The Sanskrit term Aṣṭakalā can be transliterated into English as Astakala or Ashtakala, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Aṣṭakalā (अष्टकला) refers to the “eight energies”, according to the Śrīmatottara-tantra, an expansion of the Kubjikāmatatantra: the earliest popular and most authoritative Tantra of the Kubjikā cult.—Accordingly, “Then (after that comes the fourth sacred seat which) is in the locus of the heart [i.e., hṛdayastha] and is surrounded by eight energies [i.e., aṣṭakalā-parivṛta], namely Mohā, Āvṛtā, Prakāśyā, Kiraṇā, Rāgavatī, Hṛṣṭā, Puṣṭī, and Krodhā. One should know that it is located in the Wheel of the Heart surrounded by (this) group of energies set around it anticlockwise. (Brilliant) like the rising sun, its purpose is the emanation of the (many) diverse and true Yoginīs by means of (the energy) who (is full of the) attachment and passion (kāma) that comes from the joy of the heart (generated) by the countless energies of (the divine) will in order to (emanate) the many and diverse forms of creation. [...]”.

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: Ashta, Kala.

Starts with: Ashtakalasevanirupana, Ashtakalasmarani, Ashtakalasya.

Ends with: Causashtakala, Dvirashtakala, Kashtakala, Shashtakala.

Full-text: Balapramathani, Kalavikarani, Balavikarani, Krodha, Ragavati, Prakashya, Avrita, Pushti, Kirana, Hrishta, Moha.

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