Rajaputra, aka: Rājaputra, Rajan-putra; 7 Definition(s)

Introduction

Rajaputra means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, the history of ancient India, Marathi. 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.

In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Rājaputra (राजपुत्र, “prince”) refers to one of the fifty-six vināyakas located at Kāśī (Vārāṇasī), and forms part of a sacred pilgrimage (yātrā), described in the Kāśīkhaṇḍa (Skanda-purāṇa 4.2.57). He is also known as Rājaputravināyaka, Rājaputragaṇeśa and Rājaputravighneśa. These fifty-six vināyakas are positioned at the eight cardinal points in seven concentric circles (8x7). They center around a deity named Ḍhuṇḍhirāja (or Ḍhuṇḍhi-vināyaka) positioned near the Viśvanātha temple, which lies at the heart of Kāśī, near the Gaṅges. This arrangement symbolises the interconnecting relationship of the macrocosmos, the mesocosmos and the microcosmos.

Rājaputra is positioned in the North-Eastern corner of the second circle of the kāśī-maṇḍala. According to Rana Singh (source), his shrine is located at “Raj Ghat Road to Adi Keshava, A 37/ 48”. Worshippers of Rājaputra will benefit from his quality, which is defined as “the protector and saviour of the kingdom”. His coordinates are: Lat. 25.19750, Lon. 83.02383 (or, 25°11'51.0"N, 83°01'25.8"E) (Google maps)

Kāśī (Vārāṇasī) is a holy city in India and represents the personified form of the universe deluded by the Māyā of Viṣṇu. It is described as a fascinating city which is beyond the range of vision of Giriśa (Śiva) having both the power to destroy great delusion, as well as creating it.

Rājaputra, and the other vināyakas, are described in the Skandapurāṇa (the largest of the eighteen mahāpurāṇas). This book narrates the details and legends surrounding numerous holy pilgrimages (tīrtha-māhātmya) throughout India. It is composed of over 81,000 metrical verses with the core text dating from the before the 4th-century CE.

1a) Rājaputra (राजपुत्र).—A name of Budha, the son of Rājasoma and the originator of the science of elephantology.^*

• * Matsya-purāṇa 24. 3.

1b) Prince; special teachers are to be appointed to teach him Dharma, Artha and Kāma śāstras, to train him in elephant riding, chariot riding, and in arts and crafts; he must have his bodyguard so that he may not mix with the undesirables and may control his senses; he must live in a private residence, for an ill-disciplined prince will root out the family.¹ A possible internal enemy of the king.²

• 1) Matsya-purāṇa 220. 1-6
• 2) Ib. 223. 9.

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.

Arthashastra (politics and welfare)

Rājaputra (राजपुत्र) refers to a “prince” and represents an official title used in the political management of townships in ancient India. Officers, ministers, and sovereigns bearing such titles [eg., Rājaputra] were often present in ancient inscriptions when, for example, the king wanted to address his subjects or make an important announcement.

context information

Arthashastra (अर्थशास्त्र, arthaśāstra) literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.

India history and geogprahy

Rāja-putra.—(EI 30; CII 3; 4; HD), originally ‘a prince’; title of princes and subordinate rulers; but later a title of nobi- lity especially in the modified forms Rāvata, Rāuta, etc.; some- times also used in the sense of ‘a Rājpūt’ often explained as ‘a horse-man’. Cf. Ep. Ind., Vol. XVII, p. 321. See Rāja- putraka. Note: rāja-putra is defined in the “Indian epigraphical glossary” as it can be found on ancient inscriptions commonly written in Sanskrit, Prakrit or Dravidian languages.

context information

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

Marathi-English dictionary

rājaputra (राजपुत्र).—m (S) A son of a king. 2 A Kshatriya or man of the military tribe.

rājaputra (राजपुत्र).—m A son of a king, a prince.

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