Vidyadharas
Vidyādhara (विद्याधर).—A group of semi-gods. Vidyādharas, Apsarases (celestial maids), Yakṣas, Rākṣasas, Gandharvas, Kinnaras and so on are semigods. Of these Kinnaras are lute-players, and Vidyādharas wear garlands, and all these groups live in the sky. (Agni Purāṇa, Chapter 51). It is mentioned in Mahābhārata, Ādi Parva, Chapter 56, Stanza 8, that when attracted by spells and incantations, Indra went to the Sarpasatra (serpent sacrifice) of Janamejaya, the Vidyādharas walked behind him (Indra).
Vidyādhara (विद्याधर) refers to “upholders of learning”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.2.42.—Accordingly, as Dakṣa bowed and eulogised Śiva:—“[...] Thou hast created the Brahmins first who uphold learning (i.e., Vidyādhara), penance and sacred rites, in order to realise the reality of the soul, O great lord, from thy mouth. Just as the master of cowherds protects the cows from adversities, so also thou art the saviour of the good. Thou art the watch and ward of Social Conventions. Thou punishest the wicked”.
1a) Vidyādhara (विद्याधर).—Identified with Bhagavān.*
1b) Semi celestial beings: their creation;1 adore Indra;2 Cītraketu (Citraratha, Matsya-purāṇa) their chief;3 came to Dvārakā to see Kṛṣṇa;4 Sudarśana, a chief of;5 country of, watered by Nalinī;6 the path of.7 The performer of saubhāgyaśayana is born as a Vidyādhara.8
Vidyādhara (विद्याधर) is a name mentioned in the Mahābhārata (cf. IX.36.21, IX.44.8) and represents one of the many proper names used for people and places. Note: The Mahābhārata (mentioning Vidyādhara) is a Sanskrit epic poem consisting of 100,000 ślokas (metrical verses) and is over 2000 years old.
