Shula, Śūlā, Śūla, Śūla, Sūla: 50 definitions

Introduction
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In Hinduism
In Buddhism
1. Tibetan Buddhism
In Jainism
1. General definition
India history
Languages
1. Pali
2. Marathi
3. Sanskrit
4. Hindi
5. Prakrit
6. Kannada
7. Nepali
See also
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Introduction:

Shula means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit, the history of ancient India, Marathi, Hindi. 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 terms Śūlā and Śūla and Śūla can be transliterated into English as Sula or Shula, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

Alternative spellings of this word include Shool.

Images (photo gallery)

In Hinduism

Shilpashastra (iconography)

Source: Google Books: The Theory of Citrasutras in Indian Painting

Śūla (शूल, ‘spear’) is a weapon (āyudha or bādhra) according to the Vāstusūtra Upaniṣad.

Source: Google Books: Elements of Hindu iconography

Śūla is the trident which is the favourite weapon of Śiva. It is represented in many forms; and the essential feature of all these is the triple metal pike ending in sharp points and mounted upon a long wooden handle.

Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts (shilpa)

1) Śūla (शूल) refers to the “wooden frame” (for icons), as discussed in chapter 13 (Kriyāpāda) of the Padmasaṃhitā: the most widely followed of Saṃhitā covering the entire range of concerns of Pāñcarātra doctrine and practice (i.e., the four-fold formulation of subject matter—jñāna, yoga, kriyā and caryā) consisting of roughly 9000 verses.—Description of the chapter [śūlasthāpana-vidhi]: [...] An icon of clay should preferably be furnished with a śūla-frame made of wood. How to prepare a wood śūla-frame for the main image is given; the measurements, the sources of the pieces and their qualities, etc. (1-21). The number pieces in a śūla-frame is thirteen, and these together comprise the various parts of the icon (22-25). Since icons may alternatively be made of metal, a discussion follows of metal śūlas (26-33). When śūlas are going to be placed in the sanctuary (for final finishing) certain preliminaries must be seen to the sanctuary must be cleansed; [...] The ceremonies of “installing” the śūla-frame commence with an abhiṣeka (34-35); this is followed by a circumambulation of the sanctuary with the śūla-pieces before they are taken into the readied interior of the sanctuary (99-100). [...]

2) Śūla (शूल) refers to the “wood frame (for a plaster or clay icon)”, as discussed in chapter 6 of the Mārkaṇḍeyasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra text comprising some 2200 Sanskrit verses mainly dealing with temple-building, iconography, pūjā (worship procedures), utsava (festivities) and prāyaścitta (expiatory measures).—Description of chapter [śūla-sthāpana]: There are several steps that are involved in the so-called “śūla-sthāpana-ceremonies” (1-5). A piece of wood of a certain size should be procured, along with the acceptable kinds of clay [see preceding chapter]. After the clays are properly mixed, they are put in pots with some bark from trees and mixed with the drippings of raw meat. This mixture is set aside for one month (6-13а). To the piece of wood which has been procured certain places are measured off and assigned as parts of (the intended idol’s) body-face, thighs, wrists-and in so far as this is done a good image [pratimā] will result (13b-18). Śūla-adhivāsa-rites are then prepared for: [...]. After these things have been done he may place the śūla there (48-55). [...]

3) Śūla (शूल) refers to a “skeletal frame for an icon”, as discussed in chapter 5 of the Viṣvaksenasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra text comprising 2800 Sanskrit verses dealing with theological matters, image-worship, iconography (relating to pratimā-icons) and the construction of temples.—Description of the chapter [śūlasthāpana-vidhi]: Viṣvaksena speaks now of the śūla-form to be used as a kind of skeletal frame for an icon (made of plaster?). It is a roughly hewn shape in the form of the desired icon. [...] Only then, when the śūla-forms are thus installed [śūlasthāpana], is the pratimā-icon to be fashioned there in the sanctuary. [...]

4) Śūla (शूल) refers to the “frame” (of icons) chapter 7 of the Brahmarātra section of the Sanatkumārasaṃhitā: an encyclopedic Sanskrit text written in over 3500 verses dealing with a variety of topics such as yoga, temple-building, consecration ceremonies, initiation and dhanurveda (martial arts).—Description of the chapter [pratimā-lakṣaṇoddeśa]: [...] Speaking of the size of the pedestal, the focus then turns to measurements of pedestals (112-127), and then to specific measurements for various parts—fingers, nose, face, etc.—of the śūla-frames of various icons (128-179a). Continuing on the subject of śūla-forms, Sanatkumāra says that the form is to be placed on a śayana-couch and there wrapped with 64 strings representing the nerves and sinews of the Lord’s body. [...]

