Surashtraka, Surāṣṭraka: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Surashtraka 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 Surāṣṭraka can be transliterated into English as Surastraka or Surashtraka, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Hinduism
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: JatLand: List of Mahabharata people and placesSurāṣṭraka (सुराष्ट्रक) is a name mentioned in the Mahābhārata (cf. VI.20.14) and represents one of the many proper names used for people and places. Note: The Mahābhārata (mentioning Surāṣṭraka) is a Sanskrit epic poem consisting of 100,000 ślokas (metrical verses) and is over 2000 years old.
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: TrisastisalakapurusacaritraSurāṣṭraka (सुराष्ट्रक) (distinguished by the city Dvāravatī) refers to one of the 25½ countries of the Kṣetrāryas, situated in the “middle world” (madhyaloka), according to chapter 2.3 [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:—“In these 35 zones on this side of Mānuṣottara and in the Antaradvīpas, men arise by birth; [...]. From the division into Āryas and Mlecchas they are two-fold. The Āryas have sub-divisions [e.g., kṣetra (country)]. [...] The kṣetrāryas are born in the 15 Karmabhumis. Here in Bharata they have 25½ places of origin (e.g., Surāṣṭraka), distinguishable by cities (e.g., Dvāravatī) in which the birth of Tīrthakṛts, Cakrabhṛts, Kṛṣṇas, and Balas takes place”.
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Full-text: Dvaravati.
Relevant text
Search found 2 books and stories containing Surashtraka, Surāṣṭraka, Surastraka; (plurals include: Surashtrakas, Surāṣṭrakas, Surastrakas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra (by Helen M. Johnson)
Part 29: The people in the Manuṣyaloka < [Chapter III - The initiation and omniscience of Ajita]
List of Mahabharata people and places (by Laxman Burdak)