The Sanskrit terms Aṣṭāvaktra and Aṣṭavaktra can be transliterated into English as Astavaktra or Ashtavaktra, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: archive.org: Puranic Encyclopedia

Aṣṭāvaktra (अष्टावक्त्र).—See under Aṣṭāvakra.

Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

1) Aṣṭavaktra (अष्टवक्त्र) refers to a “Rudraksha with eight faces”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 1.25, while explaining the greatness of Rudrākṣa:—“[...] a Rudrākṣa with eight faces (aṣṭavaktra) is called Vasumūrti and Bhairava. By wearing it a man lives the full span of life. After death he becomes the Trident-bearing lord (Śiva)”.

2) Aṣṭavaktra (अष्टवक्त्र) is the name of a Gaṇeśvara (attendant of Śiva), according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.5.9 (“Śiva’s campaign”).—Accordingly, as Śiva with the Gods attacked Tripura: “[...] O great Brahmins, all the Gaṇeśvaras went to the three cities. Who can enumerate them fully? I shall mention a few. These were the important ones who were there—[e.g., Aṣṭavaktra] [...]. These and other innumerable lords of Gaṇas who cannot be characterised and classified surrounded Śiva and went ahead. [...] They were capable of burning the entire world including the mobile and immobile beings, within a trice by their very thought. Surrounding Śiva, the great lord, they went ahead. [...]”.

context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Aṣṭavaktra (अष्टवक्त्र) (or Vaktrāṣṭa) refers to “one who has eight faces” and is used to visualize Bhairava, 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, “He has eight faces [i.e., aṣṭavaktra] and, very powerful, shines like a white lotus. He is mightily proud and has sharp teeth and great body. He is terrible and fierce and his face is deformed. O Śambhu, he has twenty arms and the goddess sits on his lap. He holds a sword, mallet and noose, a double-headed drum, a dagger, the Kaustubha jewel, a rosary, a skull bowl full of fruit and the like and a piece of human flesh. [...]”.

Note: Each of Bhairava’s eight faces [i.e., aṣṭavaktra] has eight energies embodied in as many Yoginīs. Shining like halos around them, they constitute the Wheel of Sixty-four Energies of Bhairava’s eight faces.

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, Vaktra.

Full-text: Vasumurti, Bhairava, Vaktrashta, Devala.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Ashtavaktra, Aṣṭāvaktra, Aṣṭavaktra, Ashta-vaktra, Astavaktra, Aṣṭa-vaktra, Asta-vaktra; (plurals include: Ashtavaktras, Aṣṭāvaktras, Aṣṭavaktras, vaktras, Astavaktras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

The Shiva Purana (by J. L. Shastri)

Chapter 9 - Śiva’s campaign < [Section 2.5 - Rudra-saṃhitā (5): Yuddha-khaṇḍa]

show preview