th century B.C., and erected, on its site, a vihāra of 12 cells.

India history book cover
context information

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

Discover the meaning of rakkhasa in the context of India history from relevant books on Exotic India

Languages of India and abroad

Pali-English dictionary

[«previous next»] — Rakkhasa in Pali glossary
Source: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionary

rakkhasa : (m.) a goblin; a demon.

Source: Sutta: The Pali Text Society's Pali-English Dictionary

Rakkhasa, (cp. Vedic rakṣa, either fr. rakṣ to injure, or more likely fr. rakṣ to protect or ward off (see details at Macdonell, Vedic Mythology pp. 162—164)) a kind of harmful (nocturnal) demon, usually making the water its haunt and devouring men Th. 1, 931; Sn. 310 (Asura°); J. I, 127 (daka°=udaka°), 170 (id.); VI, 469 (id.); DhA. I, 367 (°pariggahita-pokkharaṇī); III, 74 (udaka°); Sdhp. 189, 313, 366.—f. rakkhasī J. III, 147 (r. pajā); Mhvs 12, 45 (rudda°, coming out of the ocean). (Page 560)

Pali book cover
context information

Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravāda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.

Discover the meaning of rakkhasa in the context of Pali from relevant books on Exotic India

Prakrit-English dictionary

Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary

Rakkhasa (रक्खस) in the Prakrit language is related to the Sanskrit word: Rākṣasa.

context information

Prakrit is an ancient language closely associated with both Pali and Sanskrit. Jain literature is often composed in this language or sub-dialects, such as the Agamas and their commentaries which are written in Ardhamagadhi and Maharashtri Prakrit. The earliest extant texts can be dated to as early as the 4th century BCE although core portions might be older.

Discover the meaning of rakkhasa in the context of Prakrit from relevant books on Exotic India

See also (Relevant definitions)

Relevant text

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: