Mahapadma, Maha-padma, Mahāpadma: 38 definitions

Introduction:

Mahapadma means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit, the history of ancient India, Marathi. 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.

Images (photo gallery)

In Hinduism

Vastushastra (architecture)

Source: Wisdom Library: Vāstu-śāstra

Mahāpadma (महापद्म) refers to a type of temple (prāsāda) classified under the group named Triviṣṭapa, according to Samarāṅgaṇasūtradhāra chapter 49. The Triviṣṭapa group contains ten out of a sixty-four total prāsādas (temples) classified under five prime vimānas (aerial car/palace), which were created by Brahmā for as many gods (including himself). This group represents temples (e.g. Mahāpadma) that are to be octangular in shape. The prāsādas, or ‘temples’, represent the dwelling place of God and are to be built in towns. The Samarāṅgaṇasūtradhāra is an 11th-century encyclopedia dealing with various topics from the Vāstuśāstra.

Mahāpadma is also listed in the Agnipurāṇa which features a list of 45 temple types. It is listed under the group named Kailāśa, featuring circular-shaped temples. This list represents a classification of temples in Nort-India.

Vastushastra book cover
context information

Vastushastra (वास्तुशास्त्र, vāstuśāstra) refers to the ancient Indian science (shastra) of architecture (vastu), dealing with topics such architecture, sculpture, town-building, fort building and various other constructions. Vastu also deals with the philosophy of the architectural relation with the cosmic universe.

Discover the meaning of mahapadma in the context of Vastushastra from relevant books on Exotic India

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

[«previous next»] — Mahapadma in Purana glossary
Source: archive.org: Nilamata Purana: a cultural and literary study

Mahāpadma (महापद्म) is the name of a Nāga whose story was related to Gonanda by Bṛhadaśva according to the Nīlamata-purāṇa .—When the Nāga Mahāpadma approached Nīla and besought him for a dwelling place in Kaśmīra as his family was being devoured by Garuḍa, the Nāga king allotted to him the place which was formerly occupied by Ṣaḍaṅgula and where, after the banishment of Ṣaḍaṇgula, was constructed the city Candrapura ruled over by king Viśvagaśva.

Source: archive.org: Puranic Encyclopedia

1) Mahāpadma (महापद्म).—The first King of the Nanda dynasty. According to Vāyu Purāṇa and Matsya Purāṇa, Mahāpadma was the son of Mahānandī, the last King of the Śiśunāga dynasty. He was the son of Mahānandī by a Śūdra woman. He killed his father and founded the Nanda dynasty.

2) Mahāpadma (महापद्म).—An elephant in Ghaṭotkaca’s elephant army during the Bhārata Yuddha. (Mahābhārata Bhīṣma Parva, Chapter 60, Verse 51).

3) Mahāpadma (महापद्म).—One of the Aṣṭadiggajas. (The eight elephants guarding the eight cardinal points). (Mahābhārata Bhīṣma Parva, Chapter 64, Verse 57).

Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Mahāpadma (महापद्म) refers to a “particular type of divine treasure”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.5.19 (“Jalandhara’s emissary to Śiva”).—Accordingly, as Jalandhara said to Rāhu: “O messenger, you shall go there and tell the detached Yogin Śiva with matted locks of hair, fearlessly.—‘[...] I have forcibly seized the most excellent elephant of Indra, the most excellent horse, Uccaiḥśravas and the celestial tree pārijāta. The wonderfully excellent and the most divine aerial chariot fitted with the swan, belonging to Brahmā is now standing in my court-yard. The divine and excellent treasure Mahāpadma etc. of Kubera is in my custody. The umbrella of Varuṇa stands in my house shedding its golden brilliance. [...]’.”.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: The Purana Index

1a) Mahāpadma (महापद्म).—A Kādraveya Nāga;1 with the Hemanta sun;2 in the Vaiḍūryaśālā;3 shaken by Hiraṇyakaśipu.4

  • 1) Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 7. 33; Matsya-purāṇa 6. 40; Vāyu-purāṇa 69. 70. Viṣṇu-purāṇa I. 21. 21.
  • 2) Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa II. 23. 17; Matsya-purāṇa 126. 18; Vāyu-purāṇa 52. 17; Viṣṇu-purāṇa II. 10. 13.
  • 3) Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa IV. 20. 54; 33. 36.
  • 4) Matsya-purāṇa 163. 56.

