Dharmashakati, Dharmaśakaṭī, Dharma-shakati: 1 definition

Introduction:

Dharmashakati means something in 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.

The Sanskrit term Dharmaśakaṭī can be transliterated into English as Dharmasakati or Dharmashakati, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

[«previous next»] — Dharmashakati in Jainism glossary
Source: archive.org: Trisastisalakapurusacaritra

Dharmaśakaṭī (धर्मशकटी) refers to “charity-fires”, according to chapter 5.1 [śāntinātha-caritra] of Hemacandra’s 11th century Triṣaṣṭiśalākāpuruṣacaritra: an ancient Sanskrit epic poem narrating the history and legends of sixty-three illustrious persons in Jainism.

Note:—This word (dharmaśakaṭī), which does not occur in any of the Sanskrit lexicons, was explained by Muni Jayantavijaya. To light a fire on the ground or on a mud hearth or to make a fire of any kind for people to sit around in winter is considered meritorious by the Hindus. Cf. Gujarati śagaḍī, “hearth”.

Accordingly:—“After taking initiation at the side of his father as a (Śaiva) ascetic, he [i.e., Dharmila] began foolish penance (i.e., Bālatapas), for that was his father’s and mother’s kind. [...]. In pools dug by himself and filled with rain-water he stood in water up to his neck and recited mantras, etc to Śiva. He dug and had dug tanks, wells, and ponds, undeterred by the injury to waterbodied and earth-bodied souls. He took a sickle and axe and, like a ploughman, he himself cut darbha as fuel, having little wit like a child. He made charity-fires (i.e., Dharmaśakaṭī) and gave lights for the road, unafraid of the sin of burning insects in the wood and of the fall (into the fire) of flying insects, etc. [...]”.

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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.

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