Gayat, Gāyat: 4 definitions
Introduction:
Gayat 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
Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)
Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric TraditionsGāyat (गायत्) refers to “singing”, according to the Guhyasūtra chapter 3.—Accordingly, “[...] One may perform the Block-of-Wood Observance in a forest full of bears, tigers and lions, conquering the urges to sleep and eat, [constantly] reciting. If one takes on the appearance of a woman and sings (gāyat—gāyate) and dances, adorned with bracelets, with a winnowing fan, ball and plait, one observes the Colourful Observance. With a weapon in hand, full of compassion, if one wanders like a saviour of creatures (?) focussed upon recitation, meditation and worship, one performs the Warrior Observance. [...]”.
Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.
Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)
Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions (shaktism)Gāyat (गायत्) refers to “singing (like a peacock)”, according to Sāhib Kaul’s Śārikāstrotra.—Accordingly, “[...] My mind does not strive after the divine state, just as a woman giving birth never craves enjoyment. Having gained perfect devotion to you it sings (gāyat) like a peacock who has heard the sound of the rain clouds. There is no place where you do not reside; there is no voice in which you are not expressed. There is no word in which you are not heard; there is no thing in which you do not shine. [...]”.
Shakta (शाक्त, śākta) or Shaktism (śāktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.
Languages of India and abroad
Sanskrit dictionary
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English DictionaryGāyat (गायत्).—mfn. (-yan-yantī-yat) Singing. E. gai to sing. affix śatṛ.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English DictionaryGāyat (गायत्):—[from gā] mfn. [present participle] √gai q.v.
Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with (+79): Gaya Phaggu, Gayathri Japam, Gayati, Gayatirtha, Gayatondya, Gayatra, Gayatrabarhata, Gayatracchandas, Gayatrakakubha, Gayatraparshva, Gayatravartani, Gayatravepas, Gayatri, Gayatribhashyanirnaya, Gayatribhasya, Gayatribhujangastotra, Gayatribrahmakalpa, Gayatribrahmana, Gayatribrahmanollasatantra, Gayatridhyana.
Ends with: Aningayat, Lagaayat, Lingayat, Vishvagayat.
Relevant text
Search found 2 books and stories containing Gayat, Gāyat; (plurals include: Gayats, Gāyats). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Rig Veda (translation and commentary) (by H. H. Wilson)
Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi (by Ganganatha Jha)
Verse 2.84 < [Section XVII - Rules of Study]