Shankhamudra, Śaṅkhamudrā, Shankha-mudra: 5 definitions
Introduction:
Shankhamudra 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.
The Sanskrit term Śaṅkhamudrā can be transliterated into English as Sankhamudra or Shankhamudra, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Hinduism
Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)
Source: archive.org: Isvara Samhita Vol 5Śaṅkhamudrā (शङ्खमुद्रा) or simply Śaṅkha is the name of a mudrā described in the Īśvarasaṃhitā 31.33.—Accordingly, “the left thumb shall be grasped with the right fist. The fingers in the left hand are to be placed on those of the right. The tip of the left forefinger shall mutually adhere face to face with the right. This is śaṅkhamudrā when it is on the back”. Mūdra (eg., Śaṅkhamudrā) is so called as it gives joy to the tattvas in the form of karman for those who offer spotless worship, drive out the defects which move about within and without and sealing up of what is done.
Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama TextsŚaṅkhamudrā (शङ्खमुद्रा) refers to one of the Mudrās mentioned in the eighteenth chapter of the Agastyasaṃhitā (agastya-suīkṣṇa-saṃvāda edition), an ancient Pāñcarātra Āgama text dealing with the worship of Rāma, Sītā, Lakṣmaṇa and Hanumān.—[Cf. the chapter pūjāsādhanalakṣaṇa].—[...] One should offer pūjā with devotion [bhakti] and orderliness [saṃkalpa]. Further, the devotee should accompany his worship with the practice of mudrās for this delights the gods. The following mudrās are described: [e.g., śaṅkhamudrā]. One can “melt the heart” [drāvayet] of God if he uses all of the mudrās in daily worship.
Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.
Mantrashastra (the science of Mantras)
Source: Shodhganga: Kasyapa Samhita—Text on Visha Chikitsa (mantra)Śaṅkhamudrā (शङ्खमुद्रा) refers to one of the Pañcamudrās (“five mudrās or signs”), according to the Śeṣa-samhitā (p.26, mudrāvidhi).—Mantras refers to “that which is chanted by people to obtain their spiritual aspirations”. Mantras must be accompanied by the prescribed mudrās or signs. Mudrā is the position of the hand and finger indicative of various moods and sentiments, and accelerate the effectiveness of the accompanying mantras. The Śeṣasamhitā states that the five Mudrās [e.g., conch (śaṅkhamudrā)] yield the four puruṣārthas when displayed in the middle and end of a japa.
Mantrashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, mantraśāstra) refers to the ancient Indian science of mantras—chants, incantations, spells, magical hymns, etc. Mantra Sastra literature includes many ancient books dealing with the methods reciting mantras, identifying and purifying its defects and the science behind uttering or chanting syllables.
Languages of India and abroad
Sanskrit dictionary
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English DictionaryŚaṅkhamudrā (शङ्खमुद्रा):—[=śaṅkha-mudrā] [from śaṅkha] f. a [particular] position of the fingers, [Kālacakra]
[Sanskrit to German]
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)
Partial matches: Mudra, Shankha.
Full-text: Shankha, Conch, Pancamudra, Mudra.
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Search found 4 books and stories containing Shankhamudra, Śaṅkha-mudrā, Sankha-mudra, Śaṅkhamudrā, Sankhamudra, Shankha-mudra; (plurals include: Shankhamudras, mudrās, mudras, Śaṅkhamudrās, Sankhamudras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
The Shiva Purana (by J. L. Shastri)
Chapter 4 - The daily conduct of a Sannyāsin < [Section 6 - Kailāsa-saṃhitā]
Chapter 6 - Rules of Nyāsa in the path of Renunciation < [Section 6 - Kailāsa-saṃhitā]
Parama Samhita (English translation) (by Krishnaswami Aiyangar)
The Agni Purana (by N. Gangadharan)
The Devi Bhagavata Purana (by Swami Vijñanananda)