Alternative spellings of this word include Citrarupa.

In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: archive.org: Puranic Encyclopedia

Citrarūpa (चित्ररूप).—An attendant of Śiva. When by a curse of Mahāviṣṇu Mahālakṣmī was changed into a mare, it was through this attendant that Śiva sent a message to Viṣṇu. (Devī Bhāgavata, Skandha 6).

Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

1) Citrarūpa (चित्ररूप) refers to “(artificial) prototypes” (of the Gods), according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.3.41 (“Description of the Altar-Structure”).—Accordingly, as Nārada said to Indra and others: “[...] I have been fascinated by my shining portrait. Viṣṇu, Brahmā and Indra have been realistically portrayed by him. O lord of gods, why should I talk too much? He has made artificial prototypes (citrarūpa) of all the gods. No one, not a single detail, has been left out. It is for the purpose of particularly enchanting the gods that this spell has been employed by him through this caricature”.

2) Citrarūpa (चित्ररूप) refers to “having wonderful forms and features”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.4.10 (“Boasting of Tāraka”).—Accordingly, as Tāraka-Asura fought with Kārttikeya: “[...] Both appeared to possess plenty of practice. Both had the desire to gain the upper hand. Both fought on foot, had wonderful forms and features (citrarūpa) and were equally courageous. With massive heaps of fatal missiles they hit each other. They had various ways of attack. They roared. They exhibited their all exploits. The onlookers, the gods, the Gandharvas and the Kinnaras were much surprised. They did not speak anything there. [...]”.

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.

In Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Tibetan Buddhist Teachers, Deities and other Spiritual beings

1) Citrarūpa (चित्ररूप) is another name for Viśvamūrti—one of the “Seven Dharma kings” (Tibetan: chos rgyal bdun) as well as the “Thirty-two kings of Shambhala”, according to the Tibetan oral recounting and written texts such as the Kalachakra Tantra (kālacakratantra), dealing with the Buddhist conception of the end of the world and time.—The Tibetan mythic land (the kingdom of Shambhala) is a parallel world invisible and inaccessible to common people which is closely related to the teaching about the Wheel of Time (dus 'khor). The seven Dharmarajas [e.g., citrarūpa] and twenty-five Kulikas are the traditional rulers of Shambhala, passing on the reign from father to son.

2) Citrarūpa (चित्ररूप) is also another name for Viśvarūpa—one of the “Twenty-Five Kalkis” (Tibetan: rigs ldan) as well as the “Thirty-two kings of Shambhala”.

Source: WikiPedia: Tibetan Buddhism

Citrarupa (चित्ररुप) (in Tibetan: Natshog Zug(chän)) (1127–1227 CE) refers to the thirteenth of the twenty-five Kalki kings (of Shambhala) who represents the holders of the Kalachakra (“wheel of time”) teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni.—The king Citrarupa is described as “holder of the vajra prod and noose”.

context information

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Chitra, Citra, Rupa.

Starts with: Citrarupadarshana, Citrarupapadarthavicara, Citrarupavada, Citrarupavadartha, Citrarupavicara.

Ends with: Vicitrarupa.

Full-text: Vicitrarupa, Citrarupadarshana, Rigden natshogzug, Seven Dharmarajas, Twenty-five Lineage Holders, Vishvamurti, Vishvarupa, Thirty-two kings of shambhala.

Relevant text

Search found 2 books and stories containing Citrarupa, Citrarūpa, Chitra-rupa, Chitrarupa, Citra-rupa, Citra-rūpa, Chitrarūpa, Chitra-rūpa; (plurals include: Citrarupas, Citrarūpas, rupas, Chitrarupas, rūpas, Chitrarūpas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

The Devi Bhagavata Purana (by Swami Vijñanananda)

Chapter 19 - On the origin of Haihayas from a mare < [Book 6]

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Nyaya-Vaisheshika categories (Study) (by Diptimani Goswami)

Qualities (1): Rūpa (Colour) < [Chapter 4 - Quality and Action]

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