Narakashandha, Nārakaṣaṇḍha, Naraka-shandha: 1 definition
Introduction:
Narakashandha 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.
The Sanskrit term Nārakaṣaṇḍha can be transliterated into English as Narakasandha or Narakashandha, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Jainism
General definition (in Jainism)
Source: archive.org: TrisastisalakapurusacaritraNārakaṣaṇḍha (नारकषण्ढ) refers to “hell-inhabitants”, as mentioned in chapter 1.1 [ādīśvara-caritra] of Hemacandra’s 11th century Triṣaṣṭiśalākāpuruṣacaritra: an ancient Sanskrit epic poem narrating the history and legends of sixty-three illustrious persons in Jainism.
Accordingly, as Muni Yugandhara said to Nirnāmikā (daughter of Nāgaśrī and Nāgila):
“[...] What pain is yours, lady, thinking yourself afflicted? Hear the afflictions of others. From the modifications of their karma souls are born in hell, doomed to be cut apart, doomed to mutilation, and to have their heads cut off. [...] The hell-inhabitants, reminded of their former actions, are not allowed to exist even a moment in hell without pain. O child, the hell-eunuchs’ [viz., ] pain causes pain to people just from being heard in entirety.. [...]”.
Note: Hell-inhabitants and Jīvas arising from coagulation are neuter, napuṃsaka.—(cf. Tattvārthādhigamasūtra 2.50.)
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)
Relevant text
Search found 1 books and stories containing Narakashandha, Nārakaṣaṇḍha, Naraka-shandha, Nāraka-ṣaṇḍha, Naraka-sandha, Narakasandha; (plurals include: Narakashandhas, Nārakaṣaṇḍhas, shandhas, ṣaṇḍhas, sandhas, Narakasandhas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra (by Helen M. Johnson)
Appendix 2.3: new and rare words < [Appendices]
Part 13: Fifth incarnation as the Īśāna god < [Chapter I]