Mahapreta, Mahāpreta, Maha-preta: 4 definitions
Introduction:
Mahapreta 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: academia.edu: A Critical Study of the Vajraḍākamahātantrarāja (II) (shaivism)Mahāpreta (महाप्रेत) is the name of a Kṣetrapāla (field-protector) and together with Jvālāmukhī Devī they preside over Jayantī: one of the twenty-four sacred districts mentioned in the Kubjikāmatatantra (chapter 22). Their weapon is the khaḍga and their abode is the nimba-tree. A similar system appears in the 9th century Vajraḍākatantra (chapter 18).
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: Google Books: ManthanabhairavatantramMahāpreta (महाप्रेत) refers to a “great ghost”, according to the Manthānabhairavatantra, a vast sprawling work that belongs to a corpus of Tantric texts concerned with the worship of the goddess Kubjikā.—Śikhānātha should be worshipped in the middle on the Great Ghost as (his) seat [i.e., mahāpreta-āsana]. He bestows accomplishment (when this is done) with all one's being and with an intention free of thought. The essence of supreme bliss is considered to be the supreme state (bhāva) of the all-pervasive lord. The (liberated) state of flight arises by means of this Kramayoga.
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: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionaryMahāpreta (महाप्रेत).—a noble departed spirit.
Derivable forms: mahāpretaḥ (महाप्रेतः).
Mahāpreta is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms mahā and preta (प्रेत).
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English DictionaryMahāpreta (महाप्रेत):—[=mahā-preta] [from mahā > mah] m. a noble departed spirit, [Rudrayāmala]
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: Mahapretasana.
Full-text: Jvalamukhi, Jayanti.
Relevant text
Search found 3 books and stories containing Mahapreta, Mahāpreta, Maha-preta, Mahā-preta; (plurals include: Mahapretas, Mahāpretas, pretas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Varahi Tantra (English Study) (by Roberta Pamio)
Chapter 22 - The the Six Āmnāyas < [Summary of the Vārāhī Tantra]
The Brahma Purana (by G. P. Bhatt)
Shakti and Shakta (by John Woodroffe)
Chapter XVII - Śakti and Māyā < [Section 2 - Doctrine]
Chapter XV - Māyā-śakti (the Psycho-Physical aspect of the Universe) < [Section 2 - Doctrine]
Chapter XXVII - Pañcatattva (the Secret Ritual) < [Section 3 - Ritual]