1b) An elephant.*

  • * Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 7. 346.

1c) The son of Mahānandi by a Śūdra woman; he was the universal emperor and brought the earth under his umbrella; ruled for 88 (28 Viṣṇu-purāṇa) years; from him all kings became unrighteous; he was a scourge of the Kṣatriyas, and just like Paraśurāma rooted out their families; he had eight sons, Sumālya (Sumātī Viṣṇu-purāṇa, Sukalpa Matsya-purāṇa) and others, all of whom ruled altogether for 100 (12 Matsya-purāṇa) years; then a Brahmana Kauṭalya Matsya-purāṇa) brought about their fall;1 from Parīkṣit to Mahāpadma is 1050 years; from Mahāpadma to Puloma Andhra is 836 years.2

  • 1) Bhāgavata-purāṇa XII. 1. 9-12; Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 74. 139-42, 228; Matsya-purāṇa 272. 18-22; Vāyu-purāṇa 99. 326-31; Viṣṇu-purāṇa IV. 24. 20-3 and 26.
  • 2) Matsya-purāṇa 273. 36-37.

1d) One of the eight nidhis of Kubera.*

  • * Vāyu-purāṇa 41. 10.
Purana book cover
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.

Discover the meaning of mahapadma in the context of Purana from relevant books on Exotic India

Kavya (poetry)

[«previous next»] — Mahapadma in Kavya glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Kathā

Mahāpadma (महापद्म).—One of the eight kulas (‘families’) of nāgas mentioned by Soḍḍhala in his Udayasundarīkathā. Mahāpadma, and other nāgas, reside in pātāla (the nether world) and can assume different forms at will. Their movement is unobstructed in the all the worlds and they appear beautiful, divine and strong.

The Udayasundarīkathā is a Sanskrit work in the campū style, narrating the story of the Nāga princess Udayasundarī and Malayavāhana, king of Pratiṣṭhāna. Soḍḍhala is a descendant of Kalāditya (Śilāditya’s brother) whom he praises as an incarnation of a gaṇa (an attendant of Śiva).

Kavya book cover
context information

Kavya (काव्य, kavya) refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.

Discover the meaning of mahapadma in the context of Kavya from relevant books on Exotic India

Ayurveda (science of life)

[«previous next»] — Mahapadma in Ayurveda glossary

Toxicology (Study and Treatment of poison)

Source: Shodhganga: Kasyapa Samhita—Text on Visha Chikitsa

Mahāpadma (महापद्म) (or Mahābja) refers to “snakes that are ever blinking; neck marked with three stripes; head marked by lotus” and represents a classification of Divine Snakes, as taught in the Nāganāman (“names of the Sarpas”) section of the Kāśyapa Saṃhitā: an ancient Sanskrit text from the Pāñcarātra tradition dealing with both Tantra and Viṣacikitsā—an important topic from Āyurveda which deals with the study of Toxicology (Agadatantra or Sarpavidyā).—The first aspect of the Agadatantra is about the names of the sarpas and their features. The Kāśyapasaṃhitā verse IV.6-19 provide information on divine serpents [e.g., Mahāpadma], their characterstic features, origin and other details.

