[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975) › c8 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c8: M Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c8 - **Language:** English ## Contents - [c8.1045](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.1045) — 5 parts - [c8.1244](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.1244) — 4 parts - [c8.1450](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.1450) — 6 parts - [c8.1802](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.1802) — 3 parts ### M ### [c8.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.1) MA. This letter has the following three meanings--Prosperity, honour and mother. (Agni Purāṇa, Chapter 348). MACAKRUTA. A sacred place on the border of Kurukṣetra. A Yakṣa of name Macakruta keeps guard over this place. If one bows down before this Yakṣa one will have to his credit the benefit of a thousand Godānas (giving away cows in charity). (Chapter 83, Vana Parva, M.B.). MADA I. An Asura. This demon came out of the sacrificial fire of Cyavana to kill Indra. (See under Cyavana). MADA II. One of the Mānasaputras (spiritual sons) of Brahmā. Matsya Purāṇa states that Mada was born of the Pride of Brahmā. MADADHĀRA. A mountain. Bhīmasena, while on his victory march to the east conquered this mountain. (Śloka 30, Sabhā Parva). MADĀLASĀ I. A Vidyādharī. She was married to a Vidyādhara named Campaka. (See under Campaka). MADĀLASĀ II, Wife of Ṛtadhvaja, King of Kāśī. Once a demon named Pātālaketu carried away Madālasā and Ṛtadhvaja took her back after defeating Pātālaketu in a fight. Alarka was the son of this couple. MADANAMĀLĀ. A celebrated prostitute of the city of Pratiṣṭhāna. Narasimha, King of Pratiṣṭhāna, did not surrender himself to Vikramāditya, emperor of Pāṭaliputra. The resourceful Vikramāditya went to Pratiṣṭhāna and caught hold of the prostitute Madanamālā first and then through her subdued the King Narasimha. After that Vikramāditya took Madanamālā to his place and made her stay there. (Taraṅga 4, Ratnaprabhālambaka, Kathāsaritsāgara). MADANAMAÑCUKĀ. A heroine of 'Vatsarājacarita'. Her mother was a nymph in her previous birth. By a curse of Devendra she was born on earth as Kaliṅgasenā and lived serving in the palace of Udayana, King of Vatsa. She desired to make Udayana her husband. In the meantime a Gandharva named Madanavega fell in love with Kaliṅgasenā. Knowing that Kaliṅgasenā was in love with Udayana the Gandharva followed her in the garb of the King Udayana and at last they were married. Kaliṅgasenā soon delivered Madanamañcukā, an incarnation of Ratidevi. When she grew up she married Naravāhanadatta, son of Udayana. (Madanamañcukālambaka, Kathāsaritsāgara, Taraṅga 8). MADANAVEGA. A Gandharva. (See under Madanamañcukā). MADANIKĀ. A nymph, a daughter of Menakā. A demon named Vidyudrūpa married her. But Kandhara of the family of Garuḍa killed Vidyudrūpa and took Madanikā for himself. They got a child named Tārkṣi. (Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa, Chapter 2). MADAYANTĪ. Wife of King Kalmāṣapāda. He was known as Mitrasaha and Saudāsa also. When Kalmāṣapāda lay cursed Vasiṣṭha begot a child of Madayantī named Aśmaka. Madayantī gave her ear-rings to the sage Uttaṅka. (For details see under Uttaṅka and Kalmāṣapāda). MĀDHAVA I. A synonym of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Because Śrī Kṛṣṇa could be properly understood by Manana, Dhyāna and Yoga he got the name Mādhava. (Śloka 4, Chapter 7, Udyoga Parva). MĀDHAVA II. Son of Vikrama, King of Tāladhvaja. The Kriyā Khaṇḍa of Padma Purāṇa gives the following story about him. Mādhava desired to marry a beautiful and good-natured Kṣatriya girl named Candrakalā. She was not prepared for that and she informed Mādhava thus: "There is a princess in the island of Plakṣa named Sulocanā. She is far more beautiful than myself and is fit to be your consort. Do try to get her." Mādhava accepted the advice of Candrakalā and started for the island of Plakṣa with a servant of his named Praceṣṭa. The news that welcomed him when he reached the island was that the marriage of Sulocanā had been fixed with one Vidyādhara. Undaunted Mādhava sent a love-letter to the princess mentioning his arrival in the city, seeking her hand in marriage. In reply to that Sulocanā wrote that if Mādhava appeared on the marriage-dais in time she would accept him as her husband. ### [c8.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.2) The marriage day arrived and Mādhava waited for the time of the function. But when the auspicious hour came Mādhava was asleep. Praceṣṭa, his servant, took advantage of the opportunity and carried away Sulocanā. But Sulocanā was determined to marry only Mādhava and she escaped from the custody of Praceṣṭa and reached the palace of a King called Suṣeṇa and stayed there as a servant wearing the robes of a male, calling himself Viravara. ### [c8.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.3) Viravara, i e, Sulocanā in disguise, saved Vidyādhara and Praceṣṭa from committing suicide. At that time Mādhava also in despair was about to commit suicide when Sulocanā appeared before him in time and stopped him from doing it. Sulocanā then told him all that had happened and they were happily united as husband and wife. ### [c8.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.4) MĀDHAVA III. A son born to Yadu of his Nāga wife Dhūmravarṇā. The renowned Yādava dynasty was established by this Yadu and his son Mādhava. (Harivaṃśa). ### [c8.5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.5) MĀDHAVA IV. A virtuous brahmin. Once when he was about to sacrifice a goat in the sacrificial fire the goat in human voice told the story of its previous birth and requested the brahmin to sacrifice it after reciting the ninth chapter of the Gītā. Mādhava did so and the goat got salvation. (Uttara Khaṇḍa, Padma Purāṇa). ### [c8.6](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.6) MĀDHAVĪ I. Daughter of King Yayāti. A lady recluse she always wore deer-hide as her garment and went on observing a Vrata called Mṛgavrata: Yayāti gave this daughter in marriage to Gālava. (Śloka 12, Chapter 145, Udyoga Parva). Mādhavī bore a son named Vasumān alias Vasumanas to Haryaśva, King of Ayodhyā. She got of Divodāsa, King of Kāśī, another son named Pratardana; of the King of Uśīnara she got a son named Śibi. (See under Gālava). When the accrued merit of Yayāti was exhausted and he fell down from heaven Mādhavī consented to part with half of her stock of merit to Yayāti. (See under Yayāti). ### [c8.7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.7) MĀDHAVĪ II. A follower of Subrahmaṇya. (Śloka 7, Chapter 46, Śalya Parva). ### [c8.8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.8) MADHU I. One of the Asuras born from the ear-wax of Mahāviṣṇu. The other was named Kaiṭabha. (For details see under KAIṬABHA). ### [c8.9](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.9) MADHU II. Once there lived in a forest-garden on the shores of the Yamunā an Asura of name. Madhu. Śatrughna killed this Madhu and established there a city called Mathurāpurī. (Uttara Kāṇḍa, Kamba Rāmāyaṇa). While Indrajit, son of Rāvaṇa, was performing penance Madhu carried away a demoness named Kumbhīnasī and there ensued a fight on that ### [c8.10](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.10) account between Madhu and Rāvaṇa in which Madhu was killed. ### [c8.11](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.11) MADHU III. A king who used to sit in the court of Yama and worship him. (Śloka 16, Chapter 8, Sabhā Parva). ### [c8.12](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.12) MADHUCCHANDAS. A sage who observed correctly the Āśrama of Vānaprastha. He was one of the Brahmavādī sons of Viśvāmitra. (Śloka. 50, Chapter 4, Anuśāsana Parva). Viśvāmitra had a hundred sons like Madhucchandas. (10th Skandha, Bhāgavata). The first Sūkta of Ṛgveda was written by this sage. ### [c8.13](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.13) MADHUKAIṬABHA(S). Two Asuras named Madhu and Kaiṭabha. (See under KAIṬABHA). ### [c8.14](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.14) MADHUKUMBHA. A follower of Subrahmaṇya. (Śloka 19, Chapter 46, Śalya Parva). ### [c8.15](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.15) MADHŪLIKĀ. A follower of Subrahmaṇya. (Śloka 19, Chapter 46, Śalya Parva). ### [c8.16](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.16) MADHUMĀN. A place of habitant of ancient India. (Śloka 53, Chapter 9, Bhīṣma Parva). ### [c8.17](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.17) MADHUPARKA. One of the children of Garuḍa. (Śloka 14, Chapter 11, Udyoga Parva). ### [c8.18](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.18) MADHURA. A soldier of Subrahmaṇya. (Śloka 71, Chapter 45, Śalya Parva). ### [c8.19](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.19) MADHURAŚVARĀ. A celestial maiden. She once conducted a dance performance in honour of Arjuna. (Śloka 30, Chapter 43, Vana Parva). ### [c8.20](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.20) MADHUŚAKTA. An Asura. During the time of the emperor Pṛthu, the earth was turned into a cow and people milked from her the things they wanted. Madhuśakta was the person who did the milking for the Asuras. ### [c8.21](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.21) MADHUŚRAVA. A sacred place in Kurukṣetra, situated near another holy place called Pṛthūdaka. If one bathes in a pond there one will have to his credit the benefit of making a thousand Godānas. (Śloka 15, Chapter 83, Vana Parva). ### [c8.22](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.22) MADHUSŪDANA. Another name for Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Because he killed an Asura named Madhu he was called Madhusūdana. (Śloka 16, Chapter 207, Vana Parva). ### [c8.23](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.23) MADHUSYANDA. A sage who was the son of Viśvāmitra. (Sarga 62, Bāla Kāṇḍa, Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa). ### [c8.24](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.24) MADHUVANA. A forest-garden owned by the great monkey-king Sugrīva. After finding out the whereabouts of Sītā, Hanūmān and Aṅgada accompanied by other monkeys entered this garden and drank honey to their heart's content. (Chapter 282, Vana Parva and Sundara Kāṇḍa, Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa). ### [c8.25](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.25) MADHUVARṆA. A soldier of Subrahmaṇya. (Śloka 72, Chapter 42, Śalya Parva). ### [c8.26](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.26) MADHUVATĪ. A sacred place on the border of Kurukṣetra. If one bathes in a sacred pond there and worships the Manes one will have to one's credit the benefit of making a thousand Godānas (giving away cows in charity). (Śloka 94, Chapter 83, Vana Parva). ### [c8.27](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.27) MADHUVIDYĀ. A special mystical lore of the Devas. This was imparted to the sage Dadhyan by Indra. (See under DADHYAN). ### [c8.28](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.28) MADHUVILĀ (MADHUBILĀ). A river which flows in the neighbourhood of Kardamila kṣetra. This river has another name Samaṅga. This is a very sacred tīrtha. Indra who became a Brahmahatyā-sinner by killing Vṛtrāsura was absolved of his sins by taking a bath in this river. Aṣṭāvakra, the sage with eight bends in his body, got himself perfect by taking a bath in this river obeying the orders of his father Kahoḍaka. (Chapter 135, Vana Parva). ### [c8.29](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.29) MADIRĀ. Wife of Vasudeva, father of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Vasudeva had seven wives named Rohiṇī, Bhadramāninī, Madirā, Ilā, Rocanā, Pauravī and Devakī (9th Skandha, Bhāgavata). Of these Devakī, Rohiṇī, and Bhadrā abandoned their lives by jumping into the funeral pyre of Vasudeva. (Śloka 18, Chapter 7, Mausala Parva). ### [c8.30](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.30) MADIRĀKṢA (MADIRĀŚVA) I. A brother of Virāṭa, King of Matsya. When the Kauravas made Trigarta carry away the cattle of Virāṭa it was Madirākṣa who faced Trigarta in a fight. A great fight ensued between Trigarta and Madirākṣa. He had shone as one of the chieftains of the army of King Virāṭa. He was a very charitable man well-versed in Dhanurveda (archery). He was killed in the big battle by Droṇācārya. Chapters 31, 33, 82 Virāṭa Parva; 171, Udyoga Parva and 9, Karṇa Parva). ### [c8.31](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.31) MADIRĀKṢA II (MADIRĀŚVA). A king of the dynasty of Ikṣvāku. He was the son of King Daśāśva. Madirāśva was a saintly king well-versed in archery. He was a very righteous person also. (27-8, Anuśāsana Parva). Madirāśva had a son named Dyutimān and a daughter named Sumadhyā. (2, 8, Anuśāsana Parva.) After giving Sumadhyā in marriage to a sage, named Hiraṇyahasta Madirāśva attained Svarga. (226: 34 Śānti Parva, and 137 : 24 Anuśāsana Parva). ### [c8.32](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.32) MADOTKAṬA A ferocious lion mentioned in Pañcatantra (See under Pañcatantra). ### [c8.33](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.33) MADRĀ. One of the ten wives of Atrimaharṣi. Atri got of Madrā a son named Soma. (Brahmāṇḍa Purāṇa). ### [c8.34](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.34) MADRA (M). An ancient place of habitation in Bhārata. This is situated near the river Jhelum. Mādrī, the wife of Pāṇḍu was a princess of this place. Bhīṣma went to Madra and brought Mādrī for Pāṇḍu. (Chapter 112, Ādi Parva). At the time of Arjuna's birth there was a voice from heaven which said, "This child will grow up and capture many countries like Madra". Aśvapati, father of Sāvitrī, was a king of Madra. Karṇa condemned Madra and Vāhika as countries which had fallen low in virtue. (Chapter 44, Karṇa Parva). ### [c8.35](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.35) MADRAKA I. A Kṣatriya king of ancient Bhārata. He was born of the partial spirit of the demon Krodhavaśa. Śloka 59, Chapter 67, Ādi Parva). ### [c8.36](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.36) MADRAKA II. Soldiers of the country of Madra were called Madrakas. Madrakas were included in the Kaurava army. (Śloka 7, Chapter 51, Bhīṣma Parva). ### [c8.37](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.37) MADRAKĀLAṄGA. A place of habitation of ancient India. (Śloka 42, Chapter 9, Bhīṣma Parva). ### [c8.38](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.38) MĀDRAVATĪ I. Wife of Parīkṣit, son of Abhimanyu. She was