In Hinduism

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Nāgadharā (नागधरा) refers to “she who holds a snake”, according to the Kulakaulinīmata verse 3.82-88.—Accordingly, “[...] 4) Chedinī (the Piercing One) is blue. She holds a sword and club (kheṭaka). 5) Dakṣā (Skillful) is dark blue and, auspicious, holds a snake and noose [i.e., nāgadharā—nāgapāśadharā]. 6) Strī is yellow and has a flag as (her) attribute. [...]”.

context information

Shakta (शाक्त, śākta) or Shaktism (śāktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.

India history and geography

Source: Wisdom Library: India History

Nagadhara (or, Nāgadhāra) refers to one of the 84 castes (gaccha) in the Jain community according to Prof. H. H. Wilson. The Jain caste and sub-caste system was a comparatively later development within their community, and it may have arisen from the ancient classification of Brāhmaṇa, Kṣatriya, Vaiśya and Śūdra. Before distinction of these classes (such as Nagadhara), the society was not divided into distinct separate sections, but all were considered as different ways of life and utmost importance was attached to individual chartacter and mode of behaviour.

According to Dr. Vilas Adinath Sangava, “Jainism does not recognise castes (viz., Nagadhara) as such and at the same time the Jaina books do not specifically obstruct the observance of caste rules by the members of the Jaina community. The attitude of Jainism towards caste is that it is one of the social practices, unconnected with religion, observed by people; and it was none of its business to regulate the working of the caste system” (source).

The legendary account of the origin of these 84 Jain castes (e.g., Nagadhara) relate that once a rich Jain invited members of the Jain community in order to establish a vaiśya-mahāsabhā (i.e. Central Association of Traders). In response, 84 representatives came from different places, and they were later seen as the progenitors of these castes. Various sources however mention differences in the list.

context information

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

Kannada-English dictionary

Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpus

Nagadhara (ನಗಧರ):—

1) [noun] (myth.) Křshṇa, who held a mountain on his finger tip.

2) [noun] (Jain.) Lakṣmaṇa, Rāma’s younger brother and a hero in Rāmāyaṇa.

context information

Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.

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