Mahaghanta, Mahāghaṇṭa: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Mahaghanta means something in Buddhism, Pali, 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)

[«previous next»] — Mahaghanta in Shaivism glossary
Source: academia.edu: A Critical Study of the Vajraḍākamahātantrarāja (II) (shaivism)

Mahāghaṇṭa (महाघण्ट) is the name of a Kṣetrapāla (field-protector) and together with Saumyāsyā they preside over Aṭṭahāsa: one of the twenty-four sacred districts mentioned in the Kubjikāmatatantra. Their weapon is the vajra and their abode is the kadamba-tree. A similar system appears in the 9th century Vajraḍākatantra (chapter 18).

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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In Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)

Source: academia.edu: A Critical Study of the Vajraḍākamahātantrarāja (II)

1) Mahāghaṇṭa (महाघण्ट) is the name of a Kṣetrapāla (field-protector) and together with Saumyamukhā Devī they preside over Aṭṭahāsa: one of the twenty-four sacred districts mentioned in the 9th century Vajraḍākatantra (chapter 18). Their weapon is the vajra and their abode is the kadamba-tree. A similar system appears in the tradition of Hindu Tantrims, i.e., in the Kubjikāmatatantra (chapter 22), which belongs to the Śākta sect or Śaivism.

2) Mahāghaṇṭa (महाघण्ट) or Mahābala is also mentioned as the Kṣetrapāla (field-protector) who, together with Karañjavāsinī Devī they preside over Caritra. Their weapon is the mudrā and śakti and their abode is the karañja-tree.

Tibetan Buddhism book cover
context information

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.

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