The Sanskrit term Bhuṣaṇḍhī can be transliterated into English as Bhusandhi or Bhushandhi, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Source: archive.org: Trisastisalakapurusacaritra

Bhuṣaṇḍhī (भुषण्ढी) refers to a kind of weapon, according to chapter 2.2 [ajitanātha-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: “Sagara put in his heart archery and the characteristics of other weapons just from hearing them, as easily as his own name. He attained skill in fighting with the bow, sword and shield, dagger, arrow, axe, lance, javelin (i.e., bhindipāla), club, kampaṇa (?), staff, spear, pike, plow-share, mace, cudgel, pattiṣa, duḥsphoṭa (?), bhuṣaṇḍhī sling, arrow, trident, dart, and other weapons in conformity with the manuals. He became filled with all the arts like the full moon with digits, and he was adorned with good qualities, reverence, etc., like ornaments”.

Note: PH quotes bhusuṇḍhi, but defines it merely as “a kind of weapon”. Not in Ardha-māgadhī-koṣa. Bate defines it as “fire-arm”, but the word does not seem to be actually in use, judging from its article in the Śabdasāgara. Monier-Williams also leans to “fire-arm”. Meyer, p. 73, prefers “sling”, rather than “catapult”, as it is sometimes interpreted. The next word, gophaṇa, means “sling” (PH, H, and M) and I do not believe “catapult” would be included in a list of weapons such as these. “Fire-arm” seems more suitable here.

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.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Full-text: Mushandhi, Kampana, Duhsphota, Musala, Pattisha, Bhindipala.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Bhushandhi, Bhuṣaṇḍhī, Bhusandhi; (plurals include: Bhushandhis, Bhuṣaṇḍhīs, Bhusandhis). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra (by Helen M. Johnson)

Part 9: Kunthu’s śāsanadevatās (messenger-deities) < [Chapter I - Śrī Kunthusvāmicaritra]

Part 2: Youth of Ajita and Sagara < [Chapter III - The initiation and omniscience of Ajita]

Appendix 2.3: new and rare words < [Appendices]

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