Kapalavrata, Kāpālavrata, Kapālavrata, Kapala-vrata: 3 definitions

Introduction:

Kapalavrata 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

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Kapalavrata in Shaktism glossary
Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Kapālavrata (कपालव्रत) or simply Kapāla refers to the “vow of the skull”, according to the Brahmayāmala verse 21.1-4ab.—Accordingly, “Next I will explain the vows born from Ucchuṣma (Bhairava). The Vow of Nakedness is one. The second is (the vow of wearing) rags. The third one is the one of impurity. The fourth is (the Vow of) Madness. The sixth one is said to be the one of the skull [i.e., kapālavrata]. The sixth one is said to be (the Vow of) Bhairava. The seventh is called the (vow of behaving like a) child. The eighth is (the vow of) eating meat. The ninth is the (vow of) growth, which gives all accomplishments. These are said to be the nine Vows that belong to the Vidyā division”.

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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.

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Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology)

[«previous next»] — Kapalavrata in Jyotisha glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Brihat Samhita by Varahamihira

Kāpālavrata (कापालव्रत) refers to the “ceremony of Kāpālika” [?], according to the Bṛhatsaṃhitā (chapter 9), an encyclopedic Sanskrit work written by Varāhamihira mainly focusing on the science of ancient Indian astronomy astronomy (Jyotiṣa).—Accordingly, “If Venus should pass through the constellation of Kṛttikā, the Earth will be so much enundated with water as to make its surface even. If Venus should pass through the constellation of Rohiṇī Earth will assume the same appearance of death and devastation as if she was going through the ceremony of Kāpālika [i.e., kāpālavratakāpālam iva vrataṃ dhatte] for the expiation of the sin of murder.

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Jyotisha (ज्योतिष, jyotiṣa or jyotish) refers to ‘astronomy’ or “Vedic astrology” and represents the fifth of the six Vedangas (additional sciences to be studied along with the Vedas). Jyotisha concerns itself with the study and prediction of the movements of celestial bodies, in order to calculate the auspicious time for rituals and ceremonies.

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Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Kapalavrata in Shaivism glossary
Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions

Kapālavrata (कपालव्रत) refers to the “observance of the skull”, according to the Vārāṇasīmāhātmya verse 1.99ff.—Pulastya also reports that there is a pond there called Kālodaka, which arose when Kālarudra was playing on the cremation ground. At that time the Lord taught the observance of the skull (kapālavrata). He chopped off the fifth head of Brahmā, as a consequence of which there arose the holy Pāśupata pond. Mahādeva subsequently carries Brahmā’s skull around the world and unites with the cremation grounds. There he teaches that transmigration results from attachment (sneha), that attachment comes from desire (rāga), and that attachment is destroyed by indifference (vairāgya). When people attain indifference, their karma is destroyed and they attain unequalled happiness (saukhya). [...]

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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.

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