Mahapurusha, aka: Maha-purusha, Mahāpuruṣa; 7 Definition(s)

Introduction

Mahapurusha means something in Jainism, Prakrit, Hinduism, Sanskrit, 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.

The Sanskrit term Mahāpuruṣa can be transliterated into English as Mahapurusa or Mahapurusha, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Mahāpuruṣa (महापुरुष) refers to a class of kimpuruṣa deities according to both the Digambara and the Śvetāmbara traditions. The kimpuruṣas refer to a category of vyantaras gods which represents one of the four classes of celestial beings (devas). The kimpuruṣas are are golden in appearance according to Digambara, but white in complexion with very bright faces according to Śvetāmbara.

The deities such as the Mahāpuruṣas 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.

Mahāpuruṣa (महापुरुष) refers to one of the two Indras (lords) of the Kimpuruṣa class of “peripatetic celestial beings” (vyantara), itself a main division of devas (celestial beings) according to the 2nd-century Tattvārthasūtra 4.6. Satpuruṣa and Mahāpuruṣa are the two lords in the class ‘sex-obsessed’ peripatetic celestial beings.

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.

India history and geogprahy

Mahāpuruṣa.—(BL), same as the god Viṣṇu. (EI 7), official designation; probably, the same as Mahā- manuṣya. Note: mahāpuruṣa is defined in the “Indian epigraphical glossary” as it can be found on ancient inscriptions commonly written in Sanskrit, Prakrit or Dravidian languages.

context information

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as 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.

Languages of India and abroad

Marathi-English dictionary

mahāpuruṣa (महापुरुष).—m (S) The Supreme Being. 2 Any great saint or sage. 3 A term applied to a Pishach supposed to be the spirit of a deceased Brahman.

mahāpuruṣa (महापुरुष).—m The Supreme Being. Any great sage.

Sanskrit-English dictionary

Mahāpuruṣa (महापुरुष).—

1) a great man, an eminent or distinguished personage; शब्दं महापुरुषसंविहितं निशम्य (śabdaṃ mahāpuruṣasaṃvihitaṃ niśamya) U. 6.7.

2) the Supreme Spirit.

3) an epithet of Viṣṇu.

Derivable forms: mahāpuruṣaḥ (महापुरुषः).

Mahāpuruṣa is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms mahā and puruṣa (पुरुष).

Mahāpuruṣa (महापुरुष).—m.

(-ṣaḥ) A great man. E. mahā and puruṣa a man.

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