Kapaladhari, Kapala-dhari, Kapāladhārī, Kapāladhārin, Kapala-dharin, Kapaladharin: 3 definitions
Introduction:
Kapaladhari means something in 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 Hinduism
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English TranslationKapāladhārī (कपालधारी) (Cf. Kapāladhārī) refers to “holds the skull” and is used to describe Śiva, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.3.27 (“Description of the fraudulent words of the Brahmacārin”).—Accordingly, as Śiva (in guise of a Brahmacārin) said to Pārvatī: “[...] I know Śiva through and through with all His weighty attributes. I shall tell you the truth. Listen with attention. [...] He holds the skull [i.e., kapāladhārī]. Serpents twine round His limbs. Poison has left a mark on his neck. He eats even forbidden stuffs. He has odd eyes and is definitely awful. His birth and pedigree cannot be traced. He is devoid of the enjoyment of a householder. He has ten arms. He is mostly naked and is ever accompanied by ghosts and goblins. [...]”.
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.
Kavya (poetry)
Source: Wisdom Library: KathāsaritsāgaraKapāladhārin (कपालधारिन्) (Cf. Kāpālika) refers to a sect of ascetics, according to the Kathāsaritsāgara, chapter 19.—The Śaiva mendicants have ten classes, known collectively as Daśnāmīs, “ ten names.” Among other more respectable orders are included the Aghorī, a sect of ascetics who follow the most vile practices imaginable. They are also known by the name of Kāpālika or Kapāladhārin (Skr. kāpāla, “a skull,” dhārin, “carrying”). For fuller details see H. W. Barrow, “Aghoris and Aghorapanthis,” Journ. Anth. Soc. Bomb vol. iii, No. 4, 1893, pp. 197-251; W. Crooke, “Aghori,” Hastings’ Ency. Rel. Eth.,vol. i, pp. 210-213. The connection of skulls with the worship of Śiva has already occurred in the Ocean of Story (Vol. I, p. 5 , 5nl ).—n.m.p.
Kavya (काव्य, kavya) refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.
Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)
Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions (shaktism)Kapāladhārin (कपालधारिन्) (Cf. Kapāladhāriṇī) refers to “one who carries a skull-bowl (in one’s hand)”, according to the King Vatsarāja’s Pūjāstuti called the Kāmasiddhistuti (also Vāmakeśvarīstuti), guiding one through the worship of the Goddess Nityā.—Accordingly, “[...] I take refuge with the goddesses of becoming minute and other great accomplishments for the sake of success. They hold wish-fulfilling jewels in both hands. They are moon-crested, three-eyed, and red in complexion. I revere Brahmāṇī and the other mother-goddesses. They carry a skull-bowl and red lily in their hands (kapāladhāriṇī—kapālotpaladhāriṇī), their bodies are dark-colored like the leaves of bamboo, and they are clad in lovely [red] clothes resembling bandhūka flowers. [...]”.
Shakta (शाक्त, śākta) or Shaktism (śāktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Dharin, Kapala, Tari.
Starts with: Kapaladharini.
Full-text: Kapaladharini.
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Search found 3 books and stories containing Kapaladhari, Kapala-dhari, Kapāladhārī, Kapāladhārin, Kapala-dharin, Kapaladharin, Kapāla-dhārī, Kapāla-dhārin; (plurals include: Kapaladharis, dharis, Kapāladhārīs, Kapāladhārins, dharins, Kapaladharins, dhārīs, dhārins). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Puranic encyclopaedia (by Vettam Mani)
Rudra-Shiva concept (Study) (by Maumita Bhattacharjee)
2. Physical appearance of Śiva < [Chapter 5 - Rudra-Śiva in the Purāṇic Literature]
Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story) (by Somadeva)
Chapter XIX < [Book III - Lāvānaka]