Source: Shodhganga: The significance of the mūla-beras (śilpa)

Śūla (शूल) represents “triguṇa” (Śiva’s three states), referring to one of the attributes of Lord Śiva, commonly seen depicted in Hindu iconography, defined according to texts dealing with śilpa (arts and crafs), known as śilpaśāstras.—The śilpa texts have classified the various accessories under the broad heading of āyudha or karuvi (implement), including even flowers, animals, and musical instruments. The accessories should be made of the same material with which the main image has been fashioned. Each of these accessories denotes the attributes of the images while in certain circumstances they denote particular divinity or character by themselves. Śūla, for example, signifies the attributes of Lord Śiva.

Śūla is the trident, which is the favourite weapon of Śiva. It is represented in many forms. The essential feature of all these is the triple metal pike ending in sharp points and mounted upon a long wooden handle.

context information

Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, śilpaśāstra) represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: Wisdom Library: Viṣṇu-purāṇa

Śūla (शूल) refers to “cholic” (muscular contractions of a hollow tube) and represents a type of Ādhyātmika pain of the bodily (śārīra) type, according to the Viṣṇu-purāṇa 6.5.1-6. Accordingly, “the wise man having investigated the three kinds of worldly pain, or mental and bodily affliction and the like, and having acquired true wisdom, and detachment from human objects, obtains final dissolution.”

Ādhyātmika and its subdivisions (e.g., śūla) represents one of the three types of worldly pain (the other two being ādhibhautika and ādhidaivika) and correspond to three kinds of affliction described in the Sāṃkhyakārikā.

The Viṣṇupurāṇa is one of the eighteen Mahāpurāṇas which, according to tradition was composed of over 23,000 metrical verses dating from at least the 1st-millennium BCE. There are six chapters (aṃśas) containing typical puranic literature but the contents primarily revolve around Viṣṇu and his avatars.

Source: Google Books: Cultural History from the Vāyu Purāna

Śūla (शूल, “spear”):—The śūla is almost always associated with Śiva in early Indian coins. The triśūla is found on the coins of the Pāñcāla king Rudragupta, on other early coins and on the coins of Vema Kadphises. The Vāyu-purāṇa associates śūla and triśūla with Śiva.

Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Śūla (शूल) refers to the “trident”, mentioned as one of the objects held in the hands of Śiva, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.2.6. Accordingly:—“[...] Directly perceiving the lord of Durgā she [viz., Sandhyā] eulogised the lord of the worlds: [...] Obeisance to Thee, the Yogin whose Saguṇa form is pure, lovely, bedecked in jewels, as white and clean as camphor and which holds in its hand the desired boon, fearlessness, the trident (śūla) and the scalp”.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: The Purana Index

1a) Śūla (शूल).—The trident, held by Gangā in worshipping Śiva in Meru.^*

* Vāyu-purāṇa 30. 92.

1b) A stake, mounting on; a punishment in hell.^*

* Viṣṇu-purāṇa VI. 5. 47.

Source: Shodhganga: The saurapurana - a critical study

Śūla (शूल) or Śūlavrata refers to type of Vrata (“religious observances”), according to the 10th century Saurapurāṇa: one of the various Upapurāṇas depicting Śaivism.—Accordingly, The Śūla-vrata is descirbed in the Saurapurāṇa 43.19ff by the Sūta.

Accordingly,

“This Śūla-vrata is to be observed on the amāvāsyā-tithi. The observer of this vow having controlled his sense organs for a year should fast on this day. At the end of the year he has to prepare a śūla (spear) of cake and proclaim the vrata. The observer should offer a lotus made of silver whose petals are of gold to Śiva and place it on the head with devotion. The other procedures are almost the same as that of the Umāmaheśvara-vrata.

The performer of this Śūla-vrata becomes released from all great sins like Brahmanicide and in the end attains liberation (pāragatiṃ). It is further said that if a person performs this vrata being steadfast for one year on the full-moon days and the new-moon days and at the end of a year proclaim the vrata to the fragrant image of Śiva also gets released of all great sins and attains liberation”.

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.

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Source: Wisdom Library: Ṣaṭsāhasra-saṃhitā

Śūlā (शूला):—One of the twelve guṇas associated with Kanda, the fifth seat of the Svādhiṣṭhāna-chakra. According to tantric sources such as the Śrīmatottara-tantra and the Gorakṣasaṃhitā (Kādiprakaraṇa), these twelve guṇas are represented as female deities. According to the Ṣaṭsāhasrasaṃhitā however, they are explained as particular syllables. They (e.g. Śūlā) only seem to play an minor role with regard to the interpretation of the Devīcakra (first of five chakras, as taught in the Kubjikāmata-tantra).

She is also known by the name Mūlā, according to the Gorakṣa-saṃhitā.

