Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism

(Michael S) #1
aesthetics, personified as grandson of
Adharma (unrighteousness) and Hiƒsä
(violence), and father of Møtyu (death).

bhedäbheda
(‘difference and non-difference’)
Designation of several schools of
Vedänta that both affirm and deny dif-
ference between ÄTMANand BRAHMAN.

Bhïma (1) (‘The terrible’)
One of the eight forms of RUDRAor
Ugra (frightening) Ÿiva.

Bhïma (2), also Bhïmasena
One of the five PÄŒ¥AVAS, son of VÄYU.
Described as of giant proportions, given
to wrath, and a valiant warrior as well
as a great eater. He had the nickname
Vøkodara, ‘wolf’s belly’. Many heroic
deeds are ascribed to him in the
MAHÄBHÄRATA. Because he violated the
code of warriors by striking a foul blow
he was called Jihma-yodi, ‘unfair fighter’.

Bhimbhetka
Place in Central India where prehistoric
(30,000 BCE) cave paintings were found.

Bhï•ma (‘the terrible’)
The son of King Ÿäntanu and the river
goddess GA¢GÄ, also called Ÿäntanava,
Gäögeya, Nadija (river-born). He
became one of the main protagonists in
the MAHÄBHÄRATAas general of the
KAURAVASand as author of a set of con-
ventions for chivalrous warfare.
Mortally wounded by ARJUNA, he sur-
vived 58 days, during which time he
delivered many teachings. He is consid-
ered a model of loyalty and selfless
service.

Bhï•ma Parvan
The sixth part of the MAHÄBHÄRATA,
which also contains the BHAGAVAD-GÏTÄ.

bhojana (‘eating’, ‘meal’)
Surrounded with rituals and also part of
the daily temple ritual: the feeding of
the image of god is a main ingredient of
mürti-püjä.

Bhøgu
SeeBHÄRGAVAS.

bhü, also bhümi (‘the earth’)
name of one of Vi•æu’s consorts.

bhukti (‘[sensual] enjoyment’)
Normally seen as the opposite to mukti,
(spiritual) LIBERATION. However,
Ÿäktism promises both bhukti and
mukti and denies an opposition
between them.

bhür, also bhürloka
The earth.

bhütas (‘spirits’, ‘ghosts’)
Belief in bhütas is widespread in India
and there are many ceremonies designed
to free a person from their influence.
(See alsoPRETA).

Bhuvaæeÿvara
(‘Lord of the earth’)
Title of ŸIVA, name of famous temple
city in Orissa with some of the largest
Hindu temples such as the 11th-century
Liögaräja temple.

bhuvar, also Bhuvarloka
The firmament, the middle region
between earth and sky.

bibhatsa (‘loathing’)
One of the basic sentiments of Hindu aes-
thetics. It is used in a purely aesthetic
sense, and indicates a strong emotional
experience. In GAU¥ÏYAVAIÆNAVISM, for
example, it is said that to ‘loathe’ Kø•æa

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