Ratnashaila, Ratnaśaila, Ratna-shaila: 3 definitions
Introduction:
Ratnashaila means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, 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 Ratnaśaila can be transliterated into English as Ratnasaila or Ratnashaila, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Hinduism
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: The Purana Index1a) Ratnaśaila (रत्नशैल).—(Ratnācalam): of thousand pearls is the best; then of 500 and 300; with 250 pearls Viṣkambhaparvatas to be made around the principal one; the giver is relieved from Brahmahatti and other sins.*
- * Matsya-purāṇa 83. 6; 90. 1.
1b) A chief hill of Krauñcadvīpa like Vaḍavāmukha.*
- * Viṣṇu-purāṇa II. 4. 50.
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: archive.org: TrisastisalakapurusacaritraRatnaśaila (रत्नशैल) refers to the “mountain of jewels”, according to chapter 2.2 [ajitanātha-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 the Dikkumārikās said to Jinendra and the Jina’s mother: “Hail! Long live! Rejoice, you whose son is for the delight of the world. O Mother of the World, this is a fortunate moment for us to-day because of the sight of you. The ocean (Ratnākara), Ratnaśaila (mountain of jewels), and the earth (Ratnagarbhā)—these are useless. You alone are the source of jewels, since you have borne this jewel of a son. We Dikkumārikās, living in the center of Rucaka, have come here to perform the Arhat’s birth-ceremonies. You must not be afraid”.
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.
Languages of India and abroad
Sanskrit dictionary
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Edgerton Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit DictionaryRatnaśaila (रत्नशैल).—name of a former Buddha: Avadāna-śataka i.91.13 ff.
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Shaila, Ratna.
Full-text: Ratnagarbha, Ratnakara.
Relevant text
Search found 3 books and stories containing Ratnashaila, Ratnaśaila, Ratna-shaila, Ratnasaila, Ratna-śaila, Ratna-saila; (plurals include: Ratnashailas, Ratnaśailas, shailas, Ratnasailas, śailas, sailas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
The Matsya Purana (critical study) (by Kushal Kalita)
Part 5.2 - The ten Merudānas < [Chapter 4 - Religious aspects of the Matsyapurāṇa]
Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra (by Helen M. Johnson)
Part 7: Birth-rites performed by Dikkumārīs < [Chapter II - Birth of Ajita and Sagara]
The Padma Purana (by N.A. Deshpande)
Chapter 21 - The greatness of Puṣkara and some important vows < [Section 1 - Sṛṣṭi-khaṇḍa (section on creation)]