In Hinduism

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Anekabhuja (अनेकभुज) refers to “she having many arms”, according to the Ṣaṭsāhasrasaṃhitā, an expansion of the Kubjikāmatatantra: the earliest popular and most authoritative Tantra of the Kubjikā cult.—Accordingly, “[...] The form she bears is desire and, tranquil, (she) is you, Kubjinī the mother of Kula. Mantras originate [samutpannā] from that and so her nature is desire. And as her form is (coiled like an) earring (kuṇḍalī), she is said to be Kubjinī ('bent over'). She is the goddess with two arms and one face, or with many arms and faces [i.e., anekabhuja-ananā]. She should be thought of at all times as being in accord with the form of passion (kāmākāra). Established in movement, she is in the midst of movement. The mistress of motion (caleśvarī), her body is movement. Motion is said to be the wind. She is said to be its mistress”.

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.

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Source: SOAS University of London: Protective Rites in the Netra Tantra

Anekabhuja (अनेकभुज) refers to “having many arms” and is used to describe Viṣṇu, according to the Netratantra of Kṣemarāja: a Śaiva text from the 9th century in which Śiva (Bhairava) teaches Pārvatī topics such as metaphysics, cosmology, and soteriology.—Accordingly, [verse 13.1-9, while describing the appearance and worship of Viṣṇu]—“Or, [the Mantrin] worships a very handsome, eight-armed, yellow Deva. [...] He remembers [Viṣṇu’s] many forms. Thus, he thinks [of him] with a collection of many faces, many weapons and [many] arms (anekabhuja—anekāstrabhujais tathā) [i.e., the cosmic Viṣṇu], reclining, taking a wife, joined with Lakṣmī, alone, [as] Narasiṃha, Varāha, or Vāmana, Kapila, or an honorable man, unadorned, or even without parts. [...]”.

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.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Bhuja, Aneka.

Full-text: Anekanana.

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