In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: academia.edu: La maternité adoptive de la déesse dans le Skandapurāṇa

Nāgamukha (नागमुख) refers to the “mouths of the Nāgas” or “elephant-faced” (i.e., Gaṇeśa), according to Kalhaṇa’s Rājataraṅgiṇī verse 1.29.—Accordingly, “There Gaurī, though she has assumed the form of the Vitastā, still keeps her wonted inclination. [For in her river-shape] she turns her face towards the ravine, just as [in her godlike form] she turns it towards [her son] Kumara ; [in her river-shape] the mouths of the Nāgas (nāgamukha) drink her abundant water, just as [in her godlike form her] elephant-faced [son Gaṇeśa] (nāgamukha), drank her abundant milk”.

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.

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Source: The University of Sydney: A study of the Twelve Reflections

Nāgamukha (नागमुख) refers to the “mouth of a serpent”, according to the 11th century Jñānārṇava, a treatise on Jain Yoga in roughly 2200 Sanskrit verses composed by Śubhacandra.—Accordingly, “The three worlds, which are made foolish by the action of the poison of lust, are fast asleep in this gaping mouth of Yama’s serpent [com.—yama-nāgamukha-vivara—‘the gaping mouth of Yama’s serpent’] which is marked by fangs of destruction. While this one whose disposition is pitiless is devouring everyone, certainly there is no way out from this for you, noble fellow, by any means [even] with some difficulty without knowledge of what is beyond the senses. [Thus ends the reflection on] helplessness”.

Synonyms: Bhogivaktra.

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)

Partial matches: Mukha, Naga.

Full-text: Bhogivaktra.

Relevant text

No search results for Nagamukha, Nāgamukha, Nāga-mukha, Naga-mukha; (plurals include: Nagamukhas, Nāgamukhas, mukhas) in any book or story.