Kaumari, Kaumārī: 21 definitions
Introduction:
Kaumari means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, the history of ancient India, biology, Tamil. 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 Hinduism
Shaktism
1) Kaumārī (कौमारी) refers to the fifth of the eight Aṣṭamātṛkā (mother Goddesses) of Kathmandu city, locally known as Lumadhi Ajimā. Her location is Bhadrakālī.
2) Kaumārī (कौमारी) refers to “juvenile, childhood, youtful” and represents one of the sixty-four mātṛs to be worshipped during Āvaraṇapūjā (“Worship of the Circuit of Goddesses”, or “Durgā’s Retinue”), according to the Durgāpūjātattva. They should be worshipped with either the five upācāras or perfume and flowers.
Her mantra is as follows:
ॐ कौमार्यै नमः
oṃ kaumāryai namaḥ.
1) Kaumārī (कौमारी) is the name of a Mātṛkā (‘mother’) and is identified with the sacred site of Kollā, according to the Manthānabhairavatantra, a vast sprawling work that belongs to a corpus of Tantric texts concerned with the worship of the goddess Kubjikā.—According to the Kubjikā Tantras, the eight major Kaula sacred sites each have a house occupied by a woman of low caste who is identified with a Mother (Mātṛkā).—[...] Kollā is identified with (a) the class of fisherwoman (kaivartī) [or butcher woman (saunī)], (b) the Mātṛkā or ‘mother’ named Kaumārī, and (c) with the location of ‘throat’.
2) Kaumārī (कौमारी) refers to a “young virgin”, according to the Ṭīkā (commentary) on the Manthānabhairavatantra.—Accordingly, “[...] The consort of the Great Tree, that is, the incarnation Ṣaṣṭhanātha is (the goddess) Maṅgalā. She is crooked and (resides) in the place of the six-faced Siddha namely, in Suṣumṇā, the middle channel. How is she? She is a beautiful, young virgin (kaumārī). What is meant by this is that she is skillful in doing all things. It is for this reason that it is said that (she is) Kuṇḍalinī as the Middle Lineage between that of the Eldest and the Youngest and is associated with both. [...]”.
Kaumarī (कौमरी) refers to one of the “thousand names of Kumārī”, as mentioned in the Kumārīsahasranāma, which is included in the 10th chapter of the first part (prathamabhāga) of the Rudrayāmala-Uttaratantra: an ancient Tantric work primarily dealing with the practice of Kuṇḍalinī-yoga, the worship of Kumārī and discussions regarding the Cakras. This edition is said to be derived of the Rudrayāmalatantra and consists of 6000 verses in 90 chapters (paṭalas) together with the Saralā-Hindīvyākhyopetam (i.e., the Rudrayamalam Uttaratantram with Sarala Hindi translation).—Kaumarī is mentioned in śloka 1.10.12.—The chapter notes that one is granted the rewards obtained by reciting the text even without the performance of pūjā (worship), japa, snāna (bathing) and puraścaryā.
Kaumari refers to one of the seven mother-like goddesses (Matrika).—The Matrikas emerge as shaktis from out of the bodies of the gods: Kaumari from Skanda. The order of the Saptamatrka usually begins with Brahmi symbolizing creation. Then, Vaishnavi and Maheshvari. Then, Kaumari, Guru-guha, the intimate guide in the cave of one’s heart, inspires aspirations to develop and evolve. Kaumari is also known as Kumari, Karttikeyani and Ambika.
The Bhavanopanishad (9) recognizes Matrikas as eight types of un-favourable dispositions, such as: desire, anger, greed, delusion, pride, jealousy, demerit and merit. Tantra-raja-tantra (36; 15-16) expands on that and identifies Kaumari with youthful longings to enjoy (lobha).
According to Khadgamala (vamachara) tradition of Sri Vidya, the eight Matrkas are located along the wall (four at the doors and four at the corners) guarding the city (Tripura) on all eight directions: Kaumari on the East.
Kaumārī (कौमारी) is the name of a Mātṛkā-Śakti created by Mahārudra in order to control the plague of demons created by Andhakāsura.—Accordingly, Andhaka-Asura tried to kidnap Umā (Devī Pārvatī), and was fiercely attacked by Mahārudra who shot arrows at him from his mahāpināka. when the arrows pierced the body of Andhakāsura, drops of blood fell to earth and from those drops, thousands of Andhakas arose. To control this plague of demons, Mahārudra created Mātṛkā-Śaktis [viz., Kaumārī] and ordered them to drink the blood of the demons and drain them dry.
Kaumārī (कौमारी) refers to one of the various Mātṛkā-Śaktis created by Rudra in order to destroy the clones that spawned from Andhaka’s body.—Accordingly, [...] Andhakāsura attempted to abduct Girājanandinī (Pārvatī) and thus ensued a fierce battle between Andhakāsura and the great Rudra, the Lord of Umā. Like raktabīja, every drop of blood that fell from the body of Andhaka created another Asura like him and in no time, the entire world was filled with Andhakas. To destroy the growing number of Andhakas, Rudra created innumerable Mātṛkā-Śaktis [viz., Kaumārī]. These Śaktis of immense power at once began to drink every drop of blood that flowed from the body of Andhaka, but they could still not effectively contain the emergence of more and more demons.
