Mahava, Māhava: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Mahava 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.
In Jainism
General definition (in Jainism)
Source: Singhi Jain Series: Ratnaprabha-suri’s Kuvalayamala-kathaMāhava (or Māhavasirī) refers to one of the “personified beauties”, according to the 8th-century Kuvalayamālā written by Uddyotanasūri, a Prakrit Campū (similar to Kāvya poetry) narrating the love-story between Prince Candrāpīḍa and the Apsaras Kādambarī.—The Campū opens with salutations to the great Tirthaṃkaras on the occasion of whose birth even the gods take part in the great festival, clapping their hands with bejewelled bracelets (maṇivalaya, 1.2). The personified beauty mentioned as māhava-sirī, giṃha-lacchī, pāusa-sirī, saraya-lacchī and hemaṃta-sirī is full of beautiful expression not found elsewhere.
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.
Languages of India and abroad
Prakrit-English dictionary
Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary1) Māhava (माहव) in the Prakrit language is related to the Sanskrit word: Mātula.
Māhava has the following synonyms: Māmvaha.
2) Māhava (माहव) also relates to the Sanskrit word: Mādhava.
Prakrit is an ancient language closely associated with both Pali and Sanskrit. Jain literature is often composed in this language or sub-dialects, such as the Agamas and their commentaries which are written in Ardhamagadhi and Maharashtri Prakrit. The earliest extant texts can be dated to as early as the 4th century BCE although core portions might be older.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with (+129): Mahava-siri, Mahavacakala, Mahavacchagotta Sutta, Mahavada, Mahavaddavyavaharin, Mahavadha, Mahavadin, Mahavagga, Mahavagvadini, Mahavahana, Mahavaidya, Mahavailastha, Mahavainna, Mahavaipulya, Mahavaipulyasutra, Mahavaira, Mahavairaja, Mahavairaji, Mahavairocana, Mahavairocana Tantra.
Full-text: Madhava, Matula, Mamvaha, Mahava-siri, Ulugh-khan, Ulukhana, Manivalaya, Pausa-siri, Hemamta-siri, Hemanta, Pausha, Gimha-lacchi, Saraya-lacchi.
Relevant text
Search found 2 books and stories containing Mahava, Māhava; (plurals include: Mahavas, Māhavas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana (by Gaurapada Dāsa)
Text 4.71 < [Chapter 4 - First-rate Poetry]
Malatimadhava (study) (by Jintu Moni Dutta)
Part 2g - Act-wise Summary of the Mālatīmādhava < [Chapter 1 - Introduction]