Mahopadrava, Maha-upadrava: 1 definition

Introduction:

Mahopadrava means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. 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 Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

[«previous next»] — Mahopadrava in Purana glossary
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Mahopadrava (महोपद्रव) refers to “great havoc”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.3.15 (“The penance and reign of Tārakāsura”).—Accordingly, as Brahmā narrated: “Thus with ardour, the king of the demons [i.e., Tāraka] performed the severe penance duly unbearable even to those who heard about it. O sage, in the process of such a penance, a huge mass of light shot up from his head and spread all round. It caused great havoc [i.e., mahopadrava-kṛt]. All the worlds of the gods were well nigh consumed by it alone. O sage, all the celestial sages were hard hit and distressed. [...]”.

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.

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