Source: Shodhganga: Temple management in the Āgamas

Śūla (शूल) refers to one of the various Devatā weapons and represents a type of “temple implement (instrument)” as described in the Karaṇalakṣaṇavidhi-paṭala section of the Uttara-Kāmikāgama.—The instruments should be according to the particular śāstra followed at the temple. Some of the instruments mentioned are weapons of all Devatās including [viz., śūla].

Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions

Śūla (शूल) refers to a “trident” (representing an attribute of one observing the raudravrata), according to the Kiraṇatantra chapter 49 (dealing with vratacaryā).—Accordingly, “Garuḍa spoke: ‘You have taught me, O great Lord, the activities of the Neophyte, the Putraka and the Ācārya. Tell me those of the Sādhaka’. The Lord spoke: ‘[...] This is the auspicious Raudra-vrata: imposing with a chignon of matted locks, marked by a trident (śūla) and khaṭvāṅga, equipped with a clean half skull, awe-inspiring with a third eye, clothed in the skin of a tiger, peaceful. For one firm [in this observance], the highest siddhi will arise in six months; middling [powers] in four months; the lowest [powers] will arise in three months. [...]’”.

context information

Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Source: Wisdom Library: Nāṭya-śāstra

1) Śūla (शूल) is a Sanskrit word referring to the “spear”. Acording to the Nāṭyaśāstra 1.82-88, when Brahmā, Indra and all other gods went to inspect the playhouse (nāṭyamaṇḍapa) designed by Viśvakarmā, he assigned different deities for the protection of the playhouse itself, as well as for the objects relating to dramatic performance (prayoga).

As such, Brahmā assigned Śūla to the top of the door. The protection of the playhouse was enacted because of the jealous Vighnas (malevolent spirits), who began to create terror for the actors.

2) Śūla (शूल) refers to the “spike”, a weapon which should measure should measure eight tālas (unit of measurement), according to Nāṭyaśāstra chapter 23. In dramatic plays, weapons such as śūla should be made by experts using proper measurements and given to persons engaged in a fight, angry conflict or siege. It forms a component of āhāryābhinaya (extraneous representation).

context information

Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

Ayurveda (science of life)

Kalpa (Formulas, Drug prescriptions and other Medicinal preparations)

Source: Shodhganga: Edition translation and critical study of yogasarasamgraha

Śūlā (शूला) refers to “colic” and is one of the various diseases mentioned in the 15th-century Yogasārasaṅgraha (Yogasara-saṅgraha) by Vāsudeva: an unpublished Keralite work representing an Ayurvedic compendium of medicinal recipes. The Yogasārasaṃgraha [mentioning śūlā] deals with entire recipes in the route of administration, and thus deals with the knowledge of pharmacy (bhaiṣajya-kalpanā) which is a branch of pharmacology (dravyaguṇa).

Rasashastra (Alchemy and Herbo-Mineral preparations)

Source: Wisdom Library: Rasa-śāstra

Śūla (शूल) refers to “pain in the belly” according to the fifth volume of the Rasajalanidhi (chapter 10). Accordingly, “pain in the belly is of eight different kinds, and are due to the following eight different causes;—vayu, pitta, kapha, vayu combined with pitta, vayu combined with kapha, pitta combined with kapha, combination of vayu, pitta, and kapha; and ama or undigested part of the chyle. In all these pains, an abnormal excess of vayu plays the predominant part. Of these eight different kinds of pain in the belly, there is one which is felt at the time of food being digested in the stomach. Such a pain is called parinma (or pacti) shula”.

Toxicology (Study and Treatment of poison)

Source: Shodhganga: Kasyapa Samhita—Text on Visha Chikitsa

Śūla (शूल) refers to “pain”, as described in the Kāśyapa Saṃhitā: an ancient Sanskrit text from the Pāñcarātra tradition dealing with both Tantra and Viṣacikitsā—an important topic from Āyurveda which deals with the study of Toxicology (Viṣavidyā or Sarpavidyā).—The Kaśyapasaṃhita mentions in verse V.62 that the five kinds of wonderful Yantras safeguard all living beings from viral fever, pain (śūla), infections [śūlavisarpikāṃśca], ailments of the stomach, eye and destroy the myriad kinds of leprosy.

Unclassified Ayurveda definitions

Source: Wisdom Library: Āyurveda and botany

Śūla (शूल) refers to “colic” (a form of abdominal pain ). The term is used throughout Ayurvedic literature such as the Suśruta-saṃhitā and the Caraka-saṃhitā.

