Rajacakra, Rājacakra, Raja-cakra: 3 definitions

Introduction:

Rajacakra means something in Jainism, Prakrit, 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.

Alternative spellings of this word include Rajachakra.

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

[«previous next»] — Rajacakra in Jainism glossary
Source: archive.org: Trisastisalakapurusacaritra

Rājacakra (राजचक्र) refers to the “cirde of a king’s neighbors” (i.e., with whom he maintains relations), according to chapter 1.3 [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 son of Vṛṣabha shone with garments and pearl-omaments that were like his own exceedingly pure virtues. From a desire for their own prosperity the circle of kings [viz., rājacakra] paid homage to the new king, a suitable recipient of great honor like the new moon”.

Note: Here cakra equals the more usual maṇḍala—the cirde of a king’s neighbors with whom he maintains relations. The number varies from 4 to 12, but Hemacandra makes it twelve. Triṣaṣṭiśalākāpuruṣacaritra 10.ii.307.

General definition book cover
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.

Discover the meaning of rajacakra in the context of General definition from relevant books on Exotic India

Languages of India and abroad

Sanskrit dictionary

[«previous next»] — Rajacakra in Sanskrit glossary
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Rājacakra (राजचक्र):—[=rāja-cakra] [from rāja > rāj] n. the wheel of a k°’s chariot (krampra-√vṛt, [Causal] to cause it to roll over the earth, obtain sovereignty), [Mahābhārata]

[Sanskrit to German]

Rajacakra in German

context information

Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.

Discover the meaning of rajacakra in the context of Sanskrit from relevant books on Exotic India

See also (Relevant definitions)

Relevant text

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: