Ashtamasa, Aṣṭamāsa, Ashta-masa: 1 definition

Introduction:

Ashtamasa 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 Aṣṭamāsa can be transliterated into English as Astamasa or Ashtamasa, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Ashtamasa in Shaktism glossary
Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Aṣṭamāsa (अष्टमास) refers to a period of “eight months”, according to the Manthānabhairavatantra, a vast sprawling work that belongs to a corpus of Tantric texts concerned with the worship of the goddess Kubjikā.—Accordingly, “The teacher in the western house is one who belongs to the sequence of the line (of teachers). [...] He should offer bali at a crossroads, (at the foot of) a solitary tree or a cremation ground or at the gathering of the Mothers. He does this once he has placed the sacrificial food (there) and eaten a little of it in front of the Krama. Within six months (he attains) success, and in eight [i.e., aṣṭamāsaṣaṇmāsācca ... cāṣṭa vartate] (he becomes) pure. Satisfied, (the Yoginīs) give (him) whatever he desires. Success is to be found in the sacred seats, primary and secondary, or in the meeting grounds and in the gathering of (initiates) of the Rule as well as in the eight houses (of the Mothers) for one who is fearless and not otherwise. [...]”.

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.

Discover the meaning of ashtamasa or astamasa in the context of Shaktism from relevant books on Exotic India

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