マガ・ブラーフマナとデーヴァラカ――その共通性と相違点について――

抄録

Maga-brāhmaṇas are sun-worshiper who appear in the Sāmba-purāṇa and the Bhaviṣya-purāṇa. Previous studies have considered these Magas to be ancient Iranian priests who migrated to India. On the other hand, the word Devalaka means a worshiper of idols in temples, and they are often criticized and despised in Sanskrit works.

In spite of the Magas and Devalakas sharing the practice of idol-worship in temples, the two Purāṇas distinguish the Magas from Devalakas and celebrate their excellence as Brahmins. This paper points out the reasons for this distinction.