Ashtayudha, Aṣṭāyudha, Ashtan-ayudha: 1 definition

Introduction:

Ashtayudha 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.

The Sanskrit term Aṣṭāyudha can be transliterated into English as Astayudha or Ashtayudha, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)

Source: Shodhganga: Kasyapa Samhita—Text on Visha Chikitsa (p)

Aṣṭāyudha (अष्टायुध) refers to “one who has eight weapons”, and is used to describe Garuḍa, according to the second chapter of the Kāśyapa Saṃhitā: an ancient Sanskrit text from the Pāñcarātra tradition dealing with both Tantra and Viṣacikitsā (Toxicology).—Accordingly, text text dictates that a Garuḍa-upāsaka, the aspirant, must meditate on Garuḍa of the following form—[...] Garuḍa, seated on a lotus, adorned with these ornaments [i.e., the eight divine serpents], has huge wings and immense energy. Garuḍa of smiling countenance, blazes with eight shoulders adorned by the weapons (aṣṭāyudha-vibhūṣita)—conch, discus, nectar-pot, serpent, mace, and sword and two hands reaching out to the feet of the Lord.

Pancaratra book cover
context information

Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.

Discover the meaning of ashtayudha or astayudha in the context of Pancaratra from relevant books on Exotic India

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