Pancakara, Pañcākāra, Pancan-akara: 1 definition
Introduction:
Pancakara 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.
Alternative spellings of this word include Panchakara.
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In Hinduism
Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)
Source: Google Books: ManthanabhairavatantramPañcākāra (पञ्चाकार) [=ākārapañca?] refers to the “five forms” (as the Five Siddhas who govern the Elements), according to the Manthānabhairavatantra, a vast sprawling work that belongs to a corpus of Tantric texts concerned with the worship of the goddess Kubjikā.—Accordingly, [while describing the Niṣkala Form of Śrīnātha]—“The niṣkala (form), beyond the energies, is the one teacher in the Western Tradition. [...] Energized by will, knowledge and action, he is endowed with five forms [ākārapañca—ākārapañcabhir yutam] (as the Five Siddhas who govern the Elements), that is, the five beginning with Śrīkaṇṭha and is in the middle of Śiva, Śakti and the Self (as their union). [...]”.
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Akara, Panca.
Starts with: Pancakarakam, Pancakaran-oparika, Pancakarana, Pancakarana-adhikrita, Pancakaranavarttika.
Full-text: Akarapanca, Tarini, Ratnasambhava, Akshobhya, Tara, Vairocana.
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Search found 1 books and stories containing Pancakara, Pañcan-ākāra, Pañcākāra, Pancan-akara, Panca-akara, Pañca-ākāra; (plurals include: Pancakaras, ākāras, Pañcākāras, akaras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
The Indian Buddhist Iconography (by Benoytosh Bhattachacharyya)