the mother of Janamejaya. (Śloka 85, Chapter 95, Ādi Parva). ### [c8.39](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.39) MĀDRAVATĪ II. Another name for Mādrī, wife of Pāṇḍu. (Śloka 56, Chapter 52, Sabhā Parva). ### [c8.40](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.40) MĀDREYAJĀṄGALA. A place of habitation of ancient India. (Śloka 39, Chapter 9, Bhīṣma Parva). ### [c8.41](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.41) MĀDRĪ. Mādrī who was the second wife of Pāṇḍu was a daughter of the King of Madra. She was the sister of Śalya. Nakula and Sahadeva took birth from Mādrī. Pāṇḍu expired when he embraced his wife Mādrī. It was because of a curse of the hermit Kindama. Mādrī ended her life in the pyre with her husband. (For further details see under the word PĀṆḌU). ### [c8.42](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.42) MADYA. Wine. There is a story in the seventh Skandha of Devī Bhāgavata showing how Madya happened to be an intoxicant. Once Indra sent out the Aśvinidevas from Devaloka and banned wine to them. They took refuge in Cyavana a great sage. Cyavana conducted a special Yāga and invited the Aśvinidevas to partake of the Yajñāṁśa. Indra objected to this and Cyavana had to face Indra in a fight. Then Cyavana produced from the sacrificial fire a demon named Mada and he rushed at Indra to kill him. Indra then bowed down before Cyavana and craved for pardon. Cyavana withdrew the demon and tearing him into four pieces put one each in dice, hunting, wine and women. That was how all the four became intoxicating. ### [c8.43](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.43) In ancient India there were certain social conventions regarding drinking of alcoholic preparations. All those drinks which were intoxicants were not listed as 'Alcohol'. Wine, honey, toddy, juice of sugarcane, juice of Iruppa and Kuṭampuḷi, and sweet toddy of palm tree were not considered alcohol. Surā (liquor) chiefly meant Paiṣṭī (liquor made out of rice paste). Drinking of Surā was banned to the three castes, Brāhmaṇa, Kṣatriya and Vaiśya. If they drank Surā they had to perform a penance for a year drinking only water or eat long pepper for a year. To be free from the sin of drinking Surā one should wear dress made of animal hair. Even if one drinks water in a pot in which Surā was taken, one should observe Vrata for seven days. (Chapter 173, Agni Purāṇa). ### [c8.44](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.44) MAGA (S). The brahmins residing in the island of Śāka are generally called Magas. The Brahmaparva of Bhaviṣya Purāṇa and the Sāmba Purāṇa speak about the Magas thus: ### [c8.45](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.45) Sāmba, son of Kṛṣṇa, did severe penance to please Sūryadeva and pleased with the unwavering devotion of Sāmba, Sūrya gave him a luminous replica of himself for worship. Sāmba constructed a beautiful temple by the side of the Candrabhāgā river and installed the idol there. He then brought from Śākadvīpa the brahmins called Magas for conducting the ceremonies of the temple. All the eighteen families of Maga brahmins came and stayed near the temple at the request of Sāmba. ### [c8.46](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.46) MAGADHA. A famous city of ancient India. Its present name is Rājagṛha. The Purāṇas mention many great Kings who had ruled Magadha. Bṛhadratha was once King of Magadha. (Śloka 30, Chapter 63, Ādi Parva) Jayatsena one of the Kālakeyas was once the King of Magadha. (Śloka 48, Chapter 67, Ādi Parva). Pāṇḍu father of the Pāṇḍavas once attacked Magadha and Dirgha the then King of Magadha was killed by Pāṇḍu. (Chapter 112, Ādi Parva). While Bṛhadratha was ruling Magadha he passed an order that each and every house should worship the demoness Jarā as a house-goddess. (Śloka 10, Chapter 13, Sabhā Parva). During the time of the Mahābhārata Jarāsandha was the King of Magadha. Śrī Kṛṣṇa made Bhīmasena kill Jarāsandha. After his death Śrī Kṛṣṇa made Sahadeva brother of Jarāsandha the King of Magadha. (Śloka 43, Chapter 24, Sabhā Parva). Bhīmasena conquered this country during his victory march. The people of Magadha offered gifts to Yudhiṣṭhira at his Rājasūya. (Śloka 18, Chapter 52, Sabhā Parva). The King of Magadha and the people there fought on the side of the Pāṇḍavas in the great battle. (Śloka 2, Chapter 53, Udyoga Parva). ### [c8.47](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.47) MĀGADHAS. A particular tribe of people. If the work of Sūtas was to drive chariots and the work of Puḷkasas to hunt, the work of the Māgadhas was that of an adulator. (Chapter 151, Agni Purāṇa). This work of a flatterer was given to them by Brahmā. When the emperor Pṛthu was born, Brahmā conducted a Yāga. On the day of sutyā at the place of Somābhiṣava of the Yāga a very intelligent Sūta was born. At the same yāga a Māgadha also was born. He was a great scholar. Then the sages told Māgadha and Sūta thus: "Praise this king Pṛthu, who is the valorous son of Vena. Praising is the fittest work suited to you both. Pṛthu deserves praise." Then the Sūta-Māgadhas placing their hands on their breasts with respect said, "What do we know of the qualities and capabilities of a king just born? His fame is not known. Based on what should we sing praises of him?" Hearing this the sages said that they should praise him for the qualities which he would be possessing in future. The king was pleased to hear that. Sūta-Māgadhas started singing eulogistic songs based on the qualities and exploits of a Pṛthu to be. Pṛthu then appointed Sūta as his charioteer and Māgadha as his adulator. From then onwards the Sūta family became charioteers and the Māgadha family flatterers. (Chapters 13-70 Aṃsa 1, Viṣṇu Purāṇa). ### [c8.48](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.48) MĀGADHĪ. A river which flows through the middle of five mountains. (Sarga 32, Bāla Kāṇḍa, Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa). ### [c8.49](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.49) MAGHĀ I. A sacred place. If one visits this place one would get the benefit of performing the yajñas like Agniṣṭoma and Atirātra. (Śloka 51, Chapter 84, Vana Parva). ### [c8.50](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.50) MAGHĀ II. One of the twentyseven constellations. The importance of this constellation is mentioned in the Mahābhārata in several places. ### [c8.51](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.51) (i) When the planet Kuja (Mars), during its retrograde motion, comes near the constellation of Maghā many unhappy incidents occur in the world. (Śloka 14, Chapter 3, Bhīṣma Parva). ### [c8.52](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.52) (ii) If Candra stays near Maghā it is an ill omen. (Śloka 2, Chapter 17, Bhīṣma Parva). ### [c8.53](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.53) (iii) If one gives away land in charity on the day of Maghā one will be rich in children and cattle. (Śloka 12, Anuśāsana Parva). ### [c8.54](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.54) (iv) If one gives pudding to the poor on the day of Maghā which comes in the black half of the month of Tulā (October) the Manes will be pleased. (Śloka 7, Chapter 88, Anuśāsana Parva). ### [c8.55](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.55) (v) If