Mahashilakantaka, Mahāśilākaṇṭaka, Mahashila-kantaka: 1 definition

Introduction
In Jainism
1. General definition
See also

Introduction:

Mahashilakantaka means something in Jainism, Prakrit. 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 Mahāśilākaṇṭaka can be transliterated into English as Mahasilakantaka or Mahashilakantaka, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Source: archive.org: Trisastisalakapurusacaritra

Mahāśilākaṇṭaka (महाशिलाकण्टक) refers to a “battle which had big stones and a thorn”, according to the Triṣaṣṭiśalākāpuruṣacarita, book 10 chapter 12.—Accordingly, “[...] Indra Camara thought fit to make a battle which had big stones and a thorn,[2] and a second which had a chariot and a mace, leading to victory. In the first a pebble that had fallen would resemble a large stone. The thorn would be superior to a large weapon. In the second the chariot and the mace roam without an operator. [...]”.

Note: Hemacandra’s interpretation of mahāśilākaṇṭaka is different from Abhayadeva’s comentary to the Bhagavatī, according to Hoernle, Uvāsagadasāo, Appendix III, p. 59. Hemacandra makes two separate things: mahāśilā and kaṇṭaka, whereas Abhayadeva takes kaṇṭaka to equal mahāśilā.

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.

Relevant text

Search found 2 books and stories containing Mahashilakantaka, Mahāśilākaṇṭaka, Mahashila-kantaka, Mahāśilā-kaṇṭaka, Mahasilakantaka, Mahasila-kantaka; (plurals include: Mahashilakantakas, Mahāśilākaṇṭakas, kantakas, kaṇṭakas, Mahasilakantakas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Part 2 - Account of Mahāśilākaṇṭaka battle < [Chapter 9]

Part 3 - Account of Rathamūṣala battle < [Chapter 9]

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Appendix 6.2: new and rare words < [Appendices]

Part 7: War between Kūṇika and Ceṭaka < [Chapter XII - Omniscience and wandering of Mahāvīra]