Avadhuta, aka: Avadhūta; 9 Definition(s)

Introduction

Avadhuta means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Marathi. 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.

In Hinduism

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Avadhuta (अवधुत) refers to a specific ‘movement of the head’ (śiras), according to the Nāṭyaśāstra chapter 8. The head is one of the six major limbs (aṅga) used to perform certain gestures (āṅgika). These gestures form a part of the histrionic representation (abhinaya).

One of the Twenty-four Heads. Avadhuta: inclining the head sharply. Usage: saying “Stay”, pointing out a place, asking a question, summoning, conversation.

Avadhuta (अवधुत).—One of the thirteen gestures of the head;—Instructions: When the head is once turned down it is called the Avadhuta. (Uses): it is to be applied in [communicating] a message involking a deity, conversation and beckoning [one to come near]. (See the Nāṭyaśāstra 8-23)

context information

Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (śāstra) of performing arts, (nāṭya, e.g., theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing dramatic plays (nataka) and poetic works (kavya).

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Avadhūta (अवधूत).—The friend who accompanied Purañjana to the Saurabha kingdom, through the entrances Nalini and Nālini.¹ Allegorically sense of smell.² Taught spiritual wisdom to Yadu.³

• 1) Bhāgavata-purāṇa IV. 25. 48.
• 2) Ib. IV. 29. 11.
• 3) Ib. XI. 7. 24-9.

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.

Languages of India and abroad

Marathi-English dictionary

avadhūta (अवधूत).—m (In Sanskrit, Rejected, removed, agitated, cast away: also virakta or Separated from sensuous or carnal affections.) A Brahman-avatar of dattātrēya q. v. He was a great wanderer. Hence, A term for an individual of an order of viraktabrāhmaṇa or gōsāvī who roam about in nudity reciting avadhūtagītā a metrical piece found in the bhāgavata purāṇa. Compounds are avadhūta-pantha-mārga-sampra- dāya-caritra-dīkṣā. The order or ways of the avadhūta roamers; and fig. Non-distinction of castes and general pollution and profligacy. For avadhūtadattātrēya See dattātrēya. In poetry, also avadhūtamūrtti. Ex. sakaḷa brahmāṇḍīñcīṃ dēvatēṃ dhāvati || avadhūtamūrtti pāhāvayā ||.

avadhūta (अवधूत).—m dattātrēya. One who does not observe the distinction of castes &c. a Naked.

Sanskrit-English dictionary

Avadhūta (अवधूत).—p. p.

1) Shaken, waved. Māl.9.18.

2) Discarded, rejected, despised; R.19.43.

3) Insulted, humiliated. हृतदारोऽवधूतश्च नाहं जीवितमुत्सहे (hṛtadāro'vadhūtaśca nāhaṃ jīvitamutsahe) Mb.3.282.36.

4) Excelled, surpassed; लीलावधूतपद्मा कथयन्ती पक्षपातमधिकं नः (līlāvadhūtapadmā kathayantī pakṣapātamadhikaṃ naḥ) Ratn.2.8.

5) Attacked, overcome.

6) Separated from worldly attachments.

-taḥ An ascetic who has renounced all worldly attachments and connections; यो विलङ्घ्याश्रमान्वर्णानात्मन्येव स्थितः पुमान् । अतिवर्णाश्रमी योगी अवधूतः स उच्यते (yo vilaṅghyāśramānvarṇānātmanyeva sthitaḥ pumān | ativarṇāśramī yogī avadhūtaḥ sa ucyate) || or अक्षरत्वात् वरेण्यत्वात् धूतसंसारबन्ध- नात् । तत्त्वमस्यर्थसिद्धत्वादवधूतोऽभिधीयते ॥ सदाप्लुतोऽधःशयनोऽवधूतः (akṣaratvāt vareṇyatvāt dhūtasaṃsārabandha- nāt | tattvamasyarthasiddhatvādavadhūto'bhidhīyate || sadāpluto'dhaḥśayano'vadhūtaḥ) Bhāg.3.1.19. अवधूतोपेक्षिते च कम्पिते चाश्रमान्तरे (avadhūtopekṣite ca kampite cāśramāntare) | Nm.

2) Smelling sense, nose, नलिनी नालिनी च प्राग्द्वारावेकत्र निर्मिते । अवधूतसखस्ताभ्यां विषयं याति सौरभम् (nalinī nālinī ca prāgdvārāvekatra nirmite | avadhūtasakhastābhyāṃ viṣayaṃ yāti saurabham) || Bhāg.4.25.48.

Avadhūta (अवधूत).—(compare BR 5.1527, dhū with ava, ppp., glossed malina), in a list of evil (magic) powers and influences: Māy 220.19; 245.19; 259.13. Not in the similar list Mvy 4372—87.

Avadhūta (अवधूत).—mfn.

(-taḥ-tā-taṃ) 1. Compelled. 2. Discarded. 3. Shaken, removed, tossed. 4. Trodden upon. 5. Separated from worldly feeling and obligation. E. ava, and dhūta shaken.

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