In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Source: archive.org: Trisastisalakapurusacaritra

Rādhāvedha (राधावेध) refers to a particular feat of archery (i.e., “a method of shooting in which the left eye of a doll whirling in a circle is hit”), as mentioned in chapter 1.5 [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: “[...] The King of Takṣaśilā whirled his staff, disagreeable to look at like a snake, constantly in one hand. The staff, whirled very rapidly by Sunandā’s son, had the appearance of the revolving circle of the rādhāvedha. Revolving like the ādimatsya in the vortex of a whirlpool of the ocean at the end of the world, it made the eyes whirl when it was looked at”.

Note: In the rādhāvedha, the archer must hit the left eye of a doll fastened to a revolving wheel. According to some, he could not look at the doll, but only at its reflection in a basin of oil below.

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)

Full-text: Adimatsya.

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Search found 2 books and stories containing Radhavedha, Rādhāvedha; (plurals include: Radhavedhas, Rādhāvedhas). 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)

Part 2: Youth of Ajita and Sagara < [Chapter III - The initiation and omniscience of Ajita]

Part 22: Duel between Tripṛṣṭha and Hayagrīva < [Chapter I - Śreyāṃsanāthacaritra]

Part 11: The fight between Bharata and Bāhubali < [Chapter V]

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Nitiprakasika (Critical Analysis) (by S. Anusha)

Chapter 5: Conclusion

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