In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: Wisdom Library: Padma-purana

Mahākhala (महाखल) refers to “one who is very wicked” and is used to describe Dhundhukārin, according to the Padmapurāṇa 6.197 (“The Seven-day Bhāgavata Recitation”).—Accordingly, as the Kumāras said to Nārada:—“O Nārada, when the father had thus gone to the forest, the very wicked [i.e., mahākhala] Dhundhukārin came and threatened his mother. O Nārada, (he said) to his mother: ‘Tell me where the wealth is. If you do not tell me about the grains, by all means I shall kill you’. She, frightened by his words, and with her mind affiicted, fell at night in a well and died. [...]”.

Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Mahākhala (महाखल) (Cf. Khala) refers to a “rogue person”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.3.11.—Accordingly, as Himācala (i.e., Himālaya) said to his attendants and family-members: “From now onwards, none of you shall go to the ridge of mine, called Gaṅgāvataraṇa. This is my command. I am telling you the truth. If anyone of you goes there I shall punish that rogue [i.e., mahākhala] particularly. This is the truth I am speaking. O sage, after thus checking all of his attendants, the mountain made other arrangements also. I now tell you all about the same”.

context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma)

Source: Devotees Vaishnavas: Śrī Garga Saṃhitā

Mahākhala (महाखल) refers to a “rascal” or “wretch”, according to the Gargasaṃhitā chapter 4.24 (“The Killing of Vyomāsura and Aristāsura”) verse 37. Accordingly, “[...] One day the great sage Pulastya Muni, accompanied by many disciples, came to the king-sage’s āśrama. The king-sage, filled with pride, neither stood up nor bowed down to greet his guest. Pulastya cursed him, ‘Wretch! [i.e., mahākhala] Now become a demon!’ The king then fell at the sage’s feet and surrendered to him. Then Pulastya, the tiger among the sages, who is kind to the suffering, said: At the end of Dvāpara-yuga, in the district of Māthura, in the circle of Vraja, the strength of the arms of Sri Krsna, the king of the Yadu dynasty, will give you the liberation desired by the yogis. Of this there is no doubt. [...]”.

context information

Vaishnava (वैष्णव, vaiṣṇava) or vaishnavism (vaiṣṇavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Maha, Khala.

Starts with: Mahakhalarakshaka.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Mahakhala, Mahākhala, Mahā-khala, Maha-khala; (plurals include: Mahakhalas, Mahākhalas, khalas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Garga Samhita (English) (by Danavir Goswami)

Verse 6.10.39 < [Chapter 10 - In the Description of the Gomatī River, the Glories of Cakra-tīrtha]

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