Maharajikas

The maharajikas (Sanskrit: महाराजिक, romanized: Mahārājika) refers to a class of minor deities in Hinduism, numbering 220 or 236 members.^[1][2]

Description

The Puranas feature the maharajikas among the nine classes (gaṇas) of deities, among the adityas, rudras, vasus, visvedevas, tushitas, abhasvaras, anilas, and the sadhyas.^[3][4] They are sometimes referred to as a class of the devas,^[5] or the gaṇadevas.^[6] According to the Shiva Purana, the maharajikas serve as the attendants of Shiva, under the command of Ganesha. They are regarded to reside on the Gaṇaparvata mountain, situated on Kailasha.^[7]

References

1. Dowson, John (2013-11-05). A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History and Literature. Routledge. p. 193. ISBN 978-1-136-39036-4.
2. Kapoor, Subodh (2004). A Dictionary of Hinduism: Including Its Mythology, Religion, History, Literature, and Pantheon. Cosmo Publications. p. 240. ISBN 978-81-7755-874-6.
3. Dalal, Roshen (2014-04-18). The Religions of India: A Concise Guide to Nine Major Faiths. Penguin UK. p. 448. ISBN 978-81-8475-396-7.
4. Vettem Mani. Puranic Encyolopaedia Vettem Mani. p. 892.
5. Williams, George M. (2008-03-27). Handbook of Hindu Mythology. OUP USA. p. 112. ISBN 978-0-19-533261-2.
6. Vaidik Sudha (2020-06-17). Puran Encyclopedia. p. 892.
7. Prof. J. L. Shastri (1950). The Siva Purana Part 1. p. 271.