Unclassified Ayurveda definitions

Source: Ancient Science of Life: Snake bite treatment in Prayoga samuccayam

Mahāpadma (महापद्म) refers to one of the eight primordial snakes, according to the 20th century Prayogasamuccaya (one of the most popular and widely practised book in toxicology in Malayalam).—The work classifies viṣa into two groups, viz. sthāvara and jaṅgama (animate and inanimate). This is followed by a brief description of the origin of snakes. A mythological story is narrated in this context. It is said that in the beginning, there were only 8 snakes, Ananta, Gulika, Vāsuki, Śaṅkhapālaka, Takṣaka, Mahāpadma, Padma and Karkoṭaka and that all other snakes originated from these.

Ayurveda book cover
context information

Āyurveda (आयुर्वेद, ayurveda) is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Āyurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Discover the meaning of mahapadma in the context of Ayurveda from relevant books on Exotic India

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Mahapadma in Shaktism glossary
Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

1) Mahāpadma (महापद्म) refers to the “great lotus”, according to the Śrīmatottara-tantra, an expansion of the Kubjikāmatatantra: the earliest popular and most authoritative Tantra of the Kubjikā cult.—Accordingly, “The rays in the great lotus [i.e., mahāpadma] of sixteen spokes are the rays which are the energies. The supreme goddess is in the End of the Sixteen and she is the supreme seventeenth (energy). The goddess in the End of the Twelve (dvādaśānta) is Mālinī in the form of the Point. She stands in front in the form of the spread tail of a peacock (mayūracandrikā). She always stands before the eyes and (in the form of) many desires she is whirling about (vibhramā). In a moment, time and again, she generates desire in the form of the Point”.

2) Mahāpadma (महापद्म) is the name of the Nāga (snake) associated with Kamala-nātha (one of the Nine Nāthas) according to sources such as the Kulakaulinīmata and Kumārikākhaṇḍa of the Manthānabhairavatantra.—This group of nine Nātha Siddhas related to Gorakhanātha are venerated by his followers as nine founder figures. According to the Kulakaulinīmata, Mitranātha made nine disciples in Candrapura in Koṅkaṇa. These are called the Current of Men that Mitrīśa, the First Teacher of this Age, generated as his spiritual sons. These Nine Nāthas [e.g., Kamala-nātha] originally resided in his body as his vital breaths from which they emerged and were born as men in nine places.—Kamala-nātha is associated with the following: Breath: Kūrma; Gods of the Directions: Vāyu (Sumitra); Planet: Venus; Snake (Nāga): Mahāpadma (Mahāpadmanāga); Other names: Vihūni [?].

Shaktism book cover
context information

Shakta (शाक्त, śākta) or Shaktism (śāktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.

Discover the meaning of mahapadma in the context of Shaktism from relevant books on Exotic India

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Mahapadma in Shaivism glossary
Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram (shaivism)

Mahāpadma (महापद्म) refers to a “great lotus”, according to the Śrīmatottara-tantra, an expansion of the Kubjikāmatatantra: the earliest popular and most authoritative Tantra of the Kubjikā cult. Accordingly, “O goddess, Svacchanda is in the middle, within the abode of the triangle. Very powerful, he has five faces with three times five flaming eyes. [...] He sits on a great lotus [i.e., mahāpadma-āsana-āsina] and is adorned with a belt on his hips. He is adorned with small bells and a garland of gems. There are anklets on his feet and they are well adorned with necklaces of pearls. He sits on Ananta as a seat and is like heated gold. On Ananta’s seat are seventy billion mantras. He is beautiful, divine, (white) like the stars, snow and the moon.]. [...]”.

Shaivism book cover
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.

Discover the meaning of mahapadma in the context of Shaivism from relevant books on Exotic India

Ganitashastra (Mathematics and Algebra)

Source: archive.org: Hindu Mathematics

1) Mahāpadma (महापद्म) refers to a “quadrillion” (1,000,000,000,000,000) in various lists of numeral denominations, according to gaṇita (“science of calculation”) and Gaṇita-śāstra, ancient Indian mathematics and astronomy.—We can definitely say that from the very earliest known times, ten has formed the basis of numeration in India. While the Greeks had no terminology for denominations above the myriad (104), and the Romans above the milk (103), the ancient Hindus dealt freely with no less than eighteen denominations [e.g., mahāpadma]. Cf. Yajurveda-saṃhitā (Vājasanyī) XVII.2;  Taittirīya-saṃhitā IV.40.11, VII.2.20.1; Maitrāyaṇī-saṃhitā II.8.14; Kāṭhaka-saṃhitā XVII.10, XXXIX.6; Anuyogadvāra-sūtra 142; Āryabhaṭīya II.2; Triśatikā R.2-3; Gaṇitasārasaṃgraha I.63-68.

