Balahaka, Balāhaka, Balāhakā: 19 definitions
Introduction:
Balahaka means something in Buddhism, Pali, 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: Puranic Encyclopedia1) Balāhaka (बलाहक).—(VALĀHAKA). A serpent famous in the Purāṇas. This serpent stays in the durbar hall of Varuṇa, worshipping him. (Mahābhārata, Sabhā Parva, Chapter 9, Stanza 9).
2) Balāhaka (बलाहक).—(VALĀHAKA). A brother of Jayadratha the King of Sindhu. He helped Jayadratha in kidnapping Draupadī. (Mahābhārata, Vana Parva, Chapter 265, Stanza 12).
3) Balāhaka (बलाहक).—(VALĀHAKA). A famous horse yoked on the right side of the chariot of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Mention is made about this horse in Mahābhārata, Virāṭa Parva, Chapter 45, Stanza 23.
4) Balāhaka (बलाहक).—A king. Once Śiva gave this king a vision of him in the shape of a cow-calf. After that in the place where Śiva appeared as calf a Śivaliṅga arose. It began to grow to the extent of an atom daily. But the growth ceased, when an outcaste who became so by Karma (action) visited it. (Skandha Purāṇa 3-2-27).
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English TranslationBalāhaka (बलाहक) refers to a “cloud”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.2.22. Accordingly as Śiva said to Sitā:—“[...] O gentle lady, the clouds (ghana) usually come only upto the foot of Kailāsa. They never go above it. The clouds (balāhaka) never go above the mountain Sumeru. The clouds Puṣkara, Āvartaka etc. reach the foot of Jambu (and return)”.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: The Purana Index1a) Balāhaka (बलाहक).—The name of one of the four horses of Kṛṣṇa's chariot.*
- * Bhāgavata-purāṇa X. 53. 5; 89. 49.
1b) Mountain of the Śālmalidvīpam;1 drowned itself into the sea for fear of Indra.2
- 1) Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa II. 19. 37; Vāyu-purāṇa 49. 34; Viṣṇu-purāṇa II. 4. 26.
- 2) Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa II. 18. 78; Matsya-purāṇa 121. 72; 122. 55; Vāyu-purāṇa 47. 75
1c) A Kādraveya Nāga.*
- * Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 7. 34; Matsya-purāṇa 6. 40; Vāyu-purāṇa 69. 71.
1d) A Vānara chief.*
- * Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 7. 240.
1e) A commander of Bhaṇḍa.*
- * Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa IV. 21. 77.
1f) The first seven sons of Kīkasa, and all commanders to lead 300 akṣauhiṇis; started against Lalitā's army, rode on the great eagle, Samhāragupta, followed by his brothers who rode on different animals; all of them were sun worshippers and obtained the vow that whoever would see them would be dragged by their bright eyes and would not see them straight; so they created confusion among the ranks of the Śakti; Lalitā ordered Daṇḍanātha Tiraskaraṇikā to create darkness so that the dānavas might not see; it was done, but its effect was short-lived; and when they were blinded, their heads were chopped off.*
- * Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa IV. 24. 4-92.
1g) One of the seven pralaya clouds.*
- * Matsya-purāṇa 2. 8.
Balāhaka (बलाहक) is a name mentioned in the Mahābhārata (cf. II.9.9) and represents one of the many proper names used for people and places. Note: The Mahābhārata (mentioning Balāhaka) is a Sanskrit epic poem consisting of 100,000 ślokas (metrical verses) and is over 2000 years old.
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.
Kavya (poetry)
Source: Wisdom Library: KathāsaritsāgaraBalāhaka (बलाहक) or Balāhakaparvata is the name of a mountain situated on the island Nārikela, as mentioned in the Kathāsaritsāgara, chapter 54. Accordingly, as four heavenly figures said to Naravāhanadatta: “... there is in the midst of the great sea a great, prosperous and splendid island, which is called the island of Nārikela, and is renowned in the world for its beauty. And in it there are four mountains with splendid expanses of land, named Maināka, Vṛṣabha, Cakra and Balāhaka; in those four we four live”.
The Kathāsaritsāgara (‘ocean of streams of story’), mentioning Balāhaka, 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.
Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions (kavya)Balāhaka (बलाहक) refers to a “cloud”, according to Kālidāsa’s Raghuvaṃśa verse 5.27.—Accordingly: “Due to the power arisen from the sprinkling performed with mantras by Vasiṣṭha the course of his chariot was not blocked on the ocean, in the sky and in the mountains, like that of a cloud (balāhaka) helped by the wind”.
