Kharodakanadi, Khārodakānadī, Kharodaka-nadi: 1 definition

Introduction:

Kharodakanadi means something in Buddhism, Pali. 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)

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

1) Khārodakānadī (खारोदकानदी) or simply Khārodakā or Vaitaraṇī refers to the “salt river” and represents one of the four utsadas of the Avīci hell according to the “world of transmigration” section in the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter XXVII).—Accordingly, “the damned enter the salt river [Khārodakā-nadī or Vaitaraṇī], which they enter and are swept downstream. When they emerge, they tread on a ground of burning iron. Walking on iron spines (ayaḥkhaṇṭaka) and sitting on iron spikes (ayaḥstambha) that enter them from behind. The guardians open their mouths with pliers and pour in molten copper; they make them swallow flaming balls of iron; these balls enter and burn their mouth (mukha), penetrate into and burn the throat (kaṇṭha); they penetrate into and burn the belly; the five viscera (read tsang, 130 and 18) having been burned, they fall to the ground”.

2) Khārodakānadī (खारोदकानदी) or Vaitaraṇī refers to the “forest of iron spines” and is one of the “eight hells of fire and flame” forming part of the sixteen utsadas (secondary hells) sitauted outside of the eight great hells, according to the “world of transmigration” section in the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter XXVII).—Accordingly, “in their previous lives, these unfortunates had wounded and killed water animals, fish or turtles; they had pushed people to fall into the water; they had thrown them into boiling water or into ice-water. They suffer this punishment for all these evil acts”.

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 kharodakanadi in the context of Mahayana from relevant books on Exotic India

See also (Relevant definitions)

Relevant text

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: