Asuranayaka, Asuranāyaka, Asura-nayaka: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Asuranayaka means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, 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 Hinduism
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English TranslationAsuranāyaka (असुरनायक) refers to the “leader of the Asuras” and is used to describe Tāraka, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.4.8 (“The battle between the gods and Asuras”).—Accordingly, as Brahmā narrated to Nārada: “[...] In the meantime, the master stopped the war. He prevented Vīrabāhu and others immediately in order to show his own might. At his bidding Vīrabhadra returned from the battle. The heroic leader of the Asuras (asuranāyaka), Tāraka, was still in his unabated fury. Then the Asura showered arrows on the gods and put them to distress. He was skilful in the use of various missiles in the war. [...]”.
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 Jainism
General definition (in Jainism)
Source: The University of Sydney: A study of the Twelve ReflectionsAsuranāyaka (असुरनायक) refers to the “chiefs of demons”, according to the 11th century Jñānārṇava, a treatise on Jain Yoga in roughly 2200 Sanskrit verses composed by Śubhacandra.—Accordingly, “Yama’s noose, which cannot be resisted even by the chiefs of gods, demons, men and the lord of snakes (asuranāyaka—surāsuranarāhīndranāyakaiḥ), in half a moment binds the world of living souls. Yama is clearly the one and only chief conqueror of the three worlds [and] by the mere wish of whom do the 30 gods die”.
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: Nayaka, Asura.
Ends with: Bhulokasuranayaka.
Relevant text
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