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Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: JSTOR: Tāntric Dīkṣā by Surya Kanta

Kriyāvatī (क्रियावती) refers to the first of the four types of Dīkṣā: an important Śākta ritual described Śāradātilaka-tantra, chapters III-V.—The guru brings his disciple, who has cleansed his teeth and has eaten the five products of a cow near the kuṇḍa. Looking with the divine eye he transfers the caitanya of his disciple into himself and unites it with that of his own, thereby effecting a purification of the six adhvans namely: kalā, tattva, bhavana, varṇa, pada, and mantra. The word adhvā means ‘path’, and when the above six adhvans are purified they lead to Brahman-experience.

Again, looking with the divine eye the teacher transfers the caitanya of his disciple, present in him back to the disciple. The teacher then offers the Pūrṇāhuti with the ladle and repeats the mūlamantra. Oblations are offered to the tongues of the fire with Vyāhṛtis.

The guru then ties a piece of cloth over the eyes of his disciple and leads him to the kuṇḍa. The joined hands of the latter are filled with flowers which are then thrown in a pitcher for the gratification of the Devatā. The cloth is then taken off from his eyes. After worshipping the presiding deity of the kumbha the Guru performs several nyāsas. Then the teacher sprinkles the disciple with the water of the pitcher with accompaniment of instrumental music. The disciple is made to sip the remaining water. He then gets up, puts on new clothes, sips water and sits close to his guru silently. The latter than worships his Devatā and communicates the knowledge to the disciple, who recites the mantra mentally eight times. Thinking of the oneness of the guru the mantra and the Devatā he bows to the guru lying flat on the ground. He then places the feet of his guru on his head and offers him his own body and all that he possesses. Then a sacrificial fee is given to the priests and the Brāhmaṇas are gratified with food and fees. Thus ends the Kriyāvatī-dīkṣā.

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: Shodhganga: Temple management in the Āgamas

Kriyāvatī (क्रियावती) refers to a type of Hautrī-dīkṣā where dīkṣā refers to “initiation” performed by a healthy Ādiśaiva as part of his essential priestly duties in the Śiva temple.—Dīkṣā is popularly understood as “dīyate kṣīyate iti dīkṣā”—“that which grants mokṣa, while destroying the karma of the initiate”. Hautrī-dīkṣā referst to dīkṣā where the process involves agnikārya performed according to the rules. Hautrī-dīkṣā is further classified into jñānavatī-dīkṣā, where the agnikārya is performed internally and kriyāvatī-dīkṣā, where the rituals are performed externally. Kriyāvatī-dīkṣā is once again classified into sabīja-dīkṣā, with bījamantra and nirbīja-dīkṣā, without bījamantra.

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.

Languages of India and abroad

Kannada-English dictionary

Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpus

Kriyāvati (ಕ್ರಿಯಾವತಿ):—

1) [noun] an active, agile, responsive woman.

2) [noun] a woman whois grateful, thankful.

3) [noun] a woman observing religious rites strictly as per the rules.

4) [noun] (vīr.) one of the several types of religious initiations received from one’s preceptor.

context information

Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Full-text (+14): Kaladhvan, Kriyashile, Tattvadhvan, Bhuvanadhva, Varnadhva, Bhuvanadhvan, Padadhva, Padadhvan, Varnadhvan, Tattvadhva, Mantradhvan, Mantradhva, Shivadharmini, Sabija, Kiriyavati, Vidya, Hautri, Shanti, Pratishtha, Shantyatita.

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Search found 2 books and stories containing Kriyavati, Kriyāvatī, Kriyāvati; (plurals include: Kriyavatis, Kriyāvatīs, Kriyāvatis). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari (by K. A. Subramania Iyer)

Verse 3.14.505 < [Book 3 - Pada-kāṇḍa (14): Vṛtti-samuddeśa (On Ccomplex Formation)]

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The Padma Purana (by N.A. Deshpande)

Chapter 74 - Arjuna’s Wish and Its Fulfilment < [Section 5 - Pātāla-Khaṇḍa (Section on the Nether World)]

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