one worships the Manes on the day of Maghā sitting in the shade of an elephant, the manes will be satisfied. (Śloka 8, Chapter 88, Anuśāsana Parva). ### [c8.56](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.56) (vi) If one conducts the obsequial rites and acts of charity on the day of Maghā one would become the most excellent member of the family. (Śloka 5, Chapter 89, Anuśāsana Parva). ### [c8.57](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.57) MĀGHA. A Sanskrit poet who lived in the 7th Century A.D. The only work of his which has come to light is Śiśupālavadha known popularly as Māgha. ### [c8.58](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.58) Upamā Kālidāsasya Bhāravarthagauravam / Daṇḍinaḥ padalālityam Māghe santi trayo guṇāḥ // ### [c8.59](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.59) This is a very famous verse meaning thus: "The simile of Kālidāsa, the depth of meaning of the words of Bhāravi and the simplicity of language of Daṇḍin are all present in Māgha". This indicates how great a poet Māgha was. ### [c8.60](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.60) From the last part of this Kāvya it can be surmised that Māgha was the son of Dattaka and grandson of Suprabhadeva. Suprabhadeva was the minister of a King called Dharmadeva. Māgha was born in Gujarat. A literary critic named Jacobi fixes the period of Māgha as the 6th century A.D. while others fix it as the 8th century A.D. Māgha has made references to the drama 'Nāgānanda' written by Harṣa. Harṣa was a King during the period 606 to 649 and that is why the period of Māgha is fixed after that period. ### [c8.61](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.61) MĀGHA. A month (February). This is so called because it is closely associated with the constellation Maghā. This month is between the months of Pauṣa and Phālguna. Mahābhārata makes some statements about the importance of the month of Māgha. ### [c8.62](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.62) (i) He who bathes at Prayāga during this month will be free from all sins. (Śloka 37, Chapter 25, Anuśāsana Parva). ### [c8.63](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.63) (ii) He who gives gingelly as gift to Brahmins during this month will never go to hell. (Śloka 8, Chapter 66, Anuśāsana Parva). ### [c8.64](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.64) (iii) If one takes food only once a day during the whole of this month one will be born very rich in the next birth. (Śloka 31, Chapter 106, Anuśāsana Parva). ### [c8.65](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.65) (iv) If one worships Śrī Kṛṣṇa fasting on the Dvādaśī day of Māgha one will get the benefit of conducting a Rājasūya yajña. (Śloka 5, Chapter 109, Anuśāsana Parva). ### [c8.66](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.66) (v) Bhīṣma expressed his desire to Kṛṣṇa to end his life on the aṣṭamī day falling in the bright fortnight of the month of Māgha. (Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 167, Śloka 28). ### [c8.67](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.67) MAHĀBĀHU. One of the hundred sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra. Bhīmasena killed him in the Bhārata Yuddha. (M.B. Drona Parva, Chapter 157, Verse 19). ### [c8.68](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.68) MAHĀBALA I. Minister of Śrīdatta. (See under the word Śrīdatta). ### [c8.69](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.69) MAHĀBALA II. A follower of Lord Subrahmaṇya. (M.B. Śalya Parva, Chapter 45, Verse 71). ### [c8.70](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.70) MAHĀBALI. See under the word Bali. ### [c8.71](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.71) MAHĀBHAUMA. Son of Ariha, a King of the Puru dynasty. He had a son Ayutanāyī by his wife Suyajñā. (M.B. Ādi Parva, Chapter 95, Verse 19). ### [c8.72](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.72) MAHĀBHAYA. A Rākṣasa. He was born to Adharma by his wife Nirṛti. Mahābhaya had two brothers named Bhaya and Mṛtyu. (M.B. Ādi Parva, Chapter 66, Verse 54). ### [c8.73](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.73) MAHĀBHIṢAK. A King of the Ikṣvāku dynasty. He had another name Śantanu. (For further details see under Śantanu). ### [c8.74](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.74) MAHĀBHOJA. A Yādava King. (Bhāgavata, 9th Skandha). ### [c8.75](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.75) MAHĀCŪḌĀ. A woman follower of Subrahmaṇya. (M.B. Śalya Parva, Chapter 46, Verse 5). ### [c8.76](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.76) MAHĀDĀNA. There are sixteen Mahādānas or "Great gifts". They are: (1) Tulāpuruṣadāna, (2) Hiraṇyagarbha dāna, (3) Brahmāṇḍa dāna, (4) Kalapakavṛkṣadāna, (5) Gosahasradāna, (6) Hiraṇyakāmadhenudāna, (7) Hiraṇyāśva dāna, (8) Hiraṇyāśvaratha dāna, (9) Hemahastiratha dāna, (10) Pañcalāṅgalakadāna (11) Dhārādāna, (12) Viśvacakradāna (13) Kalpalatā dāna, (14) Saptasāgaraka dāna, (15) Ratnadhenu dāna, (16) Mahāpūṭaghaṭa dāna. (Agni Purāṇa, Chapter 210). ### [c8.77](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.77) MAHĀDEVA. Śiva. (See under Śiva). ### [c8.78](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.78) MAHĀDHṚTI. A King of the Solar dynasty. Bhāgavata, 9th Skandha). ### [c8.79](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.79) MAHĀDYUTI I. A King in ancient India. (M.B. Ādi Parva, Chapter 1, Verse 232). ### [c8.80](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.80) MAHĀDYUTI II. One of the sons of the Yakṣa Maṇibhadra by Puṇyajanī. ### [c8.81](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.81) MAHĀGAṄGĀ. A holy place. Mahābhārata, Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 25, Verse 22 says that abstaining from food for a fortnight after a bath in this place will secure admission to Svargaloka. ### [c8.82](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.82) MAHĀGAURĪ. A prominent river in India. (Mahābhārata, Bhīṣma Parva, Chapter 9, Verse 33). ### [c8.83](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.83) MAHĀGOṆA. A river (Nada) celebrated in the Purāṇas. It is also known as "Śoṇabhadra" and Mahāśoṇa. It is after crossing this river that Kṛṣṇa, Bhīma and Arjuna entered Magadha, the capital of Jarāsandha. (M.B. Sabhā Parva, Chapter 20, Verse 27). ### [c8.84](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.84) MAHĀHANU. A nāga born in the family of Takṣaka. In Mahābhārata, Ādi Parva, Chapter 57, Verse 10, we read that this nāga was burnt to death in Janamejaya's 'Sarpasatra'. ### [c8.85](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.85) MAHĀHANUS. One of the sons of Vasudeva by Rohiṇī. (Matsya Purāṇa). ### [c8.86](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.86) MAHĀHAYA. A King of the Yayāti dynasty. (Bhāgavata, 9th Skandha). ### [c8.87](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.87) MAHĀHRADA. A holy place. One who takes a bath here will never be in misfortune. M.B. Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 25, Verse 48 says that one who takes bath here and spends a month fasting with a pure heart will attain salvation. ### [c8.88](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.88) MAHĀJĀNU. A Brāhmaṇa. When Pramadvarā lay bitten by a serpent, this Brāhmaṇa came near her with tearful eyes. (See under Pramadvarā). ### [c8.89](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.89) MAHĀJAVĀ. A woman follower of Subrahmaṇya. (M.B. Śalya Parva, Chapter 46, Verse 22). ### [c8.90](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.90) MAHĀJAYA. One of the two Pārṣadas presented to Subrahmaṇya by Vāsuki, the King of serpents. The other one was Jaya. (M.B. Śalya Parva. Chapter 45, Verse 52). ### [c8.91](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.91) MAHĀJVĀLA. A hell. (See under Kāla I). ### [c8.92](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.92) MAHĀKADAMBA. A tree standing on the tall peak of Supārśva mountain. The Purāṇas declare that five big rivers take their sources from the hollow trunk of this big tree. These rivers fall on the top of Supārśva mountain and flow through the western side of Ilāvṛta. The region around this place to a distance of a hundred yojanas is filled with the fragrant air breathed out by the gods who feed upon the essence of the waters in these rivers. The Devī who lives in this sacred place is called "Dhāreśvarī". (Devī Bhāgavata, 8th Skandha). ### [c8.93](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.93) MAHĀKĀLA I. A Śiva pārṣada. Mahābhārata, Sabhā Parva, Chapter 10, Verse 34 mentions that Śiva Pārṣadas known as Mahākālas flourished in the assembly of Kubera. ### [c8.94](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.94) MAHĀKĀLA II. A sacred place situated in the Śiprā river valley in Ujjain. The Śivaliṅga installed in this place is called "Mahākāla." Mahābhārata, Vana Parva, Chapter 82, Verse 49 says that those who take a bath in the Koṭitīrtha at this place, get the same effect as that of Aśvamedha yāga. ### [c8.95](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.95) MAHĀKAPĀLA I. A minister of the Rākṣasa Dūṣaṇa. (Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Araṇya Kāṇḍa, 23rd Sarga). ### [c8.96](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.96) MAHĀKAPĀLA II. A Rākṣasa who attacked Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa at Pañcavaṭī. In Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Araṇya Kāṇḍa, 26th Sarga we read that when Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa fought with Khara, Dūṣaṇa and Triśiras there were three Rākṣasas named Mahākapāla, Sthūlakṣa and Pramāthin. ### [c8.97](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.97) MAHĀKARṆI I. A wicked minister of Ambubīca, King of Magadha. There is a reference to him in Mahābhārata, Ādi Parva, Chapter 203, Verse 19. ### [c8.98](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.98) MAHĀKARṆI II. A woman follower of Lord Subrahmaṇya. (M.B. Śalya Parva, Chapter 263 Verse, 26). ### [c8.99](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.99) MAHĀKĀŚA, A particular subcontinent in the Śaka island. (M.B. Bhīṣma Parva, Chapter 11, Verse 25). ### [c8.100](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.100) MAHĀKĀYĀ. A woman follower of Lord Subrahmaṇya (M.B. Śalya Parva, Chapter 46, Verse, 24). ### [c8.101](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.101) MAHĀKRAUÑCA. A montain in the Krauñca island (M.B. Bhīṣma Parva, Chapter 12, Verse 7). ### [c8.102](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.102) MAHĀLAYA. A holy place. Mahābhārata, Vana Parva, Chapter 84, Verse 54 mentions that one who observes a fast at this holy place for one month, will be absolved of all sins. ### [c8.103](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.103) MAHĀMĀLĪ. A Rākṣasa hero of Rāvaṇa's army. He was killed in the battle at Pañcavaṭī between Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa on one side and Khara, Dūṣaṇa and Triśiras on the other, over the affair of Śūrpaṇakhā. Mahāmālī appeared on the scene as a commander of Khara's army. (Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Araṇya Kāṇḍa, 26th Sarga). ### [c8.104](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.104) MAHĀMANAS. Grandson of Janamejaya, a King of the Aṅga dynasty. Mahāśala was the son of Janamejaya and Mahāmanas was the son of Mahāśala. Uśīnara was the son of Mahāmanas. (Agni Purāṇa, Chapter 277). ### [c8.105](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.105) MAHĀMATI. The seventh son of the sage Aṅgiras. There is a reference to him in Mahābhārata, Vana Parva, Chapter 218, Verse 7. ### [c8.106](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.106) MAHĀMERU. The golden coloured peak of Himavān. The seat of Lord Śiva, according to the Purāṇas. ### [c8.107](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.107) 1) General features. Mahāmeru surpasses even the sun in its dazzling golden brilliance. Devas and Gandharvas attend on it on all sides. It is inaccessible to sinners. There are celestial herbs and serpents at its base. It is Mahāmeru that keeps Heaven in its place by supporting it. The atmosphere there, is always alive with the sweet songs of various kinds of birds. Precious stones are scattered all over its surface. All the 33 crores of gods dwell on the sides of this Mountain. (M.B. Ādi Parva, Chapter 17). ### [c8.108](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.108) Saptarṣis like Vasiṣṭha rise and fall on Mahāmeru. Mahā Viṣṇu and Brahmā have their places in Mahāmeru. Viṣṇu's place is in the east. There is a special place there for the residence of Maharṣis. Those who go to Mahāmeru never return. The Sun and Moon go round Mahāmeru everyday. (M.B. Vana Parva, Chapter 163). ### [c8.109](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.109) There are twenty mountains surrounding Mahāmeru. On the eastern side there are two mountains, Jāra and Devakūṭa. On the western side there are two mountains, Pavamāna and Pāriyātra. On the southern side are the two mountains, Kailāsa and Karavīra and on the northern side, the two mountains, Triśṛṅga and Makaragiri. Thus Mahāmeru shines like the sun in the midst of eight mountains. In the middle of Mahāmeru is situated Brahmaloka, the abode of Brahmā in a square extending over 10,000 yojanas. This region is of inexpressible splendour. At eight places around this Brahmapurī, are situated the eight posts or abodes of the Aṣṭadikpālas, each of the abodes being 25000 yojanas in extent. Thus there are nine Purīs or Cities on the top of Mahāmeru. They are:— (1) Brahmā’s Manovatī in the centre. (2) Due east of it, Indra’s Amarāvatī. (3) In the south-east corner, Agni’s Tejovatī. (4) On the southern side, Yama’s Saṃyamanī. (5) In the south west corner, Nirṛti’s Kṛṣṇāñjana, (6) On the western side, Varuṇa’s Śraddhāvatī. (7) In the north-west corner, Vāyu’s Gandhavatī. (8) On the northern side, Kubera’s Mahodaya.