2) Mahāpadma is a synonym for Mahāsaroja or “trillion” (1,000,000,000,000), according to Bhaskara II (1150).

Ganitashastra book cover
context information

Ganitashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, gaṇitaśāstra) refers to the ancient Indian science of mathematics, algebra, number theory, arithmetic, etc. Closely allied with astronomy, both were commonly taught and studied in universities, even since the 1st millennium BCE. Ganita-shastra also includes ritualistic math-books such as the Shulba-sutras.

Discover the meaning of mahapadma in the context of Ganitashastra from relevant books on Exotic India

Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)

Source: Shodhganga: Kasyapa Samhita—Text on Visha Chikitsa (p)

Mahāpadma (महापद्म) refers to one of the eight Divine Serpents visualized as the decorations (nāgābharaṇa) of Garuḍa, according to the second chapter of the Kāśyapa Saṃhitā: an ancient Sanskrit text from the Pāñcarātra tradition dealing with both Tantra and Viṣacikitsā (Toxicology).—Accordingly, text text dictates that a Garuḍa-upāsaka, the aspirant, must meditate on Garuḍa of the following form—[...] He shines with his head adorned with a crown, bedecked with jewels, handsome in every limb, with tawny eyes and tremendous speed, shining like gold, long-armed, broad-shouldered and adorned with the eight divine serpents or Nāgas [e.g., Mahāpadma form his left earrings]. Padma and Mahāpadma form his right and left earrings.

Pancaratra book cover
context information

Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.

Discover the meaning of mahapadma in the context of Pancaratra from relevant books on Exotic India

In Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Vajrayogini

Mahāpadma (महापद्म) is the name of a serpent (nāga) associated with Aṭṭaṭṭahāsa: the north-eastern cremation ground (śmaśāna) according to the Vajravārāhī-sādhana by Umāpatideva as found in te 12th century Guhyasamayasādhanamālā. As a part of this sādhana, the practicioner is to visualize a suitable dwelling place for the goddess inside the circle of protection which takes the form of eight cremation grounds.

These nāga-kings (e.g., Mahāpadma) are variously known as nāgarāja, nāgeśa, nāgendra and bhujageśa and are depicted as wearing white ornaments according to Lūyīpāda’s Śmaśānavidhi. They have human tosos above their coiled snaketails and raised hoods above their heads. They each have their own color assigned and they bear a mark upon their raised hoods. They all make obeisance to the dikpati (protector) who is before them and are seated beneath the tree (vṛkṣa).

Source: Wisdom Library: Tibetan Buddhism

Mahāpadma (महापद्म) is the name of a Nāga mentioned as attending the teachings in the 6th century Mañjuśrīmūlakalpa: one of the largest Kriyā Tantras devoted to Mañjuśrī (the Bodhisattva of wisdom) representing an encyclopedia of knowledge primarily concerned with ritualistic elements in Buddhism. The teachings in this text originate from Mañjuśrī and were taught to and by Buddha Śākyamuni in the presence of a large audience (including Mahāpadma).

Source: Google Books: Vajrayogini

Mahāpadma (महापद्म).—Serpent deity (nāga) of the north-eastern cremation ground.—In the Śmaśānavidhi 13, Mahāpadma is “lovely like the moon”, witha trident (triśūla) on his hood, making the usual añjali.

