In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Source: archive.org: Trisastisalakapurusacaritra

Ekanāsā (एकनासा) refers to one of the eight Dikkumārīs living on the western Rucaka mountains (in the Rucakadvīpa continent), 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,

“[...] Eight Dikkumārīs [viz., Ekanāsā] also, living on the west Rucaka Mountains, came in haste, as if outstripping each other from devotion. Having bowed to the Jina and the Jina’s mother and having announced themselves as before, they stood behind, holding palm-leaf fans, singing. [...].”.

Note: In the continent Rucakadvīpa is a circular mountain-ranges Rucaka. On this in the four directions are 4 temples, and on both sides of each temple are 4 mountain peaks, making 8 peaks in each direction. Each peak is inhabited by a Dikkumārī [viz., Ekanāsā].—(cf. ‘Die Kosmographie der Inder’ pp. 257f).

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: Ekainas, Nasa.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Ekanasa, Ekanāsā, Ekanāsa; (plurals include: Ekanasas, Ekanāsās, Ekanāsas). 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 4: Yadus become mendicants < [Chapter X - The recovery of draupadī]

Part 7: Birth-rites performed by Dikkumārīs < [Chapter II - Birth of Ajita and Sagara]

Part 4: Birth ceremonies of Ṛṣabha < [Chapter II]

show preview