(9) In the north cast corner, Īśān’as Yaśovatī. (Devī Bhāgavata, 8th Skandha). ### [c8.110](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.110) 2) Mahāmeru and Laṅkā. Rāvaṇa’s place of abode Laṅkā was really a peak of Mahāmeru. (For further details, see the previous history of Laṅkā in Para 5 under the word Kubera). ### [c8.111](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.111) 3) How Mahāmeru got its golden colour. The Purāṇas declare that the sun keeps going round Mahāmeru. Once, while the sun was thus going round, he wished to take a little rest. He asked permission to place the axle of his chariot for a short while on Mahāmeru. The mountain agreed to it. The grateful Sun-god (Sūrya) blessed Mahāmeru that it would thenceforth have golden colour. Until it received this blessing, Mahāmeru had the colour of ordinary mountains. ### [c8.112](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.112) 4) Other details. ### [c8.113](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.113) (i) Two daughters named Ayati and Niyati were born to Mahāmeru. They were married by Dhātā and Vidhātā respectively. (Viṣṇu Purāṇa, Part I, Chapter 10). ### [c8.114](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.114) (ii) Vasiṣṭha had an āśrama near Mahāmeru. (M.B. Ādi Parva, Chapter 99, Verse 6). ### [c8.115](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.115) (iii) Mahāmeru attends on Kubera in Kubera’s assembly. (M.B. Sabhā Parva, Chapter 12, Verse 73). ### [c8.116](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.116) (iv) The extensive Jambū Vṛkṣa stands on the southern side of Mahāmeru. (M.B. Sabhā Parva, Chapter 38). ### [c8.117](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.117) (v) At the time of Emperor Pṛthu, the earth was turned into a cow and all living beings obtained all their necessaries by milking her. It was Mahāmeru who stood as milking man on behalf of the mountains. (M.B. Droṇa Parva, Chapter 69, Verse 18). ### [c8.118](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.118) (vi) In Tripuradahana, it was mahāmeru which was erected as the flag-staff in Śiva’s chariot. (M.B. Droṇa Parva, Chapter 202, Verse 78). ### [c8.119](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.119) (vii) Mahāmeru presented two Pārṣadas named Kāñcana and Meghamāli to Subrahmaṇya. (M.B. Śalya Parva, Chapter 45, Verse 48). ### [c8.120](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.120) (viii) Mahāmeru once presented heaps of gold to Emperor Pṛthu. (M.B. Śānti Parva, Chapter 59, Verse 1). ### [c8.121](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.121) (ix) Mahāmeru is anointed as the King of mountains. (M.B. Śānti Parva, Chapter 222, Verse 18). ### [c8.122](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.122) (x) Mahābhārata, Śānti Parva, Chapter 341, Verse 22 says that Vyāsa once stayed on Mahāmeru with his disciples. ### [c8.123](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.123) (xi) Sthūlaśiras and Baḍavāmukha once performed tapas on Mahāmeru. (M.B. Śānti Parva, Chapter 342, Verse 59). ### [c8.124](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.124) MAHĀMUKHA. A warrior of King Jayadratha. Mahābhārata, Vana Parva, Chapter 221, Verse 16 mentions that he was killed by Nakula in the battle which followed the forcible abduction of Pāñcālī by Jayadratha. ### [c8.125](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.125) MAHĀN I. A King of the Pūru dynasty. He was the son of Matināra. (M.B. Ādi Parva, Chapter 94, Verse 14). ### [c8.126](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.126) MAHĀN II. The son of the Agni Bharata, who was a Prajāpati. Mahābhārata, Vana Parva Chapter 219, Verse 8 states that he was a much revered person. ### [c8.127](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.127) MAHĀNĀDA. A Rākṣasa. In Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Yuddha Kāṇḍa, we see that he was a Minister and the uncle of Rāvaṇa. ### [c8.128](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.128) MAHĀNADĪ I. A river, celebrated in the Purāṇas and flowing through the region Utkala (Orissa). Arjuna once took a bath in it. Mahābhārata Vana Parva, Chapter 84, Verse 84, states that those who bathe in this river will obtain “Akṣayaloka”. ### [c8.129](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.129) MAHĀNADĪ II. A river in the Śāka island. (M.B. Bhīṣma Parva, Chapter 11, Verse 32). ### [c8.130](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.130) MAHĀNANDA I. See under Tāraka II. ### [c8.131](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.131) MAHĀNANDA II. A King of Madra land. Dama, the son of Nariṣyanta killed Mahānanda at the Svayaṃvara of Sumanā. (Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa, 130.52). ### [c8.132](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.132) MAHĀNANDA III. A holy place. Mahābhārata, Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 25, Verse 45, says that those who worship in this place will obtain entry into Nandanavana. ### [c8.133](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.133) MAHĀNANDĪ. A Magadha King who was the son of Nandivardhana. He was the last King of the Śiśunāga dynasty. King Nanda was the son of Mahānandī by a Śūdra woman. According to Matsya Purāṇa, Vāyu Purāṇa and Brahmāṇḍa Purāṇa, he ruled the country for 46 years. ### [c8.134](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.134) MAHĀPADMA I. The first King of the Nanda dynasty. According to Vāyu Purāṇa and Matsya Purāṇa, Mahāpadma was the son of Mahānandī, the last King of the Śiśunāga dynasty. He was the son of Mahānandī by a Śūdra woman. He killed his father and founded the Nanda dynasty. ### [c8.135](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.135) MAHĀPADMA II. An elephant in Ghaṭotkaca’s elephant army during the Bhārata Yuddha. (M.B. Bhīṣma Parva, Chapter 60, Verse 51). ### [c8.136](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.136) MAHĀPADMA III. One of the Aṣṭadiggajas. (The eight elephants guarding the eight cardinal points). (M.B. Bhīṣma Parva, Chapter 64, Verse 57). ### [c8.137](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.137) MAHĀPADMAPURA. An ancient place in the south of the Gaṅgā river valley. (M.B. Śānti Parva, Chapter 353, Verse 1). ### [c8.138](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.138) MAHĀPAGĀ. A famous river in ancient India. There is a reference to this river in Mahābhārata, Bhīṣma Parva, Chapter 9, Verse 28. ### [c8.139](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.139) MAHĀPĀRIṢADEŚVARA. A follower of Lord Subrahmaṇya. (M.B. Śalya Parva, Chapter 45, Verse 66). ### [c8.140](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.140) MAHĀPĀRŚVA I. One of the heroic warriors of Rāvaṇa. In the battle between Rāma and Rāvaṇa, all those warriors were killed. (Agni Purāṇa, Chapter 11). ### [c8.141](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.141) MAHĀPĀRŚVA II. A mountain to the north-east of Śiva’s abode on the top of Mount Kailāsa. There is a reference to this mountain in Mahābhārata, Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 19, Verse 21. ### [c8.142](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.142) MAHĀPRASTHĀNIKA PARVA. A subsidiary Parva in Mahābhārata which describes the Mahāprasthāna conducted by the Pāṇḍavas after the Bhārata Yuddha. ### [c8.143](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.143) MAHĀPUMĀN. A mountain. (Mahābhārata, Bhīṣma Parva, Chapter 11, Verse 26). ### [c8.144](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.144) MAHĀPURA. A holy place. Mahābhārata, Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 25, Verse 26 states that if one takes a bath in this place and leads a pure life here for three nights, one will become fearless. ### [c8.145](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.145) MAHĀRAUDRA. A Rākṣasa who was the friend of Ghaṭotkaca. He was killed by Duryodhana at the battle of Kurukṣetra. (M.B. Bhīṣma Parva, Chapter 91, Verse 20). ### [c8.146](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.146) MAHĀRAURAVA (M). A naraka (hell). (See the section on Naraka under the word Kāla I). ### [c8.147](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.147) MAHĀRAVA. A King of the Yadu dynasty. In Mahābhārata, Ādi Parva, Chapter 218, we read that this Kṣatriya King had participated in the festival conducted by Yādavas at the Raivataka mountain. ### [c8.148](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.148) MAHĀRLOKA. A world which was believed by the ancient people to be situated one crore yojanas above the "Dhruvapada". Viṣṇu Purāṇa, Part II, Chapter 7 says that it is there that sages like Bhṛgu live till the end of Kalpa. ### [c8.149](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.149) MAHĀROMĀ. A King of the Solar dynasty. He was the son of Kṛtirāta and father of Svarṇaromā. (Bhāgavata. 