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Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Khaḍgakheṭaka (खड्गखेटक) refers to “holding a sword and club”, according to the Śrīmatottara-tantra, an expansion of the Kubjikāmatatantra: the earliest popular and most authoritative Tantra of the Kubjikā cult.—Accordingly, while describing Trikhaṇḍā: “[...] The goddess is enveloped in divine clothes and is adorned with many kinds of flowers. She is the Great Light and, shining intensely, she is in the middle of the Wheel of Mothers each of whom has four arms, three eyes and a topknot. Each holds a sword, club [i.e., khaḍgakheṭaka], skull and makes a boon bestowing gesture. They have many ornaments. Their form is divine and beautiful. They shine and, possessing many forms, they are beautiful. Each is seated on her own vehicle in the lotus posture. The enemy lies at their feet and, controlled by a spell, is consumed along with (offerings of) meat and the like by (their) servants, Vetālas, Ḍākinīs, and ghosts. Very fierce, they strike (the enemy and) drink streams of (his) blood. [...]”.

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.

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Source: SOAS University of London: Protective Rites in the Netra Tantra

Khaḍgakheṭaka (खड्गखेटक) refers to a “sword and shield”, according to the Netratantra of Kṣemarāja: a Śaiva text from the 9th century in which Śiva (Bhairava) teaches Pārvatī topics such as metaphysics, cosmology, and soteriology.—Accordingly, [verse 10.1-7ab, while describing the appearance and worship of Bhairava]—“[...] He] bears a sword and shield (khaḍgakheṭaka—khaḍgakheṭakadhāriṇaṃ), holds a hook and noose. [His] hand[s and posed] in the wish fulfilling and protection [mudrās. He] holds the thunderbolt of a great hero. [He also] holds an axe and a hatchet. Having worshipped Bhairava, [the Mantrin] remembers being joined in union [with] him, [in the same way as] dissolution in fire”.

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.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Khetaka, Khadga.

Full-text: Krodha, Kutila, Pingalekshana, Aghorabhairavamurti, Mantranayaka, Rudra, Dharapala, Pitamaha, Abhrarupa, Sharavanabhava, Panchabrahma, Camunda.

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