In Hinduism

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Saunī (सौनी) refers to a “(female) butcher woman” and is identified with the sacred site of Kollā and the Mātṛkā named Kaumārī, according to the Mādhavakula and the Devyāyāmala (both Kālī Tantras that prescribe the worship of Kālasaṃkarṣaṇī as the supreme form of Kālī).—According to the Kubjikā Tantras, the eight major Kaula sacred sites each have a house occupied by a woman of low caste who is identified with a Mother (Mātṛkā).—[...] Kollā is identified with (a) the class of fisherwoman (kaivartī) [or butcher woman (saunī)], (b) the Mātṛkā or ‘mother’ named Kaumārī, and (c) with the location of ‘throat’.

context information

Shakta (शाक्त, śākta) or Shaktism (śāktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.

India history and geography

Source: Wisdom Library: India History

Sauni (or, Saunī) refers to one of the 84 castes (gaccha) in the Jain community according to local Gujarat tradition. The Jain caste and sub-caste system was a comparatively later development within their community, and it may have arisen from the ancient classification of Brāhmaṇa, Kṣatriya, Vaiśya and Śūdra. Before distinction of these classes (such as Sauni), the society was not divided into distinct separate sections, but all were considered as different ways of life and utmost importance was attached to individual chartacter and mode of behaviour.

According to Dr. Vilas Adinath Sangava, “Jainism does not recognise castes (viz., Sauni) as such and at the same time the Jaina books do not specifically obstruct the observance of caste rules by the members of the Jaina community. The attitude of Jainism towards caste is that it is one of the social practices, unconnected with religion, observed by people; and it was none of its business to regulate the working of the caste system” (source).

The legendary account of the origin of these 84 Jain castes (e.g., Sauni) relate that once a rich Jain invited members of the Jain community in order to establish a vaiśya-mahāsabhā (i.e. Central Association of Traders). In response, 84 representatives came from different places, and they were later seen as the progenitors of these castes. Various sources however mention differences in the list.

context information

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

Prakrit-English dictionary

Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary

1) Sauṇi (सौणि) in the Prakrit language is related to the Sanskrit word: Śakuni.

2) Sauṇī (सौणी) also relates to the Sanskrit word: Śakunikā.

2) Sauṇī has the following synonyms: Sauṇia, Sauṇigā.

context information

Prakrit is an ancient language closely associated with both Pali and Sanskrit. Jain literature is often composed in this language or sub-dialects, such as the Agamas and their commentaries which are written in Ardhamagadhi and Maharashtri Prakrit. The earliest extant texts can be dated to as early as the 4th century BCE although core portions might be older.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Starts with: Saunia, Sauniga, Sauniteya, Shaunika, Shaunikashastra.

Ends with: Basabisauni, Besauni, Bisauni, Bisauni, Kshauni, Pisauni, Ranakshauni, Saikala-bisauni, Samjhauni-birsauni.

Full-text: Shakuni, Sauniga, Shakunika, Saunia, Kulagiri, Kollagiri, Kaivarti, Kolla, Kaumari.

Relevant text

No search results for Sauni, Saunī, Sauṇi, Sauṇī; (plurals include: Saunis, Saunīs, Sauṇis, Sauṇīs) in any book or story.