Source: archive.org: Vagbhata’s Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita (first 5 chapters)

Śūla (शूल) refers to “stitches”, mentioned in verse 4.11-12 of the Aṣṭāṅgahṛdayasaṃhitā (Sūtrasthāna) by Vāgbhaṭa.—Accordingly, “[...] Xerostomia, flaccidity of limbs, deafness, stupor, giddiness, and heart-disease (result) from the restraint of thirst. In this ease every cold application (is) wholesome. Racking in the limbs, anorexia, lassitude, emaciation, stitches [viz., śūla], and giddiness (result from the restraint) of hunger. In this case light, fat, warm, and little food (is) to be taken. [...]”.

Source: archive.org: Science And Technology In Medievel India (Ayurveda)

Śūla (शूल) refers to “any acute pain” dealt with in the Dhanvantarīyapathyāpathya, as is mentioned in A. Rahman’s Science and Technology in Medievel India: A bibliography of source materials in Sanskrit, Arabic and Persian.—Ancient and medieval India produced a wide range of scientific manuscripts and major contributions lie in the field of medicine, astronomy and mathematics, besides covering encyclopedic glossaries and technical dictionaries.—The Dhanvantarīyapathyāpathya deals with the treatment of various diseases [e.g., Śūla]. The word pathyāpathya classifies those elements as either beneficial or hurtful in disease.

Source: Research Gate: Internal applications of Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox wall)

Śūla (शूल) refers to “colic pain”. Medicinal formulations in the management of this condition include 58 references of Vatsanābha usages. Guṭikā is maximum (50) dosage form in the management of Śūla. Vatsanābha (Aconitum ferox), although categorized as sthāvara-viṣa (vegetable poisons), has been extensively used in ayurvedic pharmacopoeia.

Source: gurumukhi.ru: Ayurveda glossary of terms

Śūla (शूल):—Pain

context information

Āyurveda (आयुर्वेद, ayurveda) is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Āyurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Dhanurveda (science of warfare)

Source: Wisdom Library: Dhanurveda

Śūla (शूल) refers to a kind of weapon (pointed dart, lance, pike, spear). It is a Sanskrit word defined in the Dhanurveda-saṃhitā, which contains a list of no less than 117 weapons. The Dhanurveda-saṃhitā is said to have been composed by the sage Vasiṣṭha, who in turn transmitted it trough a tradition of sages, which can eventually be traced to Śiva and Brahmā.

context information

Dhanurveda (धनुर्वेद) refers to the “knowledge of warfare” and, as an upaveda, is associated with the Ṛgveda. It contains instructions on warfare, archery and ancient Indian martial arts, dating back to the 2nd-3rd millennium BCE.

Dharmashastra (religious law)

Source: Sacred Texts: The Grihya Sutras, Part 2 (SBE30)

Śūla (शूल) refers to a “spit” (for boiling the heart). Śūla is explained by “hṛdayapākārthā yaṣṭiḥ”. The exact object of the Sūtra is not quite clear. Prabhutva is explained by samarthatva, that is, fitness. This would mean, that on account of their fitness, or because they can be used for the object for which they are intended, or, so long as they can be used, the rule applying to them should remain. The commentary explains tantram by tantratā or ekatā. It may mean that the same pots and spits should be used, so long as they fulfil their purpose. The next Sūtra would then form a natural limitation.

context information

Dharmashastra (धर्मशास्त्र, dharmaśāstra) contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Vastushastra (architecture)

Source: OpenEdition books: Architectural terms contained in Ajitāgama and Rauravāgama

Śūla (शूल) refers to “frame of an earthen statue §§ 2.14, 15.”.—(For paragraphs cf. Les enseignements architecturaux de l'Ajitāgama et du Rauravāgama by Bruno Dagens)

context information

Vastushastra (वास्तुशास्त्र, vāstuśāstra) refers to the ancient Indian science (shastra) of architecture (vastu), dealing with topics such architecture, sculpture, town-building, fort building and various other constructions. Vastu also deals with the philosophy of the architectural relation with the cosmic universe.

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

1) Śūla (शूल) refers to the “spear” and is used to describe Śaṃkara (i.e., Bhairava), according to the second recension of the Yogakhaṇḍa of the Manthānabhairavatantra, a vast sprawling work that belongs to a corpus of Tantric texts concerned with the worship of the goddess Kubjikā.—Accordingly, as the Goddess (i.e., Khageśī) said to the God (i.e., Bhairava), “[...] Give up the ash, the matted hair and the form with five faces. Give up the bones and skull and (all) else that is artificial. Give up (the practice of ritual) gestures, the Moon and the sacred thread. Give up the bull and the Ganges. Give up (your) spear [i.e., śūla] and the great serpent, the ascetic's staff and, O god, the garland of severed heads and the skull. Accomplishment (siddhi) (can only be found) in Kula, Kaula and the Western (transmission) of Sadyojāta. [...]”.