Kaumārī (कौमारी) refers to one of the eight Mātṛśaktis and part of the twenty-eight Goddesses residing in the Trailokyamohanacakra which represents one of the nine Āvaraṇa-Cakras of Śrīcakra (the nucleus of Tantric philosophy) which are related to the fifteen-lettered chant called Śrīvidyā, according to Śaṅkarācārya’s Saudaryalaharī.—By the worship on Śrīcakra, the Goddess (whose presence is represented is Śrīcakra) will get awakened. This is the beginning of the spiritual consciousness in man. The nine Cakras in the Śrīcakra are called āvaraṇacakras.—Bhūpuratraya having four openings is called Trailokyamohanacakra with white (outermost), light red (middle) the and yellow (innermost) colours. Tripurādevī controls the twenty-eight goddesses [e.g., Kaumārī] who exist here.
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.
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Kaumārī (कौमारी) is the name of a mind-born ‘divine mother’ (mātṛ), created for the purpose of drinking the blood of the Andhaka demons, according to the Matsya-purāṇa 179.8. The Andhaka demons spawned out of every drop of blood spilled from the original Andhakāsura (Andhaka-demon). According to the Matsya-purāṇa 179.35, “Most terrible they (e.g., Kaumārī) all drank the blood of those Andhakas and become exceedingly satiated.”
The Matsyapurāṇa is categorised as a Mahāpurāṇa, and was originally composed of 20,000 metrical verses, dating from the 1st-millennium BCE. The narrator is Matsya, one of the ten major avatars of Viṣṇu.
1a) Kaumārī (कौमारी).—A śaktī.*
- * Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa IV. 19. 7; 36. 58; 44. 111.
1b) A mind-born mother; image of; the chief implements and adornment follow that of Kumāra; the peacock for the riding animal, clad in red robes and wielding śūla and śakti.*
- * Matsya-purāṇa 179. 9, 22; 261. 27.
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.
Shilpashastra (iconography)
Kaumari refers to the fourth Matrka and is the shakthi of Kumara or Skanda (the war-god). Her depictions resemble that of Kumara. She is ever youthful, representing aspirations in life. Kaumari is also regarded as Guru-Guha the intimate guide who resides in the cave of one’s heart. She is shown seated under a fig tree (Oudumbara) riding a peacock, which is also her emblem. Her complexion is golden yellow; and is dressed in red garments. She wears garland of red flowers. Kaumari has four hands; and carries shakti and kukkuta (cockerel) or ankusha (goad). The other two hands gesture Abhaya and Varada mudras. She is adorned with a makuta said to be bound with vasika or vachika. She embodies ideas of valour and courage. (Purvakaranagama and Devi Purana).
According to the Vishnudharmottara, Kaumari should be shown with six faces and twelve arms; two of her hands gesturing Abhaya and Varada mudras. In her other hands she carries the shakti, dhvaja, danda, dhanus, bana, ghanta, padma, patra and parasu. Each of her heads has three eyes; and is adorned with karanda-makuta.
Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, śilpaśāstra) represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.
Shaivism
Kaumārī (कौमारी) (seed-syllable: a) refers to one of the eight Mother-goddesses (Mātṛs) of the pantheon of Mantra-deities, according to the Brahmayāmala-tantra (or Picumata), an early 7th century Śaiva text consisting of twelve-thousand verses.—Patterning the processes of inner and outer ritual is the Brahmayāmala’s pantheon of mantra-deities, whose core comprises the Four Goddesses or Guhyakās, Four Consorts or Handmaidens, and their lord, Kapālīśabhairava. Secondary members of the pantheon are a sextet of Yoginīs and an octad of Mother-goddesses [e.g., Kaumārī].
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.
In Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)
Kaumārī (कौमारी) refers to one of the various Mātṛs and Mahāmātṛs mentioned as attending the teachings in the 6th century Mañjuśrīmūlakalpa: one of the largest Kriyā Tantras devoted to Mañjuśrī (the Bodhisattva of wisdom) representing an encyclopedia of knowledge primarily concerned with ritualistic elements in Buddhism. The teachings in this text originate from Mañjuśrī and were taught to and by Buddha Śākyamuni in the presence of a large audience (including Kaumārī).
Kaumārī (कौमारी):—One of the six Īśvarī performing the rites of pacification.—The counterpart of this pair is Indrāṇī..
Kaumārī (कौमारी) refers to the Ḍākinī of the western gate in the Medinīcakra, according to the 10th century Ḍākārṇava chapter 15. Accordingly, the medinīcakra refers to one of the three divisions of the dharma-puṭa (‘dharma layer’), situated in the Herukamaṇḍala. The four gate Ḍākinīs [viz., Kaumārī] each has the same physical feature as the four Ḍākinīs starting with Lāmā.
Kaumārī (कौमारी) is the name of a deity [i.e., oṃ kaumāryai svāhā], according to the Vāruṇī Pūjā [i.e., Varuni Worship] 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.
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.
