Harikatha, Harikathā, Hari-katha: 4 definitions

Introduction
In Hinduism
1. Purana
2. Vaishnavism
Languages
1. Nepali
See also
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Introduction:

Harikatha means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. 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

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: The Purana Index

Harikathā (हरिकथा).—(also Nārāyaṇa Kathā) sung in the sabhās of Brahmā and Śiva: sacred, never dull and always new;¹ one way of getting divine knowledge: leads to virtue, nectar itself: purifies men and women;² fit to listen to, and fit to be told and listened to: would never give satiety: by listening to it one gets proper vision and crosses the road of saṃsāra. For instance hearing of the avatār of Vāmana leads one to bliss and that of Matsya to world's welfare;³ purifies the worlds and destroys the sins of Kali;⁴ faith in the Kathā important;⁵ importance of, stated by Nṛsimha to Prahlāda, and by Nārada to Yudhiṣṭira;⁶ praise of;⁷ Parīkṣit's deep interest in, and Nārada singing of;⁸ Ariṣtasena hears it and narrates it to Kimpuruṣa;⁹ narrated by Śuka;¹⁰ by Gopis on the eve of Kṛṣṇa's departure to Mathurā, and on hearing Kṛṣṇa's message through Uddhava.¹¹

1) Bhāgavata-purāṇa X. 60. 44; 52. 20.
2) Ib. VII. 1. 5 [3]; 7. 31. X. 1. 13 and 16. XI. 3. 2.
3) Ib. I. 15. 36; 18. 9-10 and 14; V. 12. 16. VIII. 23. 30; 24. 1-3; X. 90. 21 [1], 24 and 50. XI. 14. 26; 19. 20. XI. 14. 26; 19. 20.
4) Ib. XI. 11. 23 and 35; XII. 8. 6.
5) Ib. XI. 20. 8-9, 27; 26. 28-29; 27. 44.
6) Ib. VII. 10. 12; 14. 3.
7) Ib. II. 1. 5, 2. 36-37; 3. 14. 25; 4. 8. 2-6, 17; III. 19. 33-8; 20. 6; 32. 18-19; X. 1. 4-16; 7. 1-3; 12. 41-3; 13. 1. 2; 16. 2-3; 78. [96 (v) 2-4]; 80. 1-4; XI. 5. 4.
8) Ib. X. 1. 15; I. 5. 26 and 28; 6. 33.
9) Ib. V. 19. 2; VI. 2. 26; 3. 31.
10) Ib. VII. 1. 5.
11) Ib. X. 39. 19. 30; 47. 37-52.

context information

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.

Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma)

Source: Pure Bhakti: Bhajana-rahasya - 2nd Edition

Harikathā (हरिकथा) refers to:—Narrations of the holy name, form, qualities and pastimes of the Lord. (cf. Glossary page from Bhajana-Rahasya).

Source: Pure Bhakti: Brhad Bhagavatamrtam

Harikathā (हरिकथा) refers to:—Narration and discussion on the holy names, form, qualities and pastimes of Śrī Hari (Kṛṣṇa) and His associates. (cf. Glossary page from Śrī Bṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta).

context information

Vaishnava (वैष्णव, vaiṣṇava) or vaishnavism (vaiṣṇavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Languages of India and abroad

Nepali dictionary

Source: unoes: Nepali-English Dictionary

Harikathā (हरिकथा):—n. Mythol. the story of the incarnation of Vishnu;

context information

Nepali is the primary language of the Nepalese people counting almost 20 million native speakers. The country of Nepal is situated in the Himalaya mountain range to the north of India.

Relevant text

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