Source: academia.edu: The Structure and Meanings of the Heruka Maṇḍala

Mahāpadma (महापद्म) refers to one of the eight serpent king (nāgendra) of the Guṇacakra, according to the 10th century Ḍākārṇava chapter 15. Accordingly, the guṇacakra refers to one of the four divisions of the sahaja-puṭa (‘innate layer’), situated within the padma (lotus) in the middle of the Herukamaṇḍala. Mahāpadma is associated with the charnel grounds (śmaśāna) named Aṭṭahāsa; with the tree (vṛkṣa) named Vaṭa; with the direction-guardians (dikpāla) named Īśāna and with the cloud king (meghendra) named Ghana.

Source: OSU Press: Cakrasamvara Samadhi

Mahāpadma (महापद्म) refers to a “great lotus”, according to the purification (śodhana) of the Pañcagavya (five cow products) ritual often performed in combination with the Cakrasaṃvara Samādhi, which refers to the primary pūjā and sādhanā practice of Newah Mahāyāna-Vajrayāna Buddhists in Nepal.—Accordingly, “Oṃ to the unfailing king of purity, Tathāgata, Arhat, enlightened Buddha; In this manner, Oṃ purify purify, purify away, purify away, all around, Wise, wise, morally pure great lotus (mahāpadma), Hūṃ Hūṃ Hūṃ Phaṭ Phaṭ Phaṭ Svāhā!”.

Tibetan Buddhism book cover
context information

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.

Discover the meaning of mahapadma in the context of Tibetan Buddhism from relevant books on Exotic India

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

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

1) Mahāpadma (महापद्म) is the name of a hell according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter XXII).—Accordingly, “Twenty stays in the Puṇḍarīka hell equals one stay in the Mo ho po t’eou mo (Mahāpadma) hell. Kokālika has fallen into the Mahāpadma hell”.

2) Mahāpadma (महापद्म) refers to one of the “eight hells of cold water” 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, “the Mahāpadma hell is the dwelling-place of Kiu kia li (Kokalīka)”.

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

General definition (in Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Mahapadma in Buddhism glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Dharma-samgraha

Mahāpadma (महापद्म) refers to the “great red-lotus hell” and represents one of the “eight cold hells” (śīta-naraka) as defined in the Dharma-saṃgraha (section 122). The Dharma-samgraha (Dharmasangraha) is an extensive glossary of Buddhist technical terms in Sanskrit (e.g., mahā-padma). The work is attributed to Nagarjuna who lived around the 2nd century A.D.

Source: academia.edu: The Chronological History of Buddhism

The Gilgit manuscript of Vinayavastu (Pravrajyavastu) tells us that when Buddha was born (around 1945 BC) King Mahapadma in Rajagriha of Magada Kingdom. Bimbisara was the son of Mahapadma. Bimbisara did not like the Samanta (feudatory) status of his father. He invaded Champa, the capital of Anga kingdom and killed the king. Thus, Bimbisara became the king of Champa. When his father Mahapadma died, he became the king of Anga and Magadha kingdoms.

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

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

Mahāpadma (महापद्म).—Name of a lake situated on top of the Mahāhimavat mountain range. There are seven such mountain ranges (or, varṣadharaparvatas) located in Jambūdvīpa according to Jaina cosmology. Mahāpadma has at its centre a large padmahrada (lotus-island), which is home to the Goddess Hrī. Jambūdvīpa sits at the centre of madhyaloka (‘middle world’) and is the most important of all continents and it is here where human beings reside.

Source: archive.org: Trisastisalakapurusacaritra

1) Mahāpadma (महापद्म) refers to one of the nine treasures mentioned in chapter 1.4 [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: “[...] At the end of the four days’ fast, the nine famous treasures approached him (i.e., King Bharata), each always attended by one thousand Yakṣas, Naisarpa, Pāṇḍuka, Piṅgala, Sarvaratnaka, Mahāpadma, Kāla, Mahākāla, Māṇava, Śaṅkhaka. They were mounted on eight wheels, eight yojanas high, nine yojanas broad, twelve yojanas long, their faces concealed by doors of cat’s-eye, smooth, golden, filled with jewels, marked with the cakra, sun, and moon. [...]”.