India history and geography
Kaumārī (कौमारी) or Kaumārītantra is the name of a Tantra mentioned in association with the Saundaryalaharī and Vāmakeśvara-tantra and a (further unknown) book in the possession of Kamlesh Punyark [=Śrī Kamaleśa Puṇyārka or श्री कमलेश पुण्यार्क].—This book contains a detailed discussion of the basics of Tantra and opens with a list of three times sixty-four Tantras. One such text is the कौमारी-तन्त्रम् [kaumārī-tantram] or कौमारी [kaumārī].
The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
Biology (plants and animals)
Kaumari in India is the name of a plant defined with Anamirta cocculus in various botanical sources. This page contains potential references in Ayurveda, modern medicine, and other folk traditions or local practices It has the synonym Menispermum lacunosum Lam. (among others).
Example references for further research on medicinal uses or toxicity (see latin names for full list):
· Systema Naturae (1817)
· Taxon (1979)
· Species Plantarum (1753)
· Transactions of the Linnean Society of London (1821)
· Kew Bulletin (1978)
· Prodr. Flora Indica, or ‘Descriptions of Indian Plants’ Orient. (1834)
If you are looking for specific details regarding Kaumari, for example extract dosage, health benefits, pregnancy safety, side effects, diet and recipes, chemical composition, have a look at these references.
This sections includes definitions from the five kingdoms of living things: Animals, Plants, Fungi, Protists and Monera. It will include both the official binomial nomenclature (scientific names usually in Latin) as well as regional spellings and variants.
Languages of India and abroad
Sanskrit dictionary
1) Kaumārī (कौमारी):—[from kaumāra] f. one of the seven Mātṛs or personified energies of the gods, Śakti of Kumāra or Kārttikeya (the god of war), [Brahma-purāṇa] [Devī-bhāgavata-purāṇa]
2) [v.s. ...] a kind of bulbous root (= vārāhī-kanda), [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
3) [v.s. ...] (in music) Name of a Rāgiṇī
Kaumārī (in Sanskrit) can be associated with the following Chinese terms:
1) 嬌麽哩 [jiāo mó lī]: “Kaumārī” [name of a Deity].
Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). 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.
Kannada-English dictionary
Kaumāri (ಕೌಮಾರಿ):—
1) [noun] a girl or a woman not having sexual intercourse; a virgin.
2) [noun] one of the seven divine mothers (all of whom are considered as partial incarnation of Pārvati).
3) [noun] the regent goddess of the third musical note 'gāndhāra'.
Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.
Tamil dictionary
Kaumāri (கௌமாரி) [keḷamāri] noun < Kaumārī.
1. Kaumārī, the female principle of Kumāra or Skanda, one of catta-mātar, q.v.; சத்தமாதர்களுள் ஒருத்தி. [sathamatharkalul oruthi.]
2. Kāḷī; மாகாளி. (பிங்கலகண்டு) [magali. (pingalagandu)]
Tamil is an ancient language of India from the Dravidian family spoken by roughly 250 million people mainly in southern India and Sri Lanka.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with (+0): Kaumari shanti, Kaumarika, Kaumarikakhanda, Kaumarikatantra, Kaumarikeya, Kaumariki, Kaumarila, Kaumaripauriki, Kaumaritantra, Kaumaritva.
Full-text (+38): Kaumaritantra, Matri, Kaumari shanti, Ashtamatrika, Kaumara, Jiao me li, Saptamatri, Indrani, Divyakaumari, Vrindakaumari, Kaumaritva, Saptamatrika, Ambika, Karttikeyani, Kumari, Matrika, Saptamatrike, Kieu ma ly, Sauni, Jiao mo li.
Relevant text
Search found 66 books and stories containing Kaumari, Kaumaari, Kaumārī, Kaumāri; (plurals include: Kaumaris, Kaumaaris, Kaumārīs, Kaumāris). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Devi Tantra, Mantra, Yantra (study) (by Srider Basudevan Iyer)
Description of Goddess Kaumari < [Chapter 3 - Minor Goddesses]
Description of the Matrikas—Introduction < [Chapter 3 - Minor Goddesses]
Details of Matrika worship < [Chapter 3 - Minor Goddesses]
Devi Bhagavata Purana (by Swami Vijñanananda)
Chapter 28 - On the description of the fighting of the goddesses < [Book 5]
Chapter 29 - On the killing of Raktabīja < [Book 5]
Chapter 11 - On the description of the enclosure walls built of Padmarāga maṇi, etc., of the Maṇi Dvīpa < [Book 12]
Temples of Munnur (Historical Study) (by R. Muthuraman)
Varahi Tantra (English Study) (by Roberta Pamio)
Chapter 29 - The worship of Caṇḍikā < [Summary of the Vārāhī Tantra]
The Goddess Vārāhī (Introduction)
Chapter 14 - The worship of Caṇḍī < [Summary of the Vārāhī Tantra]
Arts in the Puranas (study) (by Meena Devadatta Jeste)
13. Icons of Shakti < [Chapter 4 - Sculpture in the Puranas]
The Sanskrit Buddhist Literature of Nepal (by Rajendralala Mitra)