The Sanskrit term Mahāśukra can be transliterated into English as Mahasukra or Mahashukra, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Jainism

Mahāśukra (महाशुक्र) refers to a heavenly abode (kalpa) inhabited by Kalpopapanna gods, according to Jain cosmological texts in both the Śvetāmbara and Digambara tradition. The Kalpopapannas (‘those born in the heavens’) represent a sub-species of the Vaimānika gods, which in turn represents the fourth main classification of devas (gods). This kalpa is also known as Mahāśukrakalpa. In this specific kalpa, instead of bodily coition, a more and more refined sort of sexual satisfaction takes its place. The associated leśyā is white. There are ten such kalpas being ruled over by sixty-four Indras (heavenly kings).

In Jain iconography, the associated animal symbol of the Mahāśukra-kalpa is a horse (prakrit and sanskrit: haya). These animals are depicted in a cosmological text of the Śvetāmbara tradition known as the Saṃgrahaṇīratna (“jewel of the compilation”), also known as the Trailokyadīpikā (“illumination of the triple world”), written by Śrīcandra in the 12th century.

Source: Encyclopedia of Jainism: Tattvartha Sutra 4: The celestial beings (deva)

Mahāśukra (महाशुक्र) refers to one of the sixteen heavens (kalpa) hosting the sixteen classes of empyrean celestial beings (vaimānika), according to the 2nd-century Tattvārthasūtra 4.19. The living beings residing in the vimānas are called the empyrean gods (vaimānika) and represents one of the four classes of Devas.

What is the number of layers in Śukra and Mahāśukra heaven pairs? There is one layer there. Which thought-colourations are there in Śukra-Mahāśukra and Śatāra-Sahasrāra gods? They have pink and white thought-colouration. What is the maximum lifespan of deities in Śukra-Mahāśukra kalpas? It is slightly more than sixteen ocean-measured-periods (sāgara) for both.

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)

Starts with: Mahashukrakalpa.

Full-text: Vaimanika, Shukra, Kalpa, Mahashukrakalpa, Sahasrara, Shatara, Kulanandana, Tilakasundara, Vajradatta, Bhupala, Kalpopapanna.

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Search found 4 books and stories containing Mahashukra, Mahāśukra, Mahasukra; (plurals include: Mahashukras, Mahāśukras, Mahasukras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary) (by Vijay K. Jain)

Verse 4.19 - The sixteen Kalpa, nine Graiveyaka and five Anuttara < [Chapter 4 - The Celestial Beings]

Verse 4.8 - Pleasures of the deva beyond the Aiśāna kalpa < [Chapter 4 - The Celestial Beings]

Verse 4.21 - Motion, stature, attachment and pride < [Chapter 4 - The Celestial Beings]

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Paumacariya (critical study) (by K. R. Chandra)

57. The previous births of Madhu and Kaitabha < [Chapter 4 - Intervening Stories]

11.1. Supernatural beings and their abodes < [Chapter 7 - Social Conditions]

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Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra (by Helen M. Johnson)

Part 1: Birth of Gaṅgadatta < [Chapter V - Birth of Rāma, Kṛṣṇa, and Ariṣṭanemi]

Part 24: Marriage with Somaśrī < [Chapter II - Marriages of Vasudeva with maidens]

Part 2: Previous births of Subhūma < [Chapter IV - Subhūmacakravartīcaritra]

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Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti) (by K. C. Lalwani)

Part 5 - Silent questions by two gods < [Chapter 4]

Part 8 - Monk Kurudattaputra and other heavens < [Chapter 1]

Part 12 - On celestial positions < [Chapter 2]

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