In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Ajavaktra (अजवक्त्र) is the name of a Gaṇeśvara (attendant of Śiva), according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.5.9 (“Śiva’s campaign”).—Accordingly, as Śiva with the Gods attacked Tripura: “[...] O great Brahmins, all the Gaṇeśvaras went to the three cities. Who can enumerate them fully? I shall mention a few. These were the important ones who were there—[e.g., Ajavaktra] [...]. These and other innumerable lords of Gaṇas who cannot be characterised and classified surrounded Śiva and went ahead. [...] They were capable of burning the entire world including the mobile and immobile beings, within a trice by their very thought. Surrounding Śiva, the great lord, they went ahead. [...]”.

Source: JatLand: List of Mahabharata people and places

Ajavaktra (अजवक्त्र) is a name mentioned in the Mahābhārata (cf. IX.44.77) and represents one of the many proper names used for people and places. Note: The Mahābhārata (mentioning Ajavaktra) is a Sanskrit epic poem consisting of 100,000 ślokas (metrical verses) and is over 2000 years old.

context information

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.

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Ajavaktra (अजवक्त्र) refers to the “Face of the Unborn”, according to Tantric texts such as the Kubjikāmata-tantra, the earliest popular and most authoritative Tantra of the Kubjikā cult.—An important feature of this goddess, which represents her inner activity, are her seven faces. [...] These faces are quite different from those of Kubjikā’s form with six faces. Even so, the extra seventh face suggests that she represents a higher aspect of the goddess, although one would suppose her to be a secondary form. The uppermost one is the Face of the Unborn (ajavaktra). Below that are the five faces of Sadāśiva arranged in the directions, namely, Īśāna (above), Tatpuruṣa (east), Aghora (south), Vāmadeva (north), and Sadyojāta (west), with Śakti below.

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.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Vaktra, Aja.

Ends with: Gajavaktra, Khajavaktra, Lohajavaktra.

Full-text: Ajamukha.

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Search found 3 books and stories containing Ajavaktra, Aja-vaktra; (plurals include: Ajavaktras, vaktras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

List of Mahabharata people and places (by Laxman Burdak)

Starting with A

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The Shiva Purana (by J. L. Shastri)

Chapter 9 - Śiva’s campaign < [Section 2.5 - Rudra-saṃhitā (5): Yuddha-khaṇḍa]

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The Linga Purana (by J. L. Shastri)

Chapter 72 - Construction of Rudra’s chariot < [Section 1 - Uttarabhāga]

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