Significance of Mahakala
Mahakala is a significant figure across various religious traditions. In Buddhism, Mahakala is seen as a protective deity, enforcing Tantric rituals, and safeguarding teachings. Jainism depicts him as a malevolent Asura with ambitions of vengeance. In Hinduism, particularly within Shaivism and Purana, Mahakala reflects the concept of time and cosmic destruction, often associated with Lord Shiva. In all traditions, Mahakala embodies themes of protection, destruction, and the cyclical nature of existence, emphasizing his multifaceted role in spiritual practice.
Synonyms: Shiva, Deity, Protector, Guardian, Time, Death, Power, Wrath, Transformation
In Dutch: Mahakala
In Finnish: Mahakala
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Mahakala'
Mahakala in Buddhism is a fierce protector deity pivotal in Tibetan practices, symbolizing the destruction of ignorance, wealth, and the safeguarding of teachings, while also embodying spiritual entities and notable figures in Buddhist narratives.
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A fierce protector deity in Tibetan Buddhism, associated with the practice of Tantric rituals and protection.[1] (2) A deity representing the protection of the teachings and tradition, significant in the practice of Tibetan Buddhism.[2] (3) A protective deity within Tibetan Buddhism, often invoked for assistance in overcoming obstacles and enhancing spiritual practice.[3]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) The lord of armies, noted for his association with the wife Bhakshasi.[4]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) The Great Black One, a fierce deity often depicted with a trident, representing time and the destruction of ignorance, and associated with wealth and protection.[5] (2) A Dharmapala represented as having more than one head and standing on animals and demons.[6]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) Spiritual entities that, along with others, fled upon witnessing the powerful impact of the six-syllable mahavidya.[7]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The name of a householder and the future Kondanna who offers his food to the Sangha, representing dedication to meritorious deeds.[8]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The name given to Annasikondanna when he was reborn as an estate owner during the time of Buddha Vipassi.[9]
Hindu concept of 'Mahakala'
Mahakala in Hinduism represents a multifaceted deity associated with time and destruction. Revered for delivering blessings and spiritual release from sins, Mahakala embodies both a guardian aspect and an essential connection to cosmic cycles, particularly within the city of Ujjayini.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A form of Lord Shiva, representing time and destruction, worshipped in certain Tirthas.[10] (2) One of Shiva’s attendants who initially went to Varanasi to gather news about the city's situation.[11] (3) An embodiment of Lord Shiva known for his association with time, destruction, and cosmic powers.[12] (4) A deity that Hanuman wishes to adore, indicating his spiritual pursuits.[13] (5) A powerful entity whose influence prevents the functioning of Kalacakra in the excellent Tirtha.[14]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The phallic image of Shiva that protects his devotees.[15] (2) A representation of lord Shiva, denoting his timeless and supreme authority.[16] (3) An aspect of Lord Shiva represented as the great god of death, who protects devotees and destroys evil.[17] (4) The first incarnation of Shiva known as the bestower of worldly pleasures and liberation, with Shakti being Mahakali.[18] (5) A wild hunter who, despite his notorious behaviors, gained favor from Shiva through devotion.[19]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The great god of darkness, associated with the time of deluge.[20] (2) A form of Shiva representing the destroyer aspect, depicted with various weapons.[21] (3) A form of Shiva worshipped at the left side of the temple entrance during rituals.[22]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A holy site that a devotee visits to perform rituals and receive divine benefits.[23]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) A form of Lord Shiva known for bestowing blessings, acknowledging the divine presence in the city.[24]
From: Linga Purana
(1) An embodiment of time and destruction, venerated as a significant aspect of the divine.[25]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) The primary guardian deity associated with the first garden, characterized as the devourer of the worlds and depicted with a dark-coloured body.[26]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A deity whose temple Thinthakarala frequents, and who provides refuge to him.[27] (2) The deity associated with the protection of the Brahmans and the one who influences their actions.[28] (3) A deity worshipped by Nishcayadatta, linked with rituals and the context of the story.[29] (4) A form of the deity Shiva that resides in the city of Ujjayini.[30] (5) The cemetery where Mrigankadatta encounters the fierce image of Bhairava.[31]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The great time factor, representing the overwhelming anxiety of impending destruction and the inevitability of time.[32] (2) A personification of time or death, often associated with cosmic destruction; signifies inevitability and the cyclical nature of existence.[33]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Another name for Bana, emphasizing his connection to time and destruction.[34]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) A deity in Vajrayana Buddhism often linked to protection and the purification of the practitioner through the destruction of ignorance.[35] (2) A deity representing time, whose nature is connected to the cyclical understanding of the cosmos.[36]
From: Varahi Tantra (English Study)
(1) A deity associated with the mantras and dhyana provided in the text, indicating a significant aspect of the rituals covered in the chapter.[37]
From: Lakulisha-Pashupata (Philosophy and Practice)
(1) Another aspect of Siva, included in the various representations of Daksinamurti.[38] (2) A form of Siva associated with the city of Ujjain, known for its worship practices.[39]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) Maha-kala seeds that are purified by the juice of amalaki.[40]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) A fierce and protective form of the Hindu god Shiva.[41]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) One of the six great hells, associated with extreme suffering resulting from worldly excesses.[42]
Jain concept of 'Mahakala'
In Jainism, Mahakala symbolizes both a source of valuable treasures, like coral and precious metals, and a malevolent Asura. His narrative involves revenge against King Sagara, highlighting themes of humiliation and destructive intent.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) This treasure originates various valuable materials such as coral and precious metals.[43] (2) Mahakala is described as an Asura who became the lord of sixty thousand, known for his malice and intent to kill King Sagara and other kings due to the humiliation he faced during Sulasa's svayamvara.[44]
The concept of Mahakala in local and regional sources
Mahakala denotes a temple linked to Lord Iswara, where regional beliefs suggest that clouds play a significant role in the worship and reverence of this deity, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere surrounding the site.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A temple associated with the Lord Iswara where the cloud is suggested to convey its worship.[45]