2) Śūla (शूल) [=Śūlānanda] is the “worship name” of Bherīśa—one of the Sixteen Siddhas according to the Kubjikānityāhnikatilaka: a derative text drawing from Tantras and other sources such as the Ṣaṭsāhasrasaṃhitā.—These sixteen spiritual teachers represent the disciples of the Nine Nāthas who propagated the Western Transmission noted in the Kubjikā Tantras.—Bherīśa is the Caryā name of this Nātha (i.e., the public name the Siddha uses when living as a wandering renouncer). His Prapūjya or “worship name” is Candrapūrya (or Śūla-ānanda, Śūra, Surānanda according to the Kulakaulinīmata). This Pūjā name is the one by which the Siddhas are worshipped.

Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions (shaktism)

Śūla (शूल) refers to “(carrying) a spear”, according to the King Vatsarāja’s Pūjāstuti called the Kāmasiddhistuti (also Vāmakeśvarīstuti), guiding one through the worship of the Goddess Nityā.—Accordingly, “[...] I worship the three-eyed sharp-natured Kṣetreśa. His body is black, he has destroyed his adversaries, he carries a skull-bowl and a spear (kapāla-śūla—kapālaśūlau bibhrāṇaṃ), [but] he is compassionate. I resort to Śaṅkhanidhi and Padmanidhi, who who sit upon a conch and lotus [respectively] as their seats. They are patient, bear the gestures of generosity and protection in their hands, and bring about everyone’s dreams. [...]

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.

General definition (in Hinduism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Hinduism

1) Śūla (pain in the cervical region) is a medical symptom in classical Ayurveda.

2) Śūla (pain).

In Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Tibetan Buddhism

1) Śūla (शूल) refers to one of the male Vidyā-beings mentioned as attending the teachings in the 6th century Mañjuśrīmūlakalpa: one of the largest Kriyā Tantras devoted to Mañjuśrī (the Bodhisattva of wisdom) representing an encyclopedia of knowledge primarily concerned with ritualistic elements in Buddhism. The teachings in this text originate from Mañjuśrī and were taught to and by Buddha Śākyamuni in the presence of a large audience (including Śūla).

2) Śūla (शूल) is also the name of a Rākṣasa mentioned as attending the teachings in the 6th century Mañjuśrīmūlakalpa.

Source: OSU Press: Cakrasamvara Samadhi

Śūla (शूल) refers to a “trident”, according to the Guru-maṇḍala-arcana [i.e., “Guru Mandala Worship]” ritual often performed in combination with the Cakrasaṃvara Samādhi, which refers to the primary pūjā and sādhanā practice of Newah Mahāyāna-Vajrayāna Buddhists in Nepal.—Accordingly, “By the form of a skull cup, and by the letter Māṃ, Vāruṇī, Eighteen arms, one face, red color, and three eyes, A sword, arrow and hook, on the right, a skull cup, ax and banner, Thus a mace, thus a bell, and in the ninth, granting wishes, A two-headed drum, a bow and noose, a staff and a water pot, A trident (śūla), hammer and lute, and thus a number, in the upper hand, A young adolescent beauty, a great beauty, a beautiful goddess”.

Source: MUNI Arts: Kalachakra and the twenty-five Kulika kings of Shambhala

Śūla (शूल) or “spear” refers to one of the attributes of Rudracakrin or Rigden Dragpo Khorlochen—one of the Twenty-five Kulikas as well as one of the traditional Shambhala rulers.—His attributes are a spear (Sanskrit kunta, śakti, śūla; Tibetan: dung [mdung]) and shield (Sanskrit: phalaka, kheṭaka, carmā; Tibetan: phub).—Rigden Dragpo Khorlochen is known in Tibetan (wylie) as rigs ldan drag po 'khor lo chan; and in Sanskrit as: Kulika Rudracakrī (Rudra Chakrin).

context information

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Source: The University of Sydney: A study of the Twelve Reflections

Śūla (शूल) refers to “spears”, according to the 11th century Jñānārṇava, a treatise on Jain Yoga in roughly 2200 Sanskrit verses composed by Śubhacandra.—Accordingly, “Here in the cycle of rebirth consisting of endless misfortune, sentient beings roam about repeatedly, struck down by spear (śūla), axe, vice, fire, corrosive liquid or razor in hell, consumed by the multitude of flames from the fire of violent actions in the plant and animal world , and subject to unequalled trouble in the human condition [or] full of desire among the gods. [Thus ends the reflection on] the cycle of rebirth.”.

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.

