Angushtha, Amgushtha, Aṅguṣṭha: 24 definitions

Introduction:

Angushtha means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit, Marathi. 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.

The Sanskrit term Aṅguṣṭha can be transliterated into English as Angustha or Angushtha, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Yoga (school of philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Angushtha in Yoga glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Yoga

Aṅguṣṭha (अङ्गुष्ठ) is a Sanskrit word referring to the “thumb”. It is used in Yoga.

Source: Google Books: Croaking Frogs: (Yoga)

Aṅguṣṭha (अङ्गुष्ठ) refers to the “big toes” representing one of the sixteen vital centres of the body (i.e., ādhāra), according to the Jyotsnā 3.73 (Cf. Gorakṣaśataka 14 and Svātmārāma’s Haṭhapradīpikā 3.72).—In Haṭhayoga, ādhāra refers to a vital point of the body, a seat of vital function. Jyotsnā verse 3.73 cites a passage attributed to Gorakṣa listing the ādhāras as [e.g., aṅguṣṭha (big toes), ...]. The Haṭhapradīpikā refers to sixteen ādhāras but does not name them or explain what they are. The Gorakṣaśataka also refers to sixteen ādhāras as something the Yogī should be familiar with, but does not name them.

Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation by Jason Birch

Aṅguṣṭha (अङ्गुष्ठ) refers to the “thumbs”, according to the Mataṅgapārameśvaratantra (Mataṅgapārameśvara’s Yogapāda) verse 2.23-27.—Accordingly, while discussing ancillary and seated poses in Yoga: “[Having adopted either paryaṅka, kamala, bhadra or svastikāsana], the wise [Yogin] places his hands obliquely, in the middle of the shanks, makes [them] upward-facing and evenly balanced, and fixes the right hand on the left, so that the right fingers are at the base of the left [hand]. The two thumbs (aṅguṣṭhaaṅguṣṭhau) are bent slightly and should be held together. [...]”.

Yoga book cover
context information

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as āsanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

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Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

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

1) Aṅguṣṭha (अङ्गुष्ठ) refers to the “big toe”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.3.15 (“The penance and reign of Tārakāsura”).—Accordingly, as Brahmā narrated: “[...] For a hundred years he [Tāraka] performed penance with his hands lifted up, standing on only one leg and gazing at the sun. With his mind steady and firm he observed all sacred rites. Then for a hundred years, the lord and king of Asuras, Tāraka performed the penance: stood steady touching the ground with the single big toe [i.e., aṅguṣṭha]. For hundred years he performed penance by drinking only water; another hundred years by sustaining himself on air alone, another hundred years standing in water and another hundred years standing on dry land. [...]”.

2) Aṅguṣṭha (अङ्गुष्ठ) refers to the “thumb”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.5.10 (“The burning of the Tripuras”).—Accordingly, as Sanatkumāra narrated to Vyāsa: “[...] The lord stood in the wonderful posture of Pratyālīḍha for a hundred thousand years. The bow was well strung and kept near the head. The arrow was fixed. The fingers clenched at the bow firmly. The eyes were fixed. Gaṇeśa was stationed on the thumb (aṅguṣṭha). During this time the three cities did not come within the target path of the trident-bearing lord. [...]”.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: The Purana Index

Aṅguṣṭha (अङ्गुष्ठ).—Gifts, receiving of gifts, homa, feeding, bali offering, all to be done.*

  • * Vāyu-purāṇa 79. 88.
Purana book cover
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.

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Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Angushtha in Shaivism glossary
Source: academia.edu: The Śaiva Yogas and Their Relation to Other Systems of Yoga

Aṅguṣṭha (अङ्गुष्ठ, “big toes”) refers to one of the sixteen types of “locus” or “support” (ādhāra) according to the Netratantra. These ādhāras are called so because they “support” or “localise” the self and are commonly identified as places where breath may be retained. They are taught in two different setups: according to the tantraprakriyā and according to the kulaprakriyā. Aṅguṣṭha belongs to the latter system.

