Gahvara; 2 Definition(s)
Introduction
Gahvara means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit. 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 Buddhism
(Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)
Gahvara (गह्वर) is the name of the northern cremation ground (śmaśāna) according to the Vajravārāhī-sādhana by Umāpatideva as found in te Guhyasamayasādhanamālā. As a part of this sādhana, the practicioner is to visualize a suitable dwelling place for the goddess inside the circle of protection which takes the form of eight cremation grounds.
Gahvara is mentioned in the Saṃvarodaya-tantra as having various associative characteristics
tree (vṛkṣa) = Bodhi,
protector (dikpati) = Kubera,
serpent (nāga) = Takṣaka,
cloud (megha) = Ghūrṇita,
funeral monuments (caitya) = Saṃskāravajra,
mountain (giri) = Mandara.
The Guhyasamayasādhanamālā by Umāptideva is a 12th century ritualistic manual including forty-six Buddhist tantric sādhanas. The term sādhana refers to “rites” for the contemplation of a divinity.
(Source): Wisdomlib Libary: Vajrayogini
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.
Languages of India and abroad
Sanskrit-English dictionary
Gahvara (गह्वर).—a. (-rā or -rī f.).
1) Deep, impervious; Bhāg.1.6.13.
2) Confused (in mind); बभूव गह्वरो ग्रामवासी कोऽपि जडः पुमान् (babhūva gahvaro grāmavāsī ko'pi jaḍaḥ pumān) Ks.61.39,41.
-ram 1 An abyss, a depth.
2) A thicket, forest; गुल्मतृणवीरुद्भिर्गह्वरमिव भव- त्येवमेव गृहाश्रमः (gulmatṛṇavīrudbhirgahvaramiva bhava- tyevameva gṛhāśramaḥ) Bhāg.5.14.4.
3) A cave, cavern; गौरीगुरोर्गह्वरमाविवेश (gaurīgurorgahvaramāviveśa) R.2.26.46; Ṛs.1.21.
4) An inaccessible place.
5) A hiding-place.
6) A riddle.
7) Hypocrisy.
8) Weeping, crying.
9) Water.
1) A deep sigh.
-raḥ An arbour, bower.
-rī 1 A cave, cavern, recess in a rock or mountain.
2) The earth.
(Source): DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionarySanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family. 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.
Relevant definitions
Search found 10 related definition(s) that might help you understand this better. Below you will find the 15 most relevant articles:
| Mandara | Mandāra (मन्दार) refers to a type of lake growing in Kuberasarasa at Kailāsa, according to in t... | |
| Kubera | Kubera (कुबेर) or Kuberāgama refers to one of upāgamas (supplementary scriptures) of the Vijayā... | |
| Takshaka | 1) Takṣaka (तक्षक).—A fierce serpent. Genealogy and birth. Descending in order from Viṣṇu—Brahm... | |
| Ashvattha | Aśvattha (अश्वत्थ) is a name mentioned in the Mahābhārata (cf. XIII.4.27, XIII.4) and represen... | |
| Bodhi | Bodhi (बोधि) according to the Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter VII).—“Bodhi is the path of the... | |
| Shmashana | śmaśāna (श्मशान).—n śmaśānabhūmi f A cemetery. | |
| Dakshinamnaya | Dakṣiṇāmnāya (दक्षिणाम्नाय).—the southern sacred text (of the Tāntrikas). Derivable forms: dakṣ... | |
| Ghurnita | ghūrṇita (घूर्णित).—p a Rolling or revolving. ghūrṇita nētra m ghūrṇita lōcana n A rolling eye ... | |
| Gabbhara | Gabbhara, (nt.) (Derivation uncertain. Cp. Sk. gahvara) a cavern Sn.416 (giri°); Vv 635 (giri°... | |
| Samskaravajra | Saṃskāravajra (संस्कारवज्र) is the name of a caitya (funeral monument) associated with Gahvara:... |
Relevant text
Search found 3 books and stories containing Gahvara. You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Sri Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (by Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī)
Verse 2.4.125 < [Part 4 - Transient Ecstatic Disturbances (vyābhicāri-bhāva)]
Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra (by Helen M. Johnson)
Appendix 5.2: new and rare words < [Appendices]
Appendix 1.6: New and rare words < [Appendices]
List of Mahabharata tribes (by Laxman Burdak)