India history and geography

Source: Wisdom Library: Teachers, Saints and Sages

Sula refers to one of the Siddhars (Siddhas) and Rishis mentioned by Rangarasa Desiga Swamigal in his Siddhargal Potri Thoguppu. Each name in the list starts with prefix ‘Om’ followed by the Siddhar’s names and ends with refrain ‘Thiruvadigal Potri’. For example for Sula: ஓம் சூலமுனிவர் திருவடிகள் போற்றி [ōm cūlamuṉivar tiruvaṭikaḷ pōṟṟi].—These Siddhas experienced union with the ultimate reality and witnessed a spiritual transformation of their intellectual, mental, vital and ultimately, physical bodies.

Sula is also known as Cūlamuṉivar, Sula-Muni.

[For more information regarding Sula and other Maha-Siddhas, see the following sources: (1): the Pamphlet ‘Siddhargal Thiruvadi Potri’ issued by the Arulmighu Kalaikkōṭṭuar Sanmarga Sangam, Thanjavur; (2) List of Siddhas Compiled by Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal of the Sri Agathiyar Sri Thava Murugan Gnana Peedam Thirukovil; (3) A list of 203 Sages compiled by Agathiyan production house; (4) The 12th-century Abhidhana-Chintamani lexicon by Hemachandra]

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Indian Epigraphical Glossary

Śūla.—(IE 7-1-2), ‘three’; cf. triśūla, a trident. Note: śūla 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 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

Pali-English dictionary

Source: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionary

sūla : (nt.) stake; pike.

Source: Sutta: The Pali Text Society's Pali-English Dictionary

Sūla, (cp. Vedic śūla) (m. and nt.) 1. a sharp-pointed instrument, a stake Th. 2, 488; S. V, 411; Pv IV. 1⁶; Vism. 489 (in compar.), 646 (khadira°, ayo°, suvaṇṇa°); ThA. 288; J. I, 143, 326; sūle uttāseti to impale A. I, 48; J. I, 326; II, 443; IV, 29; appeti the same J. III, 34; VI, 17, or āropeti PvA. 220. ayasūla an iron stake J. IV, 29; Sn. 667; cp. asi° & satti°.—2. a spit J. I, 211; roasted on a spit, roasted meat J. III, 220; maṃsa° the same, or perhaps a spit with roasted meat J. III, 52, 220.—3. an acute, sharp pain DhsA. 397; sūlā (f.) the same A. V, 110⁵. Cp. definition of sūl as “rujā” at Dhtp 272.

context information

Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravāda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.

Marathi-English dictionary

Source: DDSA: The Molesworth Marathi and English Dictionary

śūla (शूल).—m (S) pop. śūḷa m A weapon, a sort of pike. 2 An impaling stake. Pr. cōrāsa sōḍūna sannyāśāsa śūla Descriptive of a tyrant or a boobyruler. 3 Sharp pain in general (in the belly, head, joints): also the disorder from which it proceeds; as colic, gout, rheumatism. 4 An iron spit, spike, or pin. 5 The ninth of the astronomical Yogas.

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suḷā (सुळा).—m (sūḷa) A pointed tooth, tusk, or fang; as the dens caninus or eye-tooth of man; the corresponding tooth of tigers, cats &c.; the tusk or fang of the elephant, boar, serpent &c.; any snag or sharp stump or stub; a little and acuminated stake or peg as rising out of the ground &c. 2 A roasting spit. 3 A seed of the grass called kasaī or kaśēṭa (Scirpus kysoor). 4 A creature of the tick kind, infesting cattle. 5 A common term for the two inclined posts of a draw-well, supporting the beam in which is fixed the bucketroller; also for upright supports generally of a transverse beam.

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sūḷa (सूळ).—m (śūla S) A stake on which criminals are impaled. 2 Applied to an exceedingly steep and straight hill, tree &c. difficult to climb; also to the steep portion of the ascent of a mountain after the ḍāga the long introductory rising ground. 3 Sharp pain generally (in the belly, head, joints): also the disorder from which it proceeds, as colic, gout, rheumatism. 4 A weapon,--a sort of pike: also an iron spit, spike, stake, or pin. suḷīṃ dyāyācī vēḷa (The time of fixing upon the impaling stake.) A term for noon.

Source: DDSA: The Aryabhusan school dictionary, Marathi-English

sūḷa (सूळ).—or-sūḷa m Gripes, colic.

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śūla (शूल) [-ḷa, -ळ].—m A sort of pike. An impelling stake. Sharp pain. An iron spit.

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suḷā (सुळा).—m A pointed tooth, tusk. A roasting spit.

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sūḷa (सूळ).—m A stake on which criminals are impaled. An exceedingly steep and straight hill, &c., difficult to climb. Sharp pain. suḷīṃ dyāvayācīvēḷa A term for noon.

context information

Marathi is an Indo-European language having over 70 million native speakers people in (predominantly) Maharashtra India. Marathi, like many other Indo-Aryan languages, evolved from early forms of Prakrit, which itself is a subset of Sanskrit, one of the most ancient languages of the world.

Sanskrit dictionary

Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionary

Śūla (शूल).—[śūl-ka]

1) A sharp or pointed weapon, pike, dart, spear, lance.

2) The trident of Śiva.

3) An iron-spit (for roasting meat upon); शूले संस्कृतं शूल्यम् (śūle saṃskṛtaṃ śūlyam) cf. अयःशूल (ayaḥśūla).

4) A stake for impaling criminals; (bibhrat) स्कन्धेन शूलं हृदयेन शोकम् (skandhena śūlaṃ hṛdayena śokam) Mṛcchakaṭika 1.21; Kumārasambhava 5.73.

5) Any acute or sharp pain.

6) Colic.

7) Gout, rheumatism.

8) Death.

9) A banner, an ensign.

1) Selling; selling or salable object; 'अट्टमन्नं शिवो वेदः शूलो विक्रय उच्यते (aṭṭamannaṃ śivo vedaḥ śūlo vikraya ucyate)' इति कोशः (iti kośaḥ); अट्टशूला जनपदाः शिवशूलाश्चतुष्पथाः । केशशूलाः स्त्रियो राजन् भविष्यन्ति युगक्षये (aṭṭaśūlā janapadāḥ śivaśūlāścatuṣpathāḥ | keśaśūlāḥ striyo rājan bhaviṣyanti yugakṣaye) || Mahābhārata (Bombay) 3.188.42; अट्टशूलाः कतिपये पट्टनेऽस्मिन् प्रतिष्ठिताः (aṭṭaśūlāḥ katipaye paṭṭane'smin pratiṣṭhitāḥ) Viś. Guṇa.438. (śūlākṛ 'to roast on an iron-spit'.)

Derivable forms: śūlaḥ (शूलः), śūlam (शूलम्).

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Śūlā (शूला).—

1) A stake for impaling criminals.

2) A harlot.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Edgerton Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Dictionary

Śūla (शूल).—name of a rākṣasa king: (Ārya-)Mañjuśrīmūlakalpa 18.2.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Śūla (शूल).—mn.

(-laḥ-laṃ) 1. Sharp pain in general, or especially in the belly, as colic, &c., or in the joints, from rheumatism or gout. 2. A weapon, a pike, a dart. 3. An iron pin or spit. 4. A banner, an ensign. 5. An astrological Yoga, that of the 9th lunar mansion. 6. Death, dying. 7. A stake for impaling criminals. f.

(-lā) 1. A whore. 2. An instrument used for putting criminals to death, a stake for impaling them. E. śūl to disease, &c., aff. ac or ka .

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Benfey Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Śūla (शूल).— (cf. śo), I. m. and n. 1. A pike, a dart, a weapon, [Sundopasundopākhyāna] 1, 24; [Rāmāyaṇa] 5, 53, 53. 2. An iron pin or spit. 3. A banner. 4. Sharp pain, [Daśakumāracarita] in Chr. 190, 19; [Lassen, Anthologia Sanskritica.] 31, 18; especially in the belly, as colic, [Rājataraṅgiṇī] 5, 53. 5. Death. Ii. f. lā. 1. A stake for impaling criminals, [Pañcatantra] 238, 1. 2. A whore.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Cappeller Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Śūla (शूल).—[masculine] [neuter] spit, [especially] turn spit (for roasting); pike, spear, [especially] that of Śiva; any sharp or acute pain; pain, woe i.[grammar]; [masculine] & [feminine] ā a stake for impaling criminals.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary

1) Śūla (शूल):—[from śūl] mn. (ifc. f(ā). ) a sharp iron pin or stake, spike, spit (on which meat is roasted), [Ṛg-veda] etc. etc.

2) [v.s. ...] any sharp instrument or pointed dart, lance, pike, spear ([especially] the trident of Śiva), [Mahābhārata; Kāvya literature] etc.

3) [v.s. ...] a stake for impaling criminals (śūlam ā-√ruh, ‘to be fixed on a stake, suffer impalement’; with [Causal] of ā-√ruh, ‘to fix on a stake, have any one [acc.] impaled’ cf. śūlādhiropita etc.), [Manu-smṛti; Mahābhārata] etc.

4) [v.s. ...] any sharp or acute pain ([especially] that of colic or gout), [Kāvya literature; Varāha-mihira’s Bṛhat-saṃhitā; Suśruta]

5) [v.s. ...] pain, grief, sorrow, [Mahābhārata; Harivaṃśa]

6) [v.s. ...] death, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]

7) [v.s. ...] a flag, banner, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]

8) [v.s. ...] = -yoga (q.v.), [Varāha-mihira’s Bṛhat-saṃhitā]

9) Śūlā (शूला):—[from śūla > śūl] f. a stake (= śūla), [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]

10) [v.s. ...] a harlot, prostitute, [Vāsavadattā]

11) [v.s. ...] [Kriṭṭanim.]

12) Sula (सुल):—[gana] balādi.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Yates Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Śūla (शूल):—[(laḥ-laṃ)] 1. m. n. Pike, blade, spit; sharp pain; death; banner; astrological yoga. 1. f. A whore; stake for impaling.

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

Śūla (शूल) in the Sanskrit language is related to the Prakrit words: Sūla, Sūlā.

[Sanskrit to German]

Shula 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.

Hindi dictionary

Source: DDSA: A practical Hindi-English dictionary

Śūla (शूल) [Also spelled shool]:—(nm) sharp or acute pain (esp. in the stomach); grief, sorrow; any sharp and pointed instrument; a spear prong; ~[dhārī /pāṇi] wielding a spear; an epithet of Lord Shiv; ~[hara] removing or relieving pain; —[uṭhanā] to suffer from sharp/acute pain; —[denā] to inflict sorrow, to torment/torture.

context information

...

Prakrit-English dictionary

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

1) Sūla (सूल) in the Prakrit language is related to the Sanskrit word: Śūla.

2) Sūlā (सूला) also relates to the Sanskrit word: Śūlā.

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.

Kannada-English dictionary

Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpus

Śūla (ಶೂಲ):—

1) [noun] a long shaft with a pointed end used for piercing; a spear.

2) [noun] the trident of Śiva.

3) [noun] a long wire with a pointed end for roasting meat.

4) [noun] a sharp-pointed iron spike used to kill condemned person.

5) [noun] a sudden sharp, accute emotional or physical pain; spasm of distress; pang.

6) [noun] a loop formed in a rope, cord, etc. by means of a slipknot so that the loop tightens as the rope is pulled; a noose.

7) [noun] cessation of life; death.

8) [noun] a flag; a banner.

9) [noun] anything bought and sold; any article of commerce; a commodity.

10) [noun] (astrol.) ninth of the twenty seven yogas.

11) [noun] (astrol.) a particular conjugation of planets, in which all the planets are situated in three houses.

12) [noun] ಶೂಲಕ್ಕೆ ಹಾಕು [shulakke haku] śulākke hāku to kill (a criminal, condemned person) by stabbing with an iron spike; ಶೂಲಕ್ಕೇರಿಸು [shulakkerisu] śulakkērisu = ಶೂಲಕ್ಕೆ ಹಾಕು [shulakke haku]; ಶೂಲಕ್ಕೇರು [shulakkeru] śulakkēru to be killed by piercing with a heavy tapered wood; ಶೂಲದ ಮರ [shulada mara] śulada mara a thick, long piece of wood tapered to have a sharp point at one end used for killing condemned persons.

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Sūla (ಸೂಲ):—[noun] = ಸೂಲು [sulu]1.

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Sūla (ಸೂಲ):—

1) [noun] (correctly, ಶೂಲ [shula]) 1. a long shaft with a pointed end used for piercing; a spear.

2) [noun] the trident of Śiva.

3) [noun] a sudden sharp, accute emotional or physical pain; spasm of distress; pang.

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Sūḷa (ಸೂಳ):—

1) [noun] (correctly, ಶೂಲ [shula]) a long shaft with a pointed end used for piercing; a spear.

2) [noun] the trident of Śiva.

3) [noun] a sudden sharp, accute emotional or physical pain; spasm of distress; pang.

context information

Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.

Nepali dictionary

Source: unoes: Nepali-English Dictionary

1) Śula (शुल):—n. 1. a stake; spike; 2. any sharp or pointed weapon; the trident of Shiva; Trishula; 3. an iron rod; 4. pangs; distress;

2) Sūla (सूल):—n. 1. a sharp pain; colic pain; 2. indigestion; 3. a thorn; prickle; 4. any pointed weapon; 5. complete realization (of debt; loan);

context information

Nepali is the primary language of the Nepalese people counting almost 20 million native speakers. The country of Nepal is situated in the Himalaya mountain range to the north of India.

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Search found 129 books and stories containing Shula, Śūlā, Śūla, Śūla, Sūla, Sula, Suḷā, Sulā, Sūḷa, Sūlā, Śula; (plurals include: Shulas, Śūlās, Śūlas, Sūlas, Sulas, Suḷās, Sulās, Sūḷas, Sūlās, Śulas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Rig Veda 1.162.11 < [Sukta 162]

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Page 649 < [Sanskrit words in the Southeast Asian Languages]

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Verse 5.9.22 < [Chapter 9 - The Happiness of the Yadus]

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