2) Mahāpadma (महापद्म) is the name of a lake situated on the Mahāhimavat mountain, which resided in the Bhārata zone of Jambūdvīpa which is situated in the “middle world” (madhyaloka), according to chapter 2.2.—Accordingly, “[...] On Mahāhimavat is a lake named Mahāpadma, twice the length and width of the lake Padma. [...] In all the lakes, [e.g., Mahāpadma, etc.], there are full-blown lotuses buried 10 yojanas in the water. Moreover, here are (the goddesses) Śrī, Hrī, Dhṛti, Kīrti, Buddhi, and Lakṣmī respectively, with life-periods of a palya, together with Sāmānikas, gods of the councils, bodyguards, and armies”.

3) Mahāpadma (महापद्म) is the name of a southern province situated in West-Videha in Jambūdvīpa which is situated in the “middle world” (madhyaloka), according to chapter 2.2.—Accordingly, “[...] East of the Devakurus and Uttarakurus, they are called East Videhas, and to the west, West Videhas, like different countries to each other. In each, there are 16 provinces, inaccessible to each other, separated by rivers and mountains, suitable to be conquered by a Cakrin. [viz., Mahāpadma, etc.] are the southern provinces of West Videha. [...]”.

4) Mahāpadma (महापद्म) is the name of an ancient king from Puṇḍarīkiṇī, according to chapter 3.7 [suvidhinātha-caritra].—Accordingly, “There is a city Puṇḍarīkiṇī in the rich province Puṣkalāvatī in the East Videhas in the half of Puṣkaravaradvīpa. In this city Mahāpadma was king, deep as the pool Mahāpadma on Mount Mahāhima. Dharma, accepted from birth, increased gradually in his childhood and youth along with physical beauty. [...]”.

5) Mahāpadma (महापद्म) is a Cakrin and is the son of Padmottara and Jvālā, according to chapter 6.8 [śrī-mahāpadma-cakrin-caritra].—Accordingly:—“Prajāpāla’s jīva completed its life, fell from Acyuta, and descended into Queen Jvālā’s womb. A son, indicated by fourteen great dreams, was borne by Queen Jvālā, named Mahāpadma, the abode of all the Śrīs. The two  brothers grew up gradually and acquired all the arts through a teacher. King Padmottara knew, ‘He wishes to be a conqueror,’ and wisely gave Mahāpadma the rank of heir-apparent”.

Source: Encyclopedia of Jainism: Tattvartha Sutra 3: The Lower and middle worlds

Mahāpadma (महापद्म) is a lake lying on top of mount Mahāhimavān (Mahāhimavat), situated in Jambūdvīpa: the first continent of the Madhya-loka (middle-word), according to the 2nd-century Tattvārthasūtra 3.10. There is a giant lotus (puṣkara) in the centre of the lakes (e.g., Mahāpadma). In these lotuses live the nymphs (e.g., Hrī, ‘modesty’ for the Mahāpadma lake), whose lifetime is one pit-measured period (playa) and who live with Sāmānikas (co-chiefs) and Pāriṣadas (counsellors). A sāmānika is a deity who is equal to Indra in life-span, power and enjoyment but lack grandeur. The pāriṣadas (counsellors) are friendly deities who are members of Indra’s council.

Jambūdvīpa (where lies the Mahāpadma lake) is in the centre of all continents and oceans; all continents and oceans are concentric circles with Jambūdvīpa in the centre. Like the navel is in the centre of the body, Jambūdvīpa is in the centre of all continents and oceans. Sumeru Mount is in the centre of Jambūdvīpa. It is also called Mount Sudarśana.

