Adholoka, Adha-loka, Adhaloka, Adhas-loka: 11 definitions
Introduction:
Adholoka 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.
In Jainism
General definition (in Jainism)
Adholoka (अधोलोक).—The lower world or adho-loka is made up of seven earths, one below the other, in which are terrifying abodes of hell inhabitants:
- ratnaprabhā,
- śarkarāprabhā,
- vālukaprabhā,
- paṅkaprabhā,
- dhūmaprabhā,
- tamaḥprabhā,
- mahātmaprabhā.
Adhaloka (अधलोक) refers to the “lower world”, according to chapter 2.2 [ajitanātha-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:—“the lower world (i.e., adhaloka) is established below the middle world (i.e., madhyaloka) with a depth of seven rajjus less 900 yojanas. In it are seven earths, one below the other, occupying the lower part, in which are the terrifying abodes of the hell-inhabitants: Ratnaprabhā, Śarkarāprabhā, Vālukāprabhā, Paṅkaprabhā, Dhūmaprabhā, Tamaḥprabhā, Mahātamaḥprabhā; and the height of these is 180,000, 132,000, 128,000, 120,000, 118,000, 116,000, 108,000 yojanas, respectively. The earths, Ratnaprabhā, etc., become wider in succession, one below the other.”.
Adhaloka (अधलोक).—The adha-loka is the lower world, is infernal (hell) and has the shape of a palanquin or a stack of umbrellas one inside the other.
Adhaloka (अधलोक, “nether universe”).—The seven hellish grounds are suspended in the nether universal space, one above the other. The vertical expanse of the nether universe is 900 yojana less than seven rajju.
The seven hellish grounds therein are–
- Ratnaprabhā-pṛthvī,
- Śarkarāprabhā-pṛthvī,
- Bālukāprabhā-pṛthvī,
- Paṅkaprabhā-pṛthvī,
- Dhūmraprabhā-pṛthvī,
- Tamaḥprabhā-pṛthvī,
- Mahātamaḥprabhā-pṛthvī.
All these hellish grounds are wider than the previous ones the seventh ground being seven Rajju wide.
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
Adholoka (अधोलोक).—m.
(-kaḥ) The regions below the earth. E. adhas and loka world.
Adholoka (अधोलोक):—[=adho-loka] [from adhas] m. the lower world.
Adholoka (अधोलोक):—[tatpurusha compound] m.
(-kaḥ) The regions below the earth. E. adhas and loka.
Adholoka (अधोलोक):—[adho+loka] (kaḥ) 1. m. Lower regions.
Adholoka (अधोलोक):—(adhas + loka) m. Unterwelt, der Aufenthaltsort der Schlangen, [Amarakoṣa 1, 2, 1, 1.]
Adholoka (अधोलोक):—m. Unterwelt.
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.
Kannada-English dictionary
Adhōlōka (ಅಧೋಲೋಕ):—[noun] (myth.) the lower regions; the hell.
Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Adho, Adhas, Loka, Ato.
Full-text (+201): Pankaprabha, Dhumaprabha, Sharkaraprabha, Tamahprabha, Ratnaprabha, Valukaprabha, Adhobhuvana, Vetarani, Asipatra, Kharasvara, Ambara, Amba, Maharudra, Valu, Shabala, Mahatamahprabha, Sama, Danu, Mahatmaprabha, Vyantara.
Relevant text
Search found 13 books and stories containing Adholoka, Adha-loka, Adhaloka, Adhas-loka, Adhasloka, Adho-loka, Adhōlōka; (plurals include: Adholokas, lokas, Adhalokas, Adhaslokas, Adhōlōkas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Cosmogony in Indian Philosophy (study) (by Rashmi Rekha Goswami)
Part 8 - The Jain structure of the Universe < [Chapter 6 - Cosmogony in Nāstika schools of Indian philosophy]
Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra (by Helen M. Johnson)
Appendix 1.1: Cosmography < [Appendices]
Part 17: Description of the Lower World (adhaloka) < [Chapter III - The initiation and omniscience of Ajita]
Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary) (by Vijay K. Jain)
Verse 3.1 - The lower world (adholoka) < [Chapter 3 - The Lower World and the Middle World]
Verse 4.19 - The sixteen Kalpa, nine Graiveyaka and five Anuttara < [Chapter 4 - The Celestial Beings]
Jain Science and Spirituality (by Medhavi Jain)
4.2. Universe in Jain Philosophy < [Chapter 5 - Science in Jainism]
1.1. Substance (Introduction) < [Chapter 5 - Science in Jainism]
Paumacariya (critical study) (by K. R. Chandra)
1. Cosmology according to the Paumacariyam < [Chapter 10 - Geographical Places, Peoples and Tribes]
Notices of Sanskrit Manuscripts (by Rajendralala Mitra)
Page 67 < [Volume 8 (1886)]