Airavana, aka: Airāvaṇa; 5 Definition(s)

Introduction

Airavana 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)

Airāvaṇa (ऐरावण).—A son of Irāvatī—the vehicle of Indra, also Irāvata.^*

• * Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 7. 292 & 326.

context information

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.

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Airāvaṇa (ऐरावण) is the name of a cloud whose sound corresponds to the Ūrdhvaka note made by drums (puṣkara) according to the Nāṭyaśāstra chapter 33. Accordingly, “after seeing that the Mṛdaṅgas, Paṇavas and Dardaras have been made, the great sage Svāti brought about a similarity of their notes with those of clouds... The great cloud named Airāvaṇa gave note to Ūrdhvaka... Those who want Success of performances should make to these clouds, offerings which are dear to spirits (bhūta)”.

context information

Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (śāstra) of performing arts, (nāṭya, e.g., theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing dramatic plays (nataka) and poetic works (kavya).

Katha (narrative stories)

Airāvaṇa (ऐरावण) is the mount of Indra, as mentioned in the Kathāsaritsāgara, chapter 115. Accordingly, “... then Vidyuddhvaja, elated with the boon of Śiva, seized his mace, and rushed furiously on Indra. He leapt up, planting his feet on the tusks of Airāvaṇa, and climbed up on his forehead and killed his driver”.

The Kathāsaritsāgara (‘ocean of streams of story’), mentioning Airāvaṇa, is a famous Sanskrit epic story revolving around prince Naravāhanadatta and his quest to become the emperor of the vidyādharas (celestial beings). The work is said to have been an adaptation of Guṇāḍhya’s Bṛhatkathā consisting of 100,000 verses, which in turn is part of a larger work containing 700,000 verses.

context information

Katha (कथा, kathā) refers to narrative Sanskrit literature often inspired from epic legendry (itihasa) and poetry (mahākāvya). Some Kathas reflect socio-political instructions for the King while others remind the reader of important historical event and exploits of the Gods, Heroes and Sages.

Languages of India and abroad

Sanskrit-English dictionary

Airāvaṇa (ऐरावण).—(see airāvata below); Indra's elephant (produced at the churning of the ocean), मागधोऽथ महापालो गजमैरावणोपमम् (māgadho'tha mahāpālo gajamairāvaṇopamam) Mb.6.62.46. See ऐरावत (airāvata).

Derivable forms: airāvaṇaḥ (ऐरावणः).

Airāvaṇa (ऐरावण).—m.

(-ṇaḥ) Indra'S elephant. E. irāvat the ocean, aṇ affix of descent; ocean-born: na is changed irregularly to ṇa.

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