Khanjika, Khañjikā: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Khanjika 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: Wisdom Library: Kubjikāmata-tantra

Khañjikā (खञ्जिका, “the crippled one”):—An alternative name for Khaṇḍikā (the fifth female attendant deity of the Mātṛcakra), according to the Kubjikāmatatantra. She may be conceived of as referring to Kubjikā.

Shaivism book cover
context information

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.

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Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Khañjikā (खञ्जिका) (Cf. Khañjinī) is a name for the Goddess (Kubjikā), according to Tantric texts such as the Kubjikāmata-tantra, the earliest popular and most authoritative Tantra of the Kubjikā cult.—Accordingly, “(The yogi) attains omniscience by the Yoga of the Doomsday Fire. Bearing the form of bliss and established in the ‘bent over’ (kubja) (seed-syllable) of the Doomsday Fire (AIṂ), she makes indistinct sounds (kūjate). Thus the subtle Khañjikā (the ‘Lame One’) in the form of the Jewel (of Kuṇḍalinī) is called Kubjikā”.

Note: Khañjikā literally means ‘a girl who walks with a limp’. Although the texts do not say this expressly, we may suppose that this name refers to the progressive upward movement of Kuṇḍalinī through the centres in the body that takes place in halting steps like one who walks with a limp. The texts define her differently, referring instead to her pervasive nature—implicitly deriving the name from the word ‘kha’ which denotes the ‘sky’, ‘space’ or ‘void’ that generates and withdraws the universe within the goddess and in which she resides.

Shaktism book cover
context information

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.

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