Amitavahana, Amitavāhana, Amita-vahana: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Amitavahana 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)
Source: archive.org: Trisastisalakapurusacaritra1) Amitavāhana (अमितवाहन) and Amita are the two Indras of the Dikkumāras who came to the peak of Meru for partaking in the birth-ceremonies of Ṛṣabha, 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.
2) Amitavāhana (अमितवाहन) is the name of an ancient Arhat, according to chapter 5.4 [śāntinātha-caritra].—Accordingly, as Megharatha related:—“[...] Siṃharatha he went with his wife to the city Khaḍgapura in the province Sūtra on the north bank of Sītodā in the West Videhas in the continent Dhātakīkhaṇḍa and saw the Arhat Amitavāhana. After bowing to the Blessed One, the king listened to an important sermon resembling a boat on the ocean of existence. When he had heard the sermon, a mass of water for the fire of pain, and had bowed to the Arhat, he went to his own city. [...]”.
Source: Encyclopedia of Jainism: Tattvartha Sutra 4: The celestial beings (deva)Amitavāhana (अमितवाहन) refers to one of the two Indras (lords) of the Dikkumāra (directional youths) class of “residential celestial beings” (bhavanavāsin), itself a main division of devas (celestial beings) according to the 2nd-century Tattvārthasūtra 4.3. Amitagati and Amitavāhana are the two lords in the Fiendish-youths residential celestial beings.
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Vahana, Amita.
Full-text: Amitagati, Amita, Dikkumara, Khadgapura, Bhavanapati.
Relevant text
Search found 3 books and stories containing Amitavahana, Amitavāhana, Amita-vahana, Amita-vāhana; (plurals include: Amitavahanas, Amitavāhanas, vahanas, vāhanas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary) (by Vijay K. Jain)
Verse 4.6 - The two lords (indra) < [Chapter 4 - The Celestial Beings]
Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra (by Helen M. Johnson)
Part 18: The Bhavanapatis < [Chapter III - The initiation and omniscience of Ajita]
Part 6: The birth-bath of Sambhava < [Chapter I - Sambhavajinacaritra]
Part 6: Story of Siṃharatha < [Chapter IV - Tenth incarnation as Megharatha]
Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti) (by K. C. Lalwani)