Significance of Nagakumara
In Jainism, Nagakumara encompasses various entities and concepts, including two lords named Dharana and Bhutananda, and two beings, Kambala and Shambala, who assist in worship. It represents one of the ten subclasses of bhavanavasi deva and is characterized by a lifetime of three palyopama. Nagakumara also refers to bulls reborn through meditation and a group of 42,000 entities governing Lavanoda. Additionally, it highlights mystical connections and a spiritual hierarchy involving magical beings and gods.
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Jain concept of 'Nagakumara'
Nagakumara in Jainism represents a celestial being from the bhavanavasi deva subclass, associated with lords Dharana and Bhutananda, and serves a mystical role in ocean governance, embodying spiritual hierarchy and devotion within the narrative.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Divine beings who provided assistance to the Mlecchas in their distress; indicative of spiritual guardianship.[1] (2) The form into which the bulls are reborn after achieving a state of meditation.[2] (3) Two beings named Kambala and Shambala, who reside in Patala and assist Bhayala in his worship.[3] (4) The companions or followers who accompany a significant figure in the narrative, suggested to have a mystical or supernatural connection.[4] (5) A specific group of 42,000 entities that control the inner waves of Lavanoda, contributing to the ocean's governance.[5]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) One of the ten subclasses of bhavanavasi deva, a type of residential celestial being.[6] (2) This is another entity with two lords, Dharana and Bhutananda.[7] (3) The lifetime of Nagakumara is described as three palyopama.[8]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Another group of gods dominated by Indras, particularly Dharana and Bhutananda.[9]