Kavya (काव्य, kavya) refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.
In Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)
Source: Wisdomlib Libary: VajrayoginiBalāhaka (बलाहक) refers to “thundercloud” and is the name of a cloud (megha) associated with Subhīṣaṇa: the southern cremation ground (śmaśāna) according to the Guhyasamayasādhanamālā 34. The name for the cloud of the southern direction is sometimes given as Āvartaka. As a part of this sādhana, the practicioner is to visualize a suitable dwelling place for the goddess inside the circle of protection which takes the form of eight cremation grounds.
These clouds (e.g., Balāhaka) are known as cloud-kings (megharāja) and have names that are associated with the loud noises of thunderclouds and the noise of rain, according to the Guhyasamayasādhanamālā 11.77. Their presence in the cremation grounds may be connected with the nāgas, for they are known to be responsible for the rain.
Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.
In Jainism
General definition (in Jainism)
Source: archive.org: TrisastisalakapurusacaritraBalāhakā (बलाहका) refers to one of the eight Dikkumārīs living in the upper world (on mount Meru), 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.
Accordingly,
“[...] Likewise, having known by the shaking of their thrones, the eight Dikkumārīs [viz., Balāhakā] living on mount Meru, inhabitants of the upper world, came. After bowing to the Jina and the Jina’s mother and announcing themselves as before, they quickly made a mass of clouds in the sky, like the month nabhasya. For a yojana around the house they [viz., Balāhakā] laid the dust completely with perfumed water like darkness by moonlight. They made a shower of five-colored flowers knee-deep, making the earth made of variegated paintings as it were. [...].”.
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
Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionaryBalāhaka (बलाहक).—
1) A cloud; बलाहकच्छेदविभक्तरागामकालसंध्यामिव धातुमत्ताम् (balāhakacchedavibhaktarāgāmakālasaṃdhyāmiva dhātumattām) Kumārasambhava 1.4.
2) A kind of crane.
3) A mountain.
4) Name of one of the seven clouds appearing at the destruction of the world.
5) One of the four horses of Viṣṇu.
6) A kind of snake; अथ कम्बलाऽश्वतर-धृतराष्ट्र- बलाहकाः । इत्यादयोऽपरे नागास्तत्तत्कुलसमुद्भवाः (atha kambalā'śvatara-dhṛtarāṣṭra- balāhakāḥ | ityādayo'pare nāgāstattatkulasamudbhavāḥ) || Abh. Ch.1311.
Derivable forms: balāhakaḥ (बलाहकः).
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Edgerton Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit DictionaryBalāhaka (बलाहक).—m. = the horse Valāha, q.v.: Mahāvyutpatti 4774.
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Bālāhaka (बालाहक).—= prec.: Avadāna-śataka ii.104.2 °ka-sadṛśā aśvā(ḥ); Lalitavistara 16.11, said of the ‘horse-jewel’ who belongs to a cakravartin, Bālāhako nāma aśvarājaṃ (so!).
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English DictionaryBalāhaka (बलाहक).—m.
(-kaḥ) 1. A mountain. 2. A cloud. 3. One of the Nagas or infernal serpents. 4. The name of a demon. 5. A kind of crane. 6. Name of one of the seven clouds which arise at the end of the world. E. bala strength, a the negative prefix to hā to abandon, aff. kvun, this word is differently derived also, and preferably written valāhaka, q. v.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Benfey Sanskrit-English DictionaryBalāhaka (बलाहक).—also valāº valāº, m. 1. A cloud, Mahābhārata 1, 1289; [Śiśupālavadha] 4, 54. 2. A mountain. 3. A Nāga. 4. A demon, [Draupadīpramātha] 2, 13.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Cappeller Sanskrit-English DictionaryBalāhaka (बलाहक).—[masculine] cloud; [Name] of a serpent-demon etc.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary1) Balāhaka (बलाहक):—m. or valāhaka ([Naighaṇṭuka, commented on by Yāska i,10]) a rain or thunder -cloud, any cloud, [Mahābhārata; Kāvya literature] etc. (ifc. f(ā). )
2) one of the 7 clouds appearing at the destruction of the world, [Catalogue(s)]
3) a mountain, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
4) Cyperus Rotundus, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
5) a kind of crane (= balāka), [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
6) a kind of snake, [Suśruta]
7) a kind of metre, [Colebrooke]
8) Name of a serpent-demon, [Mahābhārata; Harivaṃśa; Purāṇa]
9) of a commander, [Kādambarī]
10) of one of the 4 horses of Viṣṇu, [ib.]