Source: HereNow4u: Jain Dharma ka Maulika Itihasa (2)

Mahāpadma (महापद्म) refers to the future Tīrthaṃkara of the next Utsarpiṇi Kāla, according to the Sthānāṅga (Sthānāṃga), one of the Dvādaśāṅgī (twelve Aṅgas) of Jainism.—Sthānāṅga occupies the third place in Dvādaśāṅgī. [...] It consists of one Śruta skaṇdha, 10 chapters, 21 topics, 21 sub topics and 72000 verses. The available text of this Sūtra has 3770 verses. [...] In the ninth place of Sthānāṅga, the life of Mahāpadmadef, the future Tīrthaṃkara of the next Utsarpiṇi Kāla has been described.

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.

Discover the meaning of mahapadma in the context of General definition from relevant books on Exotic India

India history and geography

Source: archive.org: Nilamata Purana: a cultural and literary study (history)

1) Mahāpadma (महापद्म) is the name of a sacred spot mentioned in the Nīlamatapurāṇa.—Mahāpadma is the famous Volur lake in the western portion of Kaśmīra valley.

2) Mahāpadma (महापद्म) is the name of a Nāga mentioned in the Nīlamatapurāṇa.—Mahāpadma, it is stated, occupied the city of Candrapura, after getting it in charity through trickery from the king Viśvagaśva.

Source: eScholarship: Gāruḍa Medicine (history)

Mahāpadma (महापद्म).—In the Nīlamatapurāṇa (verses 1021, 1024, and 1387), mahāpadmasara is the proper name of a specific lake inhabited by the great nāga named Mahāpadma. This lake northwest of Srinagar in Kashmir is now known as Wular.

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 mahapadma in the context of India history from relevant books on Exotic India

Languages of India and abroad

Marathi-English dictionary

[«previous next»] — Mahapadma in Marathi glossary
Source: DDSA: The Molesworth Marathi and English Dictionary

mahāpadma (महापद्म).—m (S) A million of millions. 2 One of the nidhi or treasures of the god kubēra.

Source: DDSA: The Aryabhusan school dictionary, Marathi-English

mahāpadma (महापद्म).—m A million of millions.

context information

Marathi is an Indo-European language having over 70 million native speakers people in (predominantly) Maharashtra India. Marathi, like many other Indo-Aryan languages, evolved from early forms of Prakrit, which itself is a subset of Sanskrit, one of the most ancient languages of the world.

Discover the meaning of mahapadma in the context of Marathi from relevant books on Exotic India

Sanskrit dictionary

[«previous next»] — Mahapadma in Sanskrit glossary
Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionary

Mahāpadma (महापद्म).—

1) a particular high number.

2) Name of Nārada.

3) Name of one of the nine treasures of Kubera.

4) Name of the southernmost elephant supporting the world.

5) an epithet of Nanda.

6) a Kinnara attendant on Kubera. (-dmam) 1 a white lotus.

2) Name of a city. °पतिः (patiḥ) Name of Nanda.

Derivable forms: mahāpadmaḥ (महापद्मः).

Mahāpadma is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms mahā and padma (पद्म).

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Edgerton Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Dictionary

Mahāpadma (महापद्म).—m. (compare Padma 5), name of a cold hell: Mahāvyutpatti 4936; Dharmasaṃgraha 122; Divyāvadāna 67.23; 138.8; Avadāna-śataka i.4.9 etc.; °padumo (n. sg.) Śikṣāsamuccaya 75.10 (prose).

--- OR ---

Mahāpadmā (महापद्मा).—name of a medicinal or magic herb: Gaṇḍavyūha 497.24.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Mahāpadma (महापद्म).—m.

(-dmaḥ) 1. One of the principal Nagas or serpents of Patala. 2. One of Kuvera'S Nidhis or treasures. 3. A large number, one hundred thousand millions. 4. A Kinnara or attendant on Kuve- Ra. n.

