Jalarakshasa, Jalarākṣasa, Jala-rakshasa: 1 definition

Introduction:

Jalarakshasa 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 Jalarākṣasa can be transliterated into English as Jalaraksasa or Jalarakshasa, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

[«previous next»] — Jalarakshasa in Jainism glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Jainism

Jalarākṣasa (जलराक्षस) is the name of a class of rākṣasas according to the Śvetāmbara tradition, while the Digambara does not recognize this class. The rākṣasas refer to a category of vyantaras gods which represents one of the four classes of celestial beings (devas). The rākṣasas are black and their caitya-vṛkṣas (sacred-tree) is Kaṇṭaka according to the Digambara They are white and have a fierce appearance according to Śvetāmbara.

The deities such as Jalarākṣasas are defined in ancient Jain cosmological texts such as the Saṃgrahaṇīratna in the Śvetāmbara tradition or the Tiloyapaṇṇati by Yativṛṣabha (5th century) in the Digambara tradition.

General definition book cover
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.

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