Alternative spellings of this word include Kuruchandra.

In Hinduism

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Source: Wisdom Library: Śaivism

Kurucandra (कुरुचन्द्र) is a Sanskrit word referring to one of the sixty-eight places hosting a svāyambhuvaliṅga, one of the most sacred of liṅgas according to the Śaivāgamas. The presiding deity residing over the liṅga in this place (Kurucandra) is named Śaṅkara. The list of sixty-eight svāyambhuvaliṅgas is found in the commentary of the Jirṇoddhāra-daśaka by Nigamajñānadeva. The word liṅga refers to a symbol used in the worship of Śiva and is used thoughout Śaiva literature, such as the sacred Āgamas.

context information

Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Source: archive.org: Trisastisalakapurusacaritra

1) Kurucandra (कुरुचन्द्र) is the name of an ancient king and ancestor of king Mahābala (i.e., previous incarnation of Ṛṣabha), as mentioned in chapter 1.1 [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, as Svayambuddha said to king Mahābala:—“In your family there were formerly a king, Kurucandra, his wife, Kurumatī, and his son, Hariścandra. The king was a Kaula with great enterprises that caused injury and great possessions, foremost in ignoble acts, pitiless like Kṛtānta. Even though wicked and cruel, he enjoyed the kingdom for a long time”.

2) Kurucandra (कुरुचन्द्र) is the name of an ancient king from Hastināpura and was in a previous known as Droṇaka, according to chapter 5.4 [śāntinātha-caritra].— Accordingly, as Śānti-nātha narrated to king Kurucandra:—“[...] Once upon a time the four (i.e., Sudhana, Dhanapati, Dhanada, Dhaneśvara) together set out for Ratnadvīpa to seek a fortune. Their provisions were carried by Droṇaka. [...] However, Dhaneśvara and Dhanapati were a little deceitful; and Droṇaka, of them all, had especially pure conduct. Droṇaka died first at the end of his life and became you, the son of the Lord of Hastināpura, from the power of the gift. Because a moon was seen entering your mother’s mouth in a dream, your parents gave you the name Kurucandra. [...]”.

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: Harishcandra, Dronaka, Kurumati, Dhaneshvara, Kaula, Shankara, Ratnadvipa, Dhanada, Sudhana, Shripura, Ratinandana, Kamapala, Kesara, Vasantadeva, Dhanapati, Madira, Subuddhi, Gati.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Kurucandra; (plurals include: Kurucandras). 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 13: Śānti’s śāsanadevatās (messenger-deities) < [Chapter V - Twelfth incarnation as Śānti]

Part 14: Story of Kurucandra < [Chapter V - Twelfth incarnation as Śānti]

Part 12: Refutation of Māyā < [Chapter I]

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