In Hinduism

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Source: SOAS University of London: Protective Rites in the Netra Tantra

Gadāhastā (गदाहस्ता) refers to “she who holds a mace”, according to the Netratantra of Kṣemarāja: a Śaiva text from the 9th century in which Śiva (Bhairava) teaches Pārvatī topics such as metaphysics, cosmology, and soteriology.—Accordingly, [verse 11.1-24ab, while describing the appearance and worship of Tumburu]—“[...] The Devīs are white, red, yellow, and black, four-faced, four armed, three eyed, and in [their] hands bear golden hatchets, sticks and rosaries. [...] Seated on horseback, the Great Devī [Aparājitā] is adorned with many ornaments and resembles a broken sapphire [i.e., black]. [She is] adorned with four faces, four arms, three eyes, and holds a grass noose, a jewel, a bowl, and a mace (gadāhastā—ratnapātragadāhastā). [She] stands firmly on a divine seat, clothed in gold clothes and gold ornaments. [...] [When one] worships and meditates on [the Devīs, as they] stand in the cardinal directions, [the Devīs grant the practitioner] the fruits of siddhi. [...]”.

context information

Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Gadāhasta (गदाहस्त) refers to “(being armed with) clubs”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.5.3 (“The virtues of the three cities—Tripura).—Accordingly, after Viṣṇu spoke to the Gods: “[...] Then from the sacrificial pit rose up thousands of Bhūtas of huge size and armed with tridents, spears, iron clubs and other weapons. The gods saw thousands of Bhūtasaṅghas armed with tridents and spears (gadāhasta) [śūlaśaktigadāhastān] and possessing various weapons such as staffs, bows, stones, etc. They had various missiles to strike with. They were in different guises. They resembled the destructive fire and Rudra. They were on a par with the destructive Sun. When they bowed to him and stood waiting in front, Viṣṇu saw them. [...]”.

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

Sanskrit dictionary

Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionary

Gadāhasta (गदाहस्त).—a. armed with a club.

Gadāhasta is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms gadā and hasta (हस्त).

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary

1) Gadāhasta (गदाहस्त):—[=gadā-hasta] [from gadā > gad] mfn. armed with a mace, [Horace H. Wilson]

2) [v.s. ...] mace-handed, [Horace H. Wilson]

context information

Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Hasta, Gada.

Full-text: Ratnapatra, Kubera, Yakshapati.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Gadahasta, Gadāhastā, Gadāhasta, Gada-hasta, Gadā-hasta, Gadā-hastā; (plurals include: Gadahastas, Gadāhastās, Gadāhastas, hastas, hastās). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

The Nilamata Purana (by Dr. Ved Kumari)

Verses 901-1000

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