Cakravyuha, aka: Cakravyūha, Cakra-vyuha; 7 Definition(s)

Introduction

Cakravyuha 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.

Alternative spellings of this word include Chakravyuha.

In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Cakravyūha (चक्रव्यूह).—A Phalanx.

A particular pattern of army formation on ground. In the Kaurava-Pāṇḍava war Droṇācārya formed a Cakravyūha wherein Abhimanyu, son of Arjuna got himself trapped and killed. (Abhimanyu, who forced himself inside the Vyūha did not know the method of geting out of it which Arjuna alone knew). Cakravyūha is made in the form and shape of Cart-wheels. Vyāsa has described the Cakravyūha made by Droṇa as follows:—The great preceptor made the Cakravyūha and posted in it to maximum capacity kings, who were equal to Indra. In every opening of the vyūha were posted princes equal in prowess to the Sun. All the princes were organised compactly. And, all of them wore red uniforms and were adorned with other things also red in colour and held red flags. They also wore golden ornaments and garlands scented with Sandal paste. Ten thousand strong they rushed forward to fight with Abhimanyu. Duryodhana’s son, Lakṣmaṇa, led the onrush. In the centre (of the Cakravyūha) stood Duryodhana in the company of heroes like Karṇa, Duśśāsana and Kṛpa. And, at the head of the army stood Droṇa, the captain of the army, who looked like the rising sun. Then there was the King of Sindhu, and near him stood Aśvatthāmā, and there stood in front of them thirty Kauravas, all of them equal to Devas. On the flanks were great heroes like Śalya, Bhūriśravas. And then did the battle rage. (Droṇa Parva, Chapter 34).

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.

General definition (in Hinduism)

Cakravyūha (चक्रव्यूह).—A formation of soldiers in the form of a cakra. This formation was considered impenetrable, and only the most capable warriors could penetrate it. Abhimanyu was killed while fighting in this formation. His father, Arjuna, taught him how to enter, but he did not know how to exit the gigantic formation.

Languages of India and abroad

Marathi-English dictionary

cakravyūha (चक्रव्यूह).—m S pop. cakravibhū m & cakravihū m A form of military array, the circle. 2 fig. A deep, complex plot or scheme.

cakravyūha (चक्रव्यूह).—m A form of military array, the circle. A deep, complex plot or scheme.

Sanskrit-English dictionary

Cakravyūha (चक्रव्यूह).—a circular array of troops.

Derivable forms: cakravyūhaḥ (चक्रव्यूहः).

Cakravyūha is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms cakra and vyūha (व्यूह).

Cakravyūha (चक्रव्यूह).—n. of a kiṃnara-king: Kv 3.2.

Cakravyūha (चक्रव्यूह).—m.

(-haḥ) The circular array of troops. E. cakra and vyūha array.

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