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»] — Angushtha in Shaktism glossary
Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

1) Aṅguṣṭha (अङ्गुष्ठ) refers to the “thumbs”, according to the Śrīmatottara-tantra, an expansion of the Kubjikāmatatantra: the earliest popular and most authoritative Tantra of the Kubjikā cult.—Accordingly, as Bhairava explains: “[...] By squeezing where the channels that transport the vital breath (are located), (with) the two thumbs [i.e., aṅguṣṭha—aṅguṣṭhau dvau] consecrated with mantra, it [i.e., parāśakti—the supreme energy] heats up and (then) burns up the cage of sin. The mind attains the transmental state and (the disciple) falls on the ground unconscious”.

2) Aṅguṣṭha (अङ्गुष्ठ) refers to “(performing austerities using the) toes”, according to the Yogakhaṇḍa of the Manthānabhairavatantra, a vast sprawling work that belongs to a corpus of Tantric texts concerned with the worship of the goddess Kubjikā.—Accordingly, [while discussing the Hagiography of Siddha Pippalīnātha]: “There is a well known and fine town on the beautiful bank of the (river) Mandākinī called Bhogavardhana and Vikrama lives there. He was born in Visuli of a merchant and was very powerful. Well known as an Atharvavedin. He was very strong and possessed the Command. He practised the austerity of (standing on) one toe (aṅguṣṭha) in front of Ādinātha. For a thousand divine years he practiced tremendous austerity. A lotus grew out of the lotus of his (navel) that shone like the sun. [...]”.

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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Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)

Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts

Aṅguṣṭha (अङ्गुष्ठ) or Aṅguṣṭhamudrā refers to one of the “twenty-six ritual hand gestures” (mudrās) mentioned in the sixth chapter of the Nāradīyasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra document comprising over 3000 verses in 30 chapters presenting in a narrative framework the teachings of Nārada to Gautama, dealing primarily with modes of worship and festivals.—Description of the chapter [mudrā-lakṣaṇa]: Gautama asks Nārada about mudrās, by using which one can please the Lord (1) Nārada then names and describes how to form with the hands 26 gestures: namely, [e.g., aṅguṣṭha-mudrā] [....]. All the preceding are mudrās appropriate to use when worshipping the Lord in His central shrine.

Pancaratra book cover
context information

Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.

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In Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)

Source: OSU Press: Cakrasamvara Samadhi

Aṅguṣṭha (अङ्गुष्ठ) refers to the “thumb” (e.g., Aṅguṣṭhābharaṇa—‘a thumb ring’), according to the Gurupādārgha (Guru foot offering) ritual often performed in combination with the Cakrasaṃvara Samādhi, which refers to the primary pūjā and sādhanā practice of Newah Mahāyāna-Vajrayāna Buddhists in Nepal.

Tibetan Buddhism book cover
context information

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.

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In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

[«previous next»] — Angushtha in Jainism glossary
Source: academia.edu: The Original Paṇhavāyaraṇa/Praśnavyākaraṇa Discovered

Aṅguṣṭha (अङ्गुष्ठ) (Sanskrit; in Prakrit: Aṃguṭṭha) refers to “one’s thumb”, as taught in the Paṇhavāgaraṇa: (Sanskrit: Praśnavyākaraṇa), according to the Sthānāṅgasūtra (Sūtra 755).—The Paṇhavāgaraṇa is the tenth Anga of the Jain canon which deals with the prophetic explanation of queries regarding divination.

General definition book cover
context information

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

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Languages of India and abroad

Marathi-English dictionary

[«previous next»] — Angushtha in Marathi glossary
Source: DDSA: The Molesworth Marathi and English Dictionary

aṅguṣṭha (अंगुष्ठ).—m (S) A thumb or a great toe. aṅguṣṭhācī āga mastakānta jāṇēṃ g. of s. To be filled with fury; to be in a blaze from the great toe to the crown of the head. aṅguṣṭhāvaruna daśaśira karaṇēṃ (To make Rava&n2dot;a out of a thumb.) To tell the whole from seeing a small part. To deal in hyperbole or exaggeration. Also aṅguṣṭhāvaruna daśaśira karaṇārā. An exaggerator &c.

Source: DDSA: The Aryabhusan school dictionary, Marathi-English

aṅguṣṭha (अंगुष्ठ).—m A thumb or a great toe.

context information

Marathi is an Indo-European language having over 70 million native speakers people in (predominantly) Maharashtra India. Marathi, like many other Indo-Aryan languages, evolved from early forms of Prakrit, which itself is a subset of Sanskrit, one of the most ancient languages of the world.

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Sanskrit dictionary

[«previous next»] — Angushtha in Sanskrit glossary
Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionary

Aṅguṣṭha (अङ्गुष्ठ).—[aṅgau pāṇau prādhānyena tiṣṭhati; aṅgu-sthā P.VIII. 4.97]

1) The thumb; great toe.

2) A thumb's breadth, usually regarded as equal to अङ्गुल (aṅgula) [cf. Zend angusta, Pers. angust.]

Derivable forms: aṅguṣṭhaḥ (अङ्गुष्ठः).

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Aṅguṣṭha (अङ्गुष्ठ).—m.

(-ṣṭhaḥ) The thumb. E. aṅgu here said to be the hand, and ṣṭha, from sthā to stay.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Benfey Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Aṅguṣṭha (अङ्गुष्ठ).—i. e. aṅgu-stha (cf. aṅgula), m. 1. The thumb. 2. The great toe. 3. A thumb’s breadth as a measure.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Cappeller Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Aṅguṣṭha (अङ्गुष्ठ).—[masculine] thumb or great toe; aṅguṣṭhamātra & aṅguṣṭhamātraka [adjective] having the length of a thumb.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary

1) Aṅguṣṭha (अङ्गुष्ठ):—[from aṅgula] m. the thumb

2) [v.s. ...] the great toe

3) [v.s. ...] a thumb’s breadth, usually regarded as equal to an aṅgula.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Goldstücker Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Aṅguṣṭha (अङ्गुष्ठ):—[tatpurusha compound] m.

(-ṣṭhaḥ) 1) The thumb.

2) The great toe.

3) A thumb’s breadth, as a linear measure which is said to be a measure of six barley corns. This seems, however, not to be correct, because twelve aṅguṣṭhas are given by the same authority as equal to a Vitasti or span. See aṅgula. E. aṅgu here said to mean the hand, and stha.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Yates Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Aṅguṣṭha (अङ्गुष्ठ):—(ṣṭhaḥ) 1. m. The thumb.

Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary (S)

Aṅguṣṭha (अङ्गुष्ठ) in the Sanskrit language is related to the Prakrit word: Aṃguṭhṭha.

[Sanskrit to German]

Angushtha in German

context information

Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.

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Kannada-English dictionary

[«previous next»] — Angushtha in Kannada glossary
Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpus

Aṃguṣṭha (ಅಂಗುಷ್ಠ):—

1) [noun] the largest of the five fingers of the hand; the thumb.

2) [noun] the largest of the five small parts at the termination of the foot; the great toe.

3) [noun] breadth of a thumb, as a measure;4) [noun] ಅಂಗುಷ್ಠ ಕಂಡು ರಾವಣನ ಬರೆ [amgushtha kamdu ravanana bare] aŋguṣṭha kaṇḍu rāvaṇana bare (id.) to have a very sharp mental grasping and keen executing power; ಅಂಗುಷ್ಠ ಬಾತರೆ ಪರ್ವತವಾದೀತೆ [amgushtha batare parvatavadite]? aŋguṣṭha bātare parvatavādīte (prov.) do not make a mountain out of a molehill; do not blow up a slight difficulty into a very serious one.

context information

Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.

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Nepali dictionary

[«previous next»] — Angushtha in Nepali glossary
Source: unoes: Nepali-English Dictionary

Aṅguṣṭha (अङ्गुष्ठ):—n. 1. the thumb; 2. the great toe; 3. a thumb's breadth usually regarded as equal to 'अङ्गुल [aṅgula] ';

context information

Nepali is the primary language of the Nepalese people counting almost 20 million native speakers. The country of Nepal is situated in the Himalaya mountain range to the north of India.

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