The Sanskrit terms Kartṛkāhastā and Kartṛkāhasta can be transliterated into English as Kartrkahasta or Kartrikahasta, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Kartṛkāhastā (कर्तृकाहस्ता) refers to “she who holds a skull in her hand”, according to the Kularatnoddyota, one of the earliest Kubjikā Tantras.—Accordingly, “That, O goddess, is said to be the subtle (form), now listen to the gross one. [...] She holds a skull, dagger [i.e., kartṛkāhastā—kapālakartṛkāhastā], javelin and ascetic's staff. Fierce, she holds a knife, a great noose and sword. (She also holds) a thunderbolt, spear, bow, arrows and double-headed drum. Her neck is adorned with the great lord of snakes. She wears a snake as a sacred thread and (her) girdle is tied with that also. She is adorned with the thousand-headed lord of the snakes (who is) on (her) head. Snakes are (her) anklets and bangles. Her topknot has the form of a burning fire and scorpions are (her) rings”.

context information

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: Kartrika, Hasta.

Relevant text

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