Anakhya, Anākhya: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Anakhya 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

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

1) Anākhya (अनाख्य) or Anākhyakrama refers to the “inexplicable Kramas” (which contains the sṛṣṭikrama, sthitikrama and saṃhārakrama in oneness) and represent one of the various classes of Krama (“the sequence of the phases of manifestation”).—The term krama is commonly used in this sense in the Tantras of the Kālīkrama. Indeed, one can say that it is specific to them. Thus, although the term is virtually never understood or applied in this sense in the Kubjikā Tantras, this sequence, supplies the basic format for the liturgies of the Kālīkrama. This Krama may be four-fold [some schools add a fifth] [e.g., the inexplicable (anākhya-krama)].

2) Anākhya (अनाख्य) refers to “inexplicable”, according to the Ṣaṭsāhasrasaṃhitā, an expansion of the Kubjikāmatatantra: the earliest popular and most authoritative Tantra of the Kubjikā cult.—In one place the Ṣaṭsāhasrasaṃhitā identifies mount Kaumāra with the End of the Sixteen which, beyond the End of the Twelve, is transcendental and hence ‘inexplicable’ (anākhya). It is said to be the path ‘within the Cavity’ [randhragaṃ mārgaṃ].—Schoterman translates randhragaṃ mārgaṃ as ‘the path, which leads to the randhra [brahmarandhra]’. In other words, according to him, mount Kaumāra is the body which is the path leading to the Cavity of Brahmā on the crown of the head. If this interpretation is correct, one wonders why the mountain / body is said to be ‘inexplicable’ (anākhya).

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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Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram (shaivism)

Anākhya (अनाख्य) refers to the “inexplicable (fourth state of consciousness)”, according to the Mahānayaprakāśa by Arṇasiṃha (Cf. verse 182-197).—Accordingly, “He who, by virtue of the innate expansion (of his own consciousness) and freedom, assumes the nature of the senses, without (this thereby) diminishing the glorious power of the Inexplicable (anākhya) (Fourth State of consciousness) in the sphere the objects of sense and who, abandoning (all) exertion (for what is conventionally considered to be) right or wrong, moves (freely) at all times, is known as Meṣanātha who, endowed with the expansion (of consciousness), is ever intent (on realisation)”.

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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