(-dmaṃ) The large white lotus. E. mahā great, and padma a lotus.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Benfey Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Mahāpadma (महापद्म).—I. m. 1. one of the Nāgas. 2. one of Kuvera's treasures. 3. a Kiṃnara, or attendant on Kuvera. 4. a large number, one hundred thousand millions, Mahābhārata 2, 2143. 5. the name of a lake, [Rājataraṅgiṇī] 5, 68; 103. Ii. n. the white lotus.

Mahāpadma is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms mahā and padma (पद्म).

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Aufrecht Catalogus Catalogorum

Mahāpadma (महापद्म) as mentioned in Aufrecht’s Catalogus Catalogorum:—kāvya. Rādh. 21.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary

1) Mahāpadma (महापद्म):—[=mahā-padma] [from mahā > mah] m. ([cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]) or n. a [particular] high number, [Mahābhārata; Rāmāyaṇa; Līlāvatī of bhāskara]

2) [v.s. ...] m. Name of one of the 9 treasures of Kubera, [Catalogue(s); cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]

3) [v.s. ...] (with Jainas) Name of a [particular] treasure inhabited by a Nāga, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]

4) [v.s. ...] of one of the 8 t° connected with the Padminī magical art, [Mārkaṇḍeya-purāṇa]

5) [v.s. ...] of a hell, [Divyāvadāna] (one of the 8 cold hells, [Dharmasaṃgraha 122])

6) [v.s. ...] a kind of serpent, [Suśruta]

7) [v.s. ...] Name of a Nāga dwelling in the Mahā-padma treasure mentioned above, [Harivaṃśa; Viṣṇu-purāṇa] etc.

8) [v.s. ...] of the southernmost of the elephants that support the earth, [Mahābhārata; Rāmāyaṇa] ([Indian Wisdom, by Sir M. Monier-Williams 432])

9) [v.s. ...] of Nanda, [Purāṇa]

10) [v.s. ...] of a son of N°, [Buddhist literature]

11) [v.s. ...] of a Dānava, [Harivaṃśa]

12) [v.s. ...] a Kiṃ-nara or attendant on Kubera, [Monier-Williams’ Sanskrit-English Dictionary]

13) [v.s. ...] a species of esculent root, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]

14) [v.s. ...] n. a white lotus flower, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]

15) [v.s. ...] the figure of a wh° l° fl°, [Kathāsaritsāgara; Mārkaṇḍeya-purāṇa; Rāmatāpanīya-upaniṣad]

16) [v.s. ...] a [particular] compound of oil, [Caraka]

17) [v.s. ...] Name of a city on the right bank of the Ganges, [Mahābhārata]

18) [v.s. ...] m. or n. (?) Name of a Kāvya

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Yates Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Mahāpadma (महापद्म):—[mahā-padma] (dmaḥ) 1. m. A principal Nāga; one of Kuvera's treasures or attendants; a hundred thousand millions. n. Large white lotus.

[Sanskrit to German]

Mahapadma in German

context information

Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.

Discover the meaning of mahapadma in the context of Sanskrit from relevant books on Exotic India

Kannada-English dictionary

[«previous next»] — Mahapadma in Kannada glossary
Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpus

Mahāpadma (ಮಹಾಪದ್ಮ):—

1) [noun] the white lotus plant (Nelumbo nucifer = Nelumbium speciosum, of Nymphaeaceae family).

2) [noun] its flower.

3) [noun] (myth.) one of the nine treasures of Kubēra, the Regent of Wealth.

4) [noun] (myth.) name of a huge serpent.

5) [noun] one of the eight mythological elephants, that are supposed to be bearing the earth on eight sides.

6) [noun] (myth.) name of a hell.

7) [noun] (math.) a number (1 followed by twelve zeros).

context information

Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.

Discover the meaning of mahapadma in the context of Kannada from relevant books on Exotic India

See also (Relevant definitions)

Relevant text

Let's grow together!

I humbly request your help to keep doing what I do best: provide the world with unbiased sources, definitions and images. Your donation direclty influences the quality and quantity of knowledge, wisdom and spiritual insight the world is exposed to.

Let's make the world a better place together!

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: