Sumala, Sumālā, Shumala: 7 definitions
Introduction:
Sumala means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit, 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.
In Hinduism
Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)
Source: Wisdom Library: Nāṭya-śāstraSumālā (सुमाला) is the name of an Apsara created for the sake of a type of dramatic perfomance. Acording to the Nāṭyaśāstra 1.46-51, after Brahmā asked Bharata for materials necessary for the Graceful Style (kaiśikī: a type of performance, or prayoga), Bharata answered “This Style cannot be practised properly by men except with the help of women”. Therefore, Brahmā created with his mind several apsaras (celestial nymphs), such as Sumālā, who were skillful in embellishing the drama.
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).
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English TranslationSumālā (सुमाला) refers to “beautiful necklaces”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.3.52 (“The bridegroom’s party is fed and Śiva retires to bed”).—Accordingly, as Brahmā narrated to Nārada: “[...] Seated on a gemset throne offered by Menā, Śiva surveyed the bedchamber with pleasure. [...] Gemset mirrors, white chowries, pearl necklaces (sumālā) and gorgeous things were richly displayed. It was unequalled in its divine exquisiteness highly pleasing and richly decorated. It was evincing the powerful influence of the boon granted by Śiva. It appeared to be a replica of Śiva Loka itself. [...]”.
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: TrisastisalakapurusacaritraSumāla (सुमाल) refers to one of the Rākṣasas fighting in Rāvaṇa’s army, according to the Jain Ramayana and chapter 7.7 [The killing of Rāvaṇa] of Hemacandra’s 11th century Triṣaṣṭiśalākāpuruṣacaritra: an ancient Sanskrit epic poem narrating the history and legends of sixty-three illustrious persons in Jainism.—Accordingly, “[...] When the battle had been going on for a long time, the army of the Rākṣasas was broken by the Vānaras like a forest by winds. [...] Then the lord of Kiṣkindhā obstructed Sumāla. [...] Other Kapis obstructed other Rākṣasas in this way and fought with them like sea-monsters with sea-monsters in the ocean.”.
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 DictionarySumāla (सुमाल).—name of a cakravartin: Mahāvastu i.153.16.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English DictionarySumāla (सुमाल):—[=su-māla] [from su > su-ma] m. Name of a people, [Mahābhārata] ([Bombay edition] cola).
[Sanskrit to German]
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 dictionaryŚumāla (शुमाल):—(nm) left hand; the north; ~[lī] northern.
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See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Maala, Cu, Mala, Shu.
Relevant text
Search found 5 books and stories containing Sumala, Shumala, Su-mala, Su-māla, Sumālā, Sumāla, Śumāla; (plurals include: Sumalas, Shumalas, malas, mālas, Sumālās, Sumālas, Śumālas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Ramayana of Valmiki (by Hari Prasad Shastri)
Chapter 6 - Hanuman explores Ravana’s Palace < [Book 5 - Sundara-kanda]
Mahabharata (English) (by Kisari Mohan Ganguli)
Section XXVI < [Digvijaya Parva]
Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra (by Helen M. Johnson)
Part 3: War between the Rākṣasas and Vānaras < [Chapter VII - The killing of Rāvaṇa]
Natyashastra (English) (by Bharata-muni)
The Mahavastu (great story) (by J. J. Jones)
Chapter XVII - The tenth Bhūmi < [Volume I]