Abhicandra: 4 definitions
Introduction:
Abhicandra means something in Jainism, Prakrit, 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.
Alternative spellings of this word include Abhichandra.
In Jainism
General definition (in Jainism)
Abhicandra (अभिचन्द्र) is the name of a kulakara (law-giver) according to both Śvetāmbara and Digambara sources. His wife is named Pratirūpā according to Śvetāmbara, but Śrīmati according to Digambara. The kulakaras (similair to the manus of the Brahmanical tradition) figure as important characters protecting and guiding humanity towards prosperity during ancient times of distress, whenever the kalpavṛkṣa (wishing tree) failed to provide the proper service.
These law-givers (e.g., Abhicandra) are listed in various Jain sources, such as the Bhagavatīsūtra and Jambūdvīpaprajñapti in Śvetāmbara, or the Tiloyapaṇṇatti and Ādipurāṇa in the Digambara tradition.
1) Abhicandra (अभिचन्द्र) is the son of Yaśasvin and Surūpā, 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, “[...] when their lives were almost ended, Yaśasvin and Surūpā had a girl and boy together like knowledge and humility. They named the son, as bright as the moon, Abhicandra, and the daughter who resembled the priyaṅgu-creeper, Pratirūpā. Having shorter lives than their parents, six hundred and fifty bows tall, united like śamī and aśvattha trees, they gradually grew up. Always they had the beautiful appearance of the holy streams Mandākinī and Yamunā with their waters mingled.
2) Abhicandra (अभिचन्द्र) is the name of one of the various childhood friends of Mahābala (son of king Bala from Vītaśoka), according to chapter 6.6 [śrī-mallinātha-caritra].—Accordingly:—“[...] A son, named Mahābala, having complete power, indicated by the dream of a lion, was borne to the king [i.e., Bala] by his wife Dhāriṇī. When he was grown, Mahābala married on one day five hundred princesses, Kamalaśrī and others. He had childhood-friends, Acala, Dharaṇa, Pūraṇa, Vasu, Vaiśravaṇa, and Abhicandra. [...]”.
3) Abhicandra (अभिचन्द्र) is the name of an ancient king from Śaktimatī, according to the Jain Ramayana and chapter 7.2 [Rāvaṇa’s expedition of conquest].—Accordingly, as Muni Nārada said to Rāvaṇa: “There is a city, Śaktimatī, famous throughout the world. It is adorned by the river Śaktimatī like a pleasure-companion. When many kings had come and gone since Munisuvrata of good vows, Abhicandra, best of kings, was king in this city. Abhicandra had a son, Vasu by name, very intelligent, known for speaking the truth. Under the guru Kṣīrakadamba, his son Parvataka, Prince Vasu, and I—the three of us—studied. [...]”.
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.
Languages of India and abroad
Sanskrit dictionary
Abhicandra (अभिचन्द्र):—m. der 6te Muhūrta [Indische studien von Weber 10,296.]
Abhicandra (अभिचन्द्र) in the Sanskrit language is related to the Prakrit word: Abhicaṃda.
Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Candra, Abhi.
Full-text (+9): Pratirupa, Abhicamda, Shaktimati, Kshirakadamba, Kulakara, Vasu, Cakshuhkanta, Parvataka, Shrimati, Prasenajit, Purana, Coksha, Shakra, Vishvavasu, Vibhavasu, Mahashura, Brihaddhvaja, Suvasu, Citravasu, Prithuvasa.
Relevant text
Search found 4 books and stories containing Abhicandra, Abhi-candra; (plurals include: Abhicandras, candras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra (by Helen M. Johnson)
Part 8: Story of origin of animal sacrifices < [Chapter II - Rāvaṇa’s expedition of Conquest]
Part 12: Reincarnation of Abhicandra (sixth of Malli’s six former friends) < [Chapter VI - Śrī Mallināthacaritra]
Part 2: Divisions of time and description of the Golden Age < [Chapter II]
Notices of Sanskrit Manuscripts (by Rajendralala Mitra)
Page 69 < [Volume 8 (1886)]
Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti) (by K. C. Lalwani)
Part 3 - On patriarchs < [Chapter 5]
Paumacariya (critical study) (by K. R. Chandra)
17. Vasu, Parvataka and the Origin of the Yajna < [Chapter 4 - Intervening Stories]