Devavatara, Devāvatāra, Deva-avatara: 5 definitions
Introduction:
Devavatara means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit. 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 Buddhism
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita SastraDevāvatāra (देवावतार) refers to the “descent of the Buddha” from the Trāyastriṃśa heaven according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter XVI). Accordingly, “Having spent the summer retreat (varṣa) among the Tao li (Trāyastriṇśa) gods, the Buddha came down into Jambudvīpa”.
Note: According to one version, welcomed on his descent from the heaven by a great assembly, the Buddha was first greeted by Śāriputra (Dhammapadaṭṭha III), immediately followed by the nun Utpalavarṇa. According to the Tibetische Lebensbeschreibung, Udayana, king of Kauśambī, received him ceremonially. An apparitional (upapāduka) Bhikṣu invited the Buddha along with the assembly of Bhikṣus and Devas to a splendid repast (Tsa a han, Avadānaśataka II and Po yuan king).
Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.
Languages of India and abroad
Sanskrit dictionary
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Edgerton Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit DictionaryDevāvatāra (देवावतार).—m., name of a place, = Sāṃkāśya, q.v.: °raḥ Mahāvyutpatti 4103; °re Mahā-Māyūrī 105 (the Chin. comms. cited by Lévi 115 make the identification); °re mahācaitye Saṃ- kaśye mahāprātihārike (Ārya-)Mañjuśrīmūlakalpa 88.14 (verse). Cf. prec.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English DictionaryDevāvatāra (देवावतार):—[from deva] m. ‘id.’, Name of a place, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
[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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Deva, Avatara, Teva.
Starts with: Devavatarana, Devavatarasutra.
Full-text: Devavatarana, Samkashya.
Relevant text
Search found 2 books and stories containing Devavatara, Devāvatāra, Deva-avatara, Deva-avatāra; (plurals include: Devavataras, Devāvatāras, avataras, avatāras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)
Appendix 3 - Descent of Buddha from the Trāyastriṃśa heaven < [Chapter XVI - The Story of Śāriputra]
Appendix 3 - Buddha’s sermon to the Trāyastriṃśa gods < [Chapter XLII - The Great Loving-kindness and the Great Compassion of the Buddhas]
Introduction to second volume < [Introductions]
A Dictionary Of Chinese Buddhist Terms (by William Edward Soothill)