The Sanskrit term Mahāraśmi can be transliterated into English as Maharasmi or Maharashmi, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Mahāraśmi (महारश्मि) refers to “great (mass of) rays”, according to the Kularatnoddyota, one of the earliest Kubjikā Tantras.—Accordingly, “[...]  You have a third form which is present (in the Transmission of) the Youth and ends with (that of) the Aged. [...] (This form of the goddess) breaks through the Wheels by means of (her) great mass of rays [i.e., mahāraśmi-samūha] that are to the side, above and below. Issuing forth from the Door of Brahmā, she has become one in the supreme, pure and unsupported Void. O Kubjeśī, you should be contemplated in this way residing in the Transmission of the Youth”.

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.

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Mahāraśmi (महारश्मि) refers to the “great rays” (of the Buddha’s body), according to Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter XIV).—Accordingly, “[...] Seeing the Buddha’s body (buddhakāya), its purity (viśuddhi) and its great rays (mahāraśmi). these gods offer him aquatic and terrestrial flowers. Of all the terrestrial flowers, jasmine is the most beautiful; of all the aquatic flowers, blue lotus is the most beautiful. Whether they grow on trees or on reeds, these are flowers having different colors and different perfumes. Each holding a celestial flower, they gather around the Buddha. These flowers have a beautiful color, a rich perfume; they are soft and flexible; this is why they are used as offerings”.

context information

Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Rashmi, Maha.

Starts with: Maharashmijalavabhasagarbha.

Full-text: Maharashmijalavabhasagarbha, Mahakara, Samuha, Manju, Buddhakaya, Vishuddhi.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Maharashmi, Mahāraśmi, Maha-rashmi, Mahā-raśmi, Maharasmi, Maha-rasmi; (plurals include: Maharashmis, Mahāraśmis, rashmis, raśmis, Maharasmis, rasmis). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)

Act 7.3: Description of Paranirmitavaśavartin < [Chapter XIV - Emission of rays]

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