Andhakara, aka: Andhakāra, Āndhakāra, Andha-kara; 10 Definition(s)

Introduction

Andhakara means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit, Marathi. 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)

Andhakāra (अन्धकार).—One of the seven major mountains in Krauñcadvīpa, according to the Varāhapurāṇa chapter 88. All of these mountains are tall and filled with gems. It is also known by the name Acchodaka. Krauñcadvīpa is one of the seven islands (dvīpa), ruled over by Jyotiṣmān, one of the ten sons of Priyavrata, who is the son of Svāyambhuva Manu, who was created by Brahmā, who was in turn created by Nārāyaṇa, the unknowable all-pervasive primordial being.

The Varāhapurāṇa is categorised as a Mahāpurāṇa, and was originally composed of 24,000 metrical verses, possibly originating from before the 10th century. It is composed of two parts and Sūta is the main narrator.

1a) Andhakāra (अन्धकार).—A son of Dyutimat after whom the kingdom Andhakāra came to be known.^*

• * Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa II. 14. 22, 25.

1b) The eighth battle of Devas and Asuras.^*

• * Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 72. 75 & 82; Vāyu-purāṇa 97. 75.

2) Āndhakāra (आन्धकार).—(c)—a kingdom after the name of Andhakāra,¹ near Pīvara hill.²

• 1) Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa II. 14. 25.
• 2) Ib. II. 19. 72.

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.

In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

A village in Ceylon, one of the villages given by Aggabodhi IV. for the maintenance of the Padhana ghara built by the king for the Thera Dathasiva. Cv.xlvi.12.

General definition (in Buddhism)

Andhakāra (अन्धकार, “dark”) refers to one of the “twenty form objects” (rūpa) as defined in the Dharma-saṃgraha (section 34). The Dharma-samgraha (Dharmasangraha) is an extensive glossary of Buddhist technical terms in Sanskrit (eg., andhakāra). The work is attributed to Nagarjuna who lived around the 2nd century A.D.

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Andhakāra (अन्धकार, “darkness”) according to the 2nd-century Tattvārthasūtra 5.24.—“Sound (śabda), union (bandha), fineness (saukṣmya), grossness (sthaulya), shape (saṃsthāna), division (bheda), darkness (tamas or andhakāra), image (chāya or chāyā), warm light (sunshine) (ātapa) and cool light (moonlight) (udyota) also (are forms of matter)”.

What is the meaning of darkness (tamas or andhakāra)? It is the opposite of light or absence of light.

context information

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

Pali-English dictionary

andhakāra : (m.) darkness; bewilderment.

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.

Marathi-English dictionary

andhakāra (अंधकार).—m (S) pop. andhaḥkāra m Darkness. 2 fig. Mental darkness.

andhakāra (अंधकार).—m Darkness. Fig. mental darkness.

Sanskrit-English dictionary

Andhakāra (अन्धकार).—mn.

(-raḥ-raṃ) Darkness. E. andha blind, and kāra what makes.

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