9th Skandha). ### [c8.150](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.150) MAHĀSĀLA. A King of the Aṅga dynasty. He was the son of Janamejaya and father of Mahāmanas. (Agni Purāṇa, Chapter 277). ### [c8.151](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.151) MAHĀŚAṄKHA I. A crocodile celebrated in the Purāṇas. He had a wife named Śaṅkhinī. The seven children born to Śaṅkhinī became the Maruts in the Svārociṣa Manvantara. There is a story in Chapter 72, Vāmana Purāṇa about these children who became Maruts. ### [c8.152](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.152) Ṛtadhvaja, son of Svārociṣa Manu had seven heroic sons. They went to Mahāmeru and began to worship Brahmā for gaining Indra's place. Indra was alarmed. He sent the Apsarā woman Pūtanā to the sons of Ṛtadhvaja to obstruct their tapas. There was a river flowing by the side of their āśrama. Ṛtadhvaja's sons came to the river to take their bath. Just at that time, Pūtanā also came there and began to take bath. At her sight, the young men had an involuntary emission of semen. Śaṅkhinī, wife of the crocodile Mahāśaṅkha swallowed it. The princes whose tapas was interrupted returned to the palace. Pūtanā returned to Indra and reported the matter. ### [c8.153](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.153) After some years, Śaṅkhinī happened to be caught in a fisherman's net. The fisherman caught her and informed Ṛtadhvaja's sons about his catch. They took her to the palace and put her in a tank there. In due course Śaṅkhinī gave birth to seven children. Immediately after that she attained mokṣa. The children began to cry for mother's milk, moving about in the water. Then Brahmā appeared to them and told them not to cry and assured them that they would become the Devas of "Vāyu Skandha". He took them up to the sky and put them in Vāyuskandha. These children were the Maruts of the Svārociṣa Manvantara. ### [c8.154](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.154) MAHĀŚAṄKHA II. A Nāga. Bhāgavata, 10th Skandha says that this Nāga revolves along with the sun in the month of Mārgaśīrṣa. ### [c8.155](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.155) MAHĀSENA I. Another name for Subrahmaṇya. (M.B. Vana Parva, Chapter 225, Verse 27). ### [c8.156](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.156) MAHĀSENA II. A prince of Ujjayinī. (See under Aṅgāraka I). ### [c8.157](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.157) MAHĀŚIRAS I. An ancient sage. In Mahābhārata, Sabhā Parva, Chapter 4, Verse 10 we find that this sage shone in the assembly of Dharmaputra. ### [c8.158](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.158) MAHĀŚIRAS II. A Nāga. Mahābhārata, Sabhā Parva, Chapter 9 states that this Nāga worships Varuṇa in Varuṇa's assembly. ### [c8.159](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.159) MAHĀŚRAMA. A holy place. Mahābhārata, Vana Parva, Chapter 84, says that a person who spends a night here observing a fast, would obtain "Subhaloka". One who spends three months like that will become a "Paramasiddha". (M.B. Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 25, Verse 17). ### [c8.160](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.160) MAHĀŚŪRA. One of the Asura leaders who fought against Subrahmaṇya. (Skanda Purāṇa, Asura Kāṇḍa). ### [c8.161](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.161) MAHĀŚVA. A King celebrated in the Purāṇas. Mahābhārata, Sabhā Parva, Chapter 8, Verse 19 says that this King now lives in Yama's assembly. ### [c8.162](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.162) MAHĀSVANA. A follower of Subrahmaṇya. (M.B. Śalya Parva, Chapter 40, Verse 26). ### [c8.163](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.163) MAHĀTALA. A section of Pātāla. The descendants of the serpent Kadrū live here. These serpents are many-headed and terrible monsters. Chief among them are Kahaka, Takṣaka, Suṣeṇa, Kāliya and others. All these serpents have long and slender bodies, large hoods and are of very cruel nature. Still they are all afraid of Garuda and so live quietly with their families in Mahātala. (Devī Bhāgavata, 8th Skandha). ### [c8.164](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.164) MAHĀTAPAS. A great sage. Varāha Purāṇa states that this sage advised King Suprabha to worship Viṣṇu. ### [c8.165](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.165) MAHĀTEJAS. A warrior of Subrahmaṇya. (M.B. Śalya Parva, Chapter 45, Verse 70). ### [c8.166](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.166) MAHATI. Nārada's Viṇā (Lute). It was this Mahatī which became the lute in the world, as the result of a curse. (See under Nārada). ### [c8.167](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.167) MAHATTARA. One of the five sons of the Agni Pāñcajanya. (M.B. Vana Parva, Chapter 22, Verse 9). ### [c8.168](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.168) MAHAUJAS I. A King of ancient Bhārata. The Pāṇḍavas had invited this King to take part in the great battle. (Śloka 22, Chapter 4, Udyoga Parva). ### [c8.169](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.169) MAHAUJAS II. A dynasty of Kṣatriyas. King Varayu was born in this dynasty. (Śloka 15, Chapter 74, Udyoga Parva). ### [c8.170](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.170) MAHĀVEGĀ. A woman follower of Subrahmaṇya. (M.B. Śalya Parva, Chapter 46, Verse 16). ### [c8.171](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.171) MAHĀVĪRA I. A son of Priyavrata. Svāyambhuva Manu had two famous sons named Priyavrata and Uttānapāda. Of them, Priyavrata married Surūpā and Barhiṣmatī, the two beautiful and virtuous daughters of Viśvakarma Prajāpati. By his first wife Surūpā, Priyavrata had ten sons, namely, Agnīdhra, Idhmajihva, Yajñabāhu, Mahāvīra, Rukmaśukra, Ghṛtapṛṣṭha, Savana, Medhātithi, Vitihotra and Kavi. The youngest of his children was a daughter named Ūrjasvatī. (Devī Bhāgavata, 8th Skandha). ### [c8.172](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.172) MAHĀVĪRA II. Mahābhārata, Ādi Parva, Chapter 67, Verse 68, refers to a Mahāvīra, who was the re-birth of the Asura Krodhavaśa. ### [c8.173](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.173) MAHĀYAŚAS. A woman follower of Subrahmaṇya. (M.B. Śalya Parva, Chapter 46, Verse 28). ### [c8.174](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.174) MAHENDRA I. Father of the