11) of a brother of Jayad-ratha, [Mahābhārata]
12) of a Daitya, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
13) of a mountain, [Kathāsaritsāgara]
14) Bālāhaka (बालाहक):—[from bālāha] m. idem, [ib.]
15) [v.s. ...] Name of a serpent-demon, [Harivaṃśa]
16) [v.s. ...] yuddhe balāhaka-jambu-māle, ‘in the contest between Bālāhaka and Jambu-māla’ [Nīlakaṇṭha]
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Yates Sanskrit-English DictionaryBalāhaka (बलाहक):—[balā+haka] (kaḥ) 1. m. A mountain; a cloud; a serpent; a demon.
Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary (S)Balāhaka (बलाहक) in the Sanskrit language is related to the Prakrit words: Balāhaga, Balāhayā.
[Sanskrit to German]
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
Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpusBalāhaka (ಬಲಾಹಕ):—
1) [noun] = ಬಲಾಕ [balaka].
2) [noun] a rain or thunder cloud.
3) [noun] (myth.) a kind of cloud that rains incessantly and heavily at the time of destruction of the universe.
4) [noun] (myth.) name of one the four horses of Viṣṇu.
5) [noun] (myth.) name of a serpentdaemon.
6) [noun] the sedge Cyperus rotundus ( = C. hexastachyus) of Cyperaceae family.
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Baḷāhaka (ಬಳಾಹಕ):—
1) [noun] = ಬಳಾಕ [balaka].
2) [noun] a rain or thunder cloud.
3) [noun] (myth.) a kind of cloud that rains incessantly and heavily at the time of destruction of the universe.
4) [noun] (myth.) name of one the four horses of Viṣṇu.
5) [noun] (myth.) name of a serpentdaemon.
6) [noun] the sedge Cyperus rotundus ( = C. hexastachyus) of Cyperaceae family.
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)
Starts with: Balahakaparvata.
Full-text (+19): Valahaka, Balahaya, Balahaga, Kikasa, Enya, Karalayu, Vikatanana, Karataka, Jambumala, Phalamukha, Unnaha, Yauktika, Tiraskaranika, Sitasita, Balahakaparvata, Prishodaradi, Dyutimat, Vikarna, Vatsamitra, Valaha.
Relevant text
Search found 24 books and stories containing Balahaka, Balāhaka, Bālāhaka, Balāhakā, Baḷāhaka; (plurals include: Balahakas, Balāhakas, Bālāhakas, Balāhakās, Baḷāhakas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana (by Gaurapada Dāsa)
Text 7.26 < [Chapter 7 - Literary Faults]
Text 10.267 < [Chapter 10 - Ornaments of Meaning]
Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances (by Bhudeb Mookerjee)
Part 1 - Characteristics of Bhisma-Mani (a kind of anti-poisonous quartz) < [Chapter XXVI - Gems (16): Bhisma-mani]
Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya) (by G.V. Tagare)
Chapter 24 - Seven generals beginning with Balāhaka killed
Chapter 21 - Boasting of Bhaṇḍāsura
Garga Samhita (English) (by Danavir Goswami)
Verses 6.4.17-20 < [Chapter 4 - Journey to the City of Kuṇḍina]
Historical Elements in the Matsya Purana (by Chaitali Kadia)
Saptadvīpa (3): Kuśadvīpa < [Chapter 4 - Geographical history in the Matsya-Purāṇa]
Lineages of Kaśyapa < [Chapter 6 - Human history in the Matsya-Purāṇa]
The River Gaṅgā or Ganges < [Chapter 4 - Geographical history in the Matsya-Purāṇa]
The Skanda Purana (by G. V. Tagare)
Chapter 20 - Fight between Śiva and Jalandhara < [Section 4 - Kārttikamāsa-māhātmya]
Chapter 27 - The Episode of Balāhaka: The Glory of Govatsa Liṅga < [Section 2 - Dharmāraṇya-khaṇḍa]
Chapter 27 - The Glory of Aṅkapāda (Restoration of Sāndīpani’s Son) < [Section 1 - Avantīkṣetra-māhātmya]