Gridhrakutaparvata, Gṛdhrakūṭaparvata: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Gridhrakutaparvata means something in Buddhism, Pali, the history of ancient India. 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 Gṛdhrakūṭaparvata can be transliterated into English as Grdhrakutaparvata or Gridhrakutaparvata, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Gridhrakutaparvata in Mahayana glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Gṛdhrakūṭaparvata (गृध्रकूटपर्वत) is the name of a sacred place where the Buddha was dwelling at the beginning of the discourse in the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter V. Accordingly, “the Buddha was dwelling on the K’i chö kiue chan (Gṛdhrakūṭaparvata), the vulture peak mountain”. Gṛdhra means vulture and kūṭa means peak.

Why is it called Gṛdhrakūṭaparvata (vulture peak mountain)?

1) The summit of this mountain resembles a vulture and the inhabitants of Rājagṛha, because of this resemblance, agreed to call it vulture peak mountain. This is why it is called Gṛdhrakūṭaparvata.

2) Furthermore, south of Rājagṛha, in the Che t’o lin (Śītavana), there were many corpses; vultures commonly came to devour them and then went to perch on the peak of the nearby mountain. The people then named it vulture peak (Gṛdhrakūṭaparvata) mountain. It is the highest of the five mountains of Rājagṛha. It abounds in precious forests and waters. The Āryas live there.

Mahayana book cover
context information

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.

Discover the meaning of gridhrakutaparvata or grdhrakutaparvata in the context of Mahayana from relevant books on Exotic India

India history and geography

[«previous next»] — Gridhrakutaparvata in India history glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (history)

Gṛdhrakūṭaparvata (गृध्रकूटपर्वत) was visited by Fa hien and by Hiuan tsang. Cunningham identifes it with the modern Śailagiri, two and a half miles north-west of the old city.

India history book cover
context information

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

Discover the meaning of gridhrakutaparvata or grdhrakutaparvata in the context of India history from relevant books on Exotic India

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