princess Pāṭalī. (See under Pāṭaliputra). ### [c8.175](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.175) MAHENDRA II. One of the holy mountains. This mountain has great Purāṇic importance. ### [c8.176](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.176) (1) After slaughtering the Kṣatriyas to extinction sage Paraśurāma made Mahendra his place of abode. (Śloka 53, Chapter 129, Ādi Parva). ### [c8.177](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.177) (2) Once Arjuna visited the mountain Mahendra. (Śloka 13, Chapter 214, Ādi Parva). ### [c8.178](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.178) (3) The presiding deity of this mountain sits in the court of Kubera worshipping him. (Śloka 30, Chapter 10, Sabhā Parva). ### [c8.179](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.179) (4) If one bathes in the pond of Rāmatīrtha on the top of this mountain one would get the benefit of performing an Aśvamedhayāga. (Śloka 16, Chapter 85, Vana Parva). ### [c8.180](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.180) (5) Brahmā once went to this mountain and conducted a yāga there. (Śloka 22, Chapter 87, Vana Parva). ### [c8.181](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.181) (6) Yudhiṣṭhira during his pilgrimage visited this mountain. (Śloka 30, Chapter 114, Vana Parva). ### [c8.182](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.182) (7) Paraśurāma gave a darśana (interview) to Yudhiṣṭhira on a Caturdaśī day on this mountain. (Śloka 16, Chapter 117, Vana Parva). ### [c8.183](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.183) (8) Hanūmān when he was going in search of Sītā visited this mountain also along with the other monkeys. (Sundara Kāṇḍa, Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa). ### [c8.184](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.184) MAHENDRAVIKRAMAVARMĀ. A Sanskrit instructor in histrionics who lived in the 7th century A.D. He was a Pallava King and ruled his country during the period 600 to 630 A.D. He is the author of the drama Mattavilāsa. Many verses from Mattavilāsa have been quoted later in many other books. Kāñcī was the capital of Vikramavarmā. ### [c8.185](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.185) MAHEŚA. An incarnation of Śiva. When once Vetāla, his gatekeeper was born on earth, Śiva and Pārvatī incarnated as Maheśa and Śāradā on earth. (Śatarudra Saṃhitā, Śiva Purāṇa). ### [c8.186](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.186) MAHEŚVARA. Another name of Śiva. ### [c8.187](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.187) MAHEŚVARAPURA. A holy place. If one worships Śaṅkara (Śiva) at this place, all desires would be fulfilled. (Śloka 129, Chapter 84, Vana Parva). ### [c8.188](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.188) MAHEŚVARĪDHĀRĀ. A holy place. He who visits this place would have to his credit the benefit of doing an Aśvamedhayajña. (Śloka 117, Chapter 84, Vana Parva). ### [c8.189](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.189) MĀHEYA. A place of habitation of ancient India. (Śloka 49, Chapter 9, Bhīṣma Parva). ### [c8.190](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.190) MAHIDĀSA. An ācārya (Preceptor). He is believed to be the author of "Aitareya Brāhmaṇa" and "Aitareya Āraṇyaka". ### [c8.191](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.191) According to Chāndogyopaniṣad and Jaiminīya Upaniṣad Brāhmaṇa, Mahidāsa lived for 117 years. Although this ācārya was a victim of diseases he was quite indifferent to the painful sufferings caused by them. (Chāndogyopaniṣad 3; 16; 7—Jaiminīya Upaniṣad Brāhmaṇa, 4; 2; 11). ### [c8.192](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.192) MAHIJIT. A king of Māhiṣmatī who lived in Dvāpara Yuga. He was childless and got a son by observing Vrata on the Ekādaśī day falling in the bright lunar fortnight in the month of Śrāvaṇa (August). (Uttara-khaṇḍa, Padma Purāṇa). ### [c8.193](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.193) MĀHIKA. A place of habitation of ancient India. (Śloka 46, Chapter 9, Bhīṣma Parva). ### [c8.194](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.194) MAHILĀROPYA. See under Pañcatantra. ### [c8.195](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.195) MAHIMĀN. An Āditya. Bhāgavata 6th Skandha says that Mahimān was the son of Bhaga by Siddhi. ### [c8.196](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.196) MAHIMABHAṬṬA. A Sanskrit critic who lived in India in the 11th century A.D. His chief work was entitled "Vyaktiviveka", a treatise on "Alaṅkāra". The book is divided into three parts. He was a scholar in logic also. He was the author of another book "Tattvoktikośa". ### [c8.197](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.197) MAHIRATHA. A King who earned great merit by observing Vrata in the month of Vaiśākha (May). This King gave to those in hell one day's puṇya and all of them were released from hell. ### [c8.198](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.198) Mahiratha was a King who became prosperous by accrued puṇya. Kaśyapa was his guru. The King entrusted the affairs of the state to his ministers and led a very immoral life. The country began to decay day by day and one day Kaśyapa gave Dharmopadeśa to Mahiratha. The Guru said: "Oh King, your body which was in a state of sinning has attained a state of virtue by your association with me. Those well-versed in the Vedas say that the body is of three different kinds. Firstly there is the one which is evil-natured without either virtue or knowledge. Secondly, there is the virtuous one with good conduct. Thirdly, there is the agonising body which hides both virtue and evil. The body without virtue and salvation is always a body of sins. Your body has now become virtuous by becoming devotional to your guru and attending to my words. You are now fit to do virtuous deeds and I shall now make you enjoy the benefits of Vaiśākhasnāna (a bath with religious rites in the month of Vaiśākha (May). ### [c8.199](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.199) After that Kaśyapa made him take the bath and worship with proper Vedic rites in the month of Vaiśākha. The King became old and died. At once the servants of Kāla (King of Death) came to fetch the soul of Mahiratha. But angels from Mahāviṣṇu came and thrusting aside the agents of Kāla took charge of the soul of Mahiratha. Nymphs from above sang in praise of the King whose sin had waned because of Vaiśākhapratassnāna (early morning bath in the month of Vaiśākha). The angels from Viṣṇu carrying the soul of the King to Svarga took him through hell. The King heard the agonising cries of those suffering from different kinds of torture in hell. The King made enquiries and feeling compassionate requested those in charge of the hell to release those there in hell then by accepting a portion of the puṇya acquired by him. The angels agreed to that and the King gave away the Puṇya he had acquired during one day by observing the Vaiśākhavrata. At once all those in hell were released from the agony and were sent to heaven. (Vaiśākhamāhātmyaprakaraṇa, Padma Purāṇa, Pātāla-khaṇḍa). ### [c8.200](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.200) MAHIṢA. An Asura. _First 200 of 2,900 passages. 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