Ashtashakti, Aṣṭaśakti, Ashta-shakti: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Ashtashakti 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 Aṣṭaśakti can be transliterated into English as Astasakti or Ashtashakti, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

Images (photo gallery)

In Hinduism

Shilpashastra (iconography)

Source: Shodhganga: The significance of the mūla-beras (śilpa)

Aṣṭaśakti or Aṣṭaśaktimaṇḍapa refers to the “abode of eight powers” as found depicted in the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai (or Madura), which represents a sacred place for the worship of The Goddess (Devī).—The entrance on the eastern side of the temple leads to the Aṣṭaśakti Maṇḍapa. On the left there are four śakti (powers), namely, Goumāri, Roumāri, Vaiṇavi and Mahālakṣmī. On the right are the images of Yagnarūpani, Śyāmalai, Maheśvari and Manonmaṇi.

Shilpashastra book cover
context information

Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, śilpaśāstra) represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

Discover the meaning of ashtashakti or astasakti in the context of Shilpashastra from relevant books on Exotic India

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Ashtashakti in Shaktism glossary
Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions (shaktism)

Aṣṭaśakti (अष्टशक्ति) (Cf. Anaṅgaśakti) refers to the “eight (powers) (of the love-god Kāmadeva)” and is used to describe the Goddesses of the eight powers of Kāmadeva, according to the King Vatsarāja’s Pūjāstuti called the Kāmasiddhistuti (also Vāmakeśvarīstuti), guiding one through the worship of the Goddess Nityā.—Accordingly, “[...] I worship those compassionately-disposed goddesses of red-complexion, the eight powers of the bodiless [love-god Kāmadeva] (aṣṭaśaktianaṅgaśaktīr aṣṭau tāḥ), who have arisen like shadows of the goddess [Nityā Sundarī] and are very difficult to conquer. I venerate those fourteen goddesses, with Sarvasaṃkṣobhaṇī at the fore, to whom [all] fourteen worlds bow. They carry a bow and arrows made of sugarcane. [...]”.

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 ashtashakti or astasakti in the context of Shaktism from relevant books on Exotic India

See also (Relevant definitions)

Relevant text

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: