Vidyatattva, Vidyātattva, Vidya-tattva: 5 definitions

Introduction:

Vidyatattva 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)

[«previous next»] — Vidyatattva in Shaivism glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Śaivism

Vidyātattva (विद्यातत्त्व, “limited knowledge”):—One of the Thirty-six Tattvas, according to Śaiva doctrine. This is the eighth or twenty-ninth tattva (when counting in reverse). These primary principles (tattva) represent the different manifestations of Brahman (universal consciousness) which together form the basis of our experiences. The Vidyā-tattva forms part of the group of seven Śuddhāśuddha-tattvas, which together constitue the realm of Śuddhāśuddha-māyā.

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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Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Vidyatattva in Shaktism glossary
Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Vidyātattva (विद्यातत्त्व) refers to the “principle of Vidyā”, according to the Manthānabhairavatantra, a vast sprawling work that belongs to a corpus of Tantric texts concerned with the worship of the goddess Kubjikā.—[...] Another way of understanding this important triad [i.e., Āṇava, Śākta, and Śāmbhava] is in relation to another one, formed by dividing the thirty-six principles into three parts: Inferior (apara), Middling (parāpara) and Supreme (para). The first ‘inferior’ part is the Principle of the Self (ātmatattva). This spans the thirty-one principles starting with Earth up to Māyā. The next, the Principle of Vidyā (vidyātattva), extends for the next four principles from Pure Knowledge (śuddhavidyā) to Śakti (śakti) and is the middle one. The supreme one, named Śiva (śivatattva), consists of only the highest principle, namely, Śiva.

Shaktism book cover
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.

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Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

[«previous next»] — Vidyatattva in Purana glossary
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Vidyātattva (विद्यातत्त्व) refers to the “principle of learning” and is used to describe Śiva, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.3.49 (“The delusion of Brahmā”).—Accordingly, as the Gods eulogised Śiva: “[...] Obeisance to Thee, the five-faced Rudra. Obeisance to thee, with fifty crores of forms. Obeisance to thee, the lord of three deities. Obeisance to the most excellent one. Obeisance to the principle of learning (vidyātattva). Obeisance, Obeisance to the inexpressible, the eternal, the lightning-flamed, the flame-coloured. Obeisance to lord Śiva. Obeisance, obeisance to thee stationed in the world with the form resembling a crore of lightning streaks, consisting of eight corners and very lustrous. [...]”.

Purana book cover
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The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

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General definition (in Hinduism)

[«previous next»] — Vidyatattva in Hinduism glossary
Source: Veda (wikidot): Hinduism

Vidya-Tattva: This is the stage at which the power of knowledge associated with a sentient creature is limited so that he can only know a few things.

Source: Nadalila: 36 Tattva

Limited knowledge (vidyā): “the illusion that what we can know of the absolute is limited”. Also unmeṣa-śakti, the Power of Unfolding. Veils jñana-śakti.

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