Ashtashirshaka, Ashtan-shirshaka, Aṣṭaśīrṣaka: 1 definition
Introduction:
Ashtashirshaka means something in Buddhism, Pali. 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 Aṣṭaśīrṣaka can be transliterated into English as Astasirsaka or Ashtashirshaka, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Buddhism
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: De Gruyter: A Buddhist Ritual Manual on AgricultureAṣṭaśīrṣaka (अष्टशीर्षक) refers to an “eight-headed” (Nāga), according to the Vajratuṇḍasamayakalparāja, an ancient Buddhist ritual manual on agriculture from the 5th-century (or earlier), containing various instructions for the Sangha to provide agriculture-related services to laypeople including rain-making, weather control and crop protection.—Accordingly, [As the Bhagavān said]: “Now I shall teach the offering manual which is auspicious and can bring about any effect. [...] A seven-headed Nāga should be placed in the eastern direction. An eight-headed (aṣṭaśīrṣaka) one in the western direction. A five-headed one in the southern direction. A three-headed one in the northern direction. A nine-headed Nāga should be placed in the middle of the maṇḍala. [...]”.
Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Relevant text
No search results for Ashtashirshaka, Astan-sirsaka, Ashtan-shirshaka, Aṣṭaśīrṣaka, Aṣṭan-śīrṣaka, Astasirsaka, Ashta-shirshaka, Aṣṭa-śīrṣaka, Asta-sirsaka; (plurals include: Ashtashirshakas, sirsakas, shirshakas, Aṣṭaśīrṣakas, śīrṣakas, Astasirsakas) in any book or story.