Ashtabahu, Ashtan-bahu, Aṣṭabāhu: 1 definition
Introduction:
Ashtabahu 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.
The Sanskrit term Aṣṭabāhu can be transliterated into English as Astabahu or Ashtabahu, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Hinduism
Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)
Source: Shodhganga: Kasyapa Samhita—Text on Visha Chikitsa (p)Aṣṭabāhu (अष्टबाहु) refers to “one who has eight shoulders”, and is used to describe Garuḍa, according to the second chapter of the Kāśyapa Saṃhitā: an ancient Sanskrit text from the Pāñcarātra tradition dealing with both Tantra and Viṣacikitsā (Toxicology).—Accordingly, text text dictates that a Garuḍa-upāsaka, the aspirant, must meditate on Garuḍa of the following form—[...] Garuḍa, seated on a lotus, adorned with these ornaments [i.e., the eight divine serpents], has huge wings and immense energy. Garuḍa of smiling countenance, blazes with eight shoulders (aṣṭabāhu-dhara) adorned by the weapons - conch, discus, nectar-pot, serpent, mace, and sword and two hands reaching out to the feet of the Lord.
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Ashtabahudhara.
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