Ghorandhakara, Ghorāndhakāra, Ghora-andhakara: 3 definitions

Introduction:

Ghorandhakara means something in Buddhism, Pali. 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.

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In Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)

Source: Wisdomlib Libary: Vajrayogini

Ghorāndhakāra (घोरान्धकार) is the name of the south-eastern cremation ground (śmaśāna) according to the Vajravārāhī-sādhana by Umāpatideva as found in te 12th century 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.

Ghorāndhakāra is mentioned in the Saṃvarodaya-tantra as having various associative characteristics

tree (vṛkṣa) = Latāparkaṭi,
protector (dikpati) = Jātudhāna,
serpent (nāga) = Kulika,
cloud (megha) = Varṣa,
funeral monuments (caitya) = Ratnavajra,
mountain (giri) = Hemaparvata.

Source: academia.edu: The Structure and Meanings of the Heruka Maṇḍala

Ghorāndhakāra (घोरान्धकार) refers to one of the eight charnel grounds (śmaśāna) of the Guṇacakra, according to the 10th century Ḍākārṇava chapter 15. Accordingly, the guṇacakra refers to one of the four divisions of the sahaja-puṭa (‘innate layer’), situated within the padma (lotus) in the middle of the Herukamaṇḍala. Ghorāndhakāra is associated with the tree (vṛkṣa) named Latāparkaṭi; with the direction-guardian (dikpāla) named Rākṣasa; with the serpent king (nāgendra) named Kulika and with the cloud king (meghendra) named Varṣaṇa.

Source: OSU Press: Cakrasamvara Samadhi

Ghorāndhakāra (घोरान्धकार) is the name of a Śmaśāna (cremation ground) [i.e., oṃ ghorāndhakāraśmaśānāya hūṃ phaṭ svāhā], according to the Cakrasaṃvara Samādhi [i.e., Cakrasamvara Meditation] ritual often performed in combination with the Cakrasaṃvara Samādhi, which refers to the primary pūjā and sādhanā practice of Newah Mahāyāna-Vajrayāna Buddhists in Nepal.

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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.

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