Kurmashila, Kūrmaśila, Kūrmaśilā, Kurma-shila: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Kurmashila 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.
The Sanskrit terms Kūrmaśila and Kūrmaśilā can be transliterated into English as Kurmasila or Kurmashila, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Hinduism
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: The Purana IndexKūrmaśila (कूर्मशिल).—The stone forming the lowest part of the base of an image.*
- * Matsya-purāṇa 266. 5.
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.
Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)
Source: Google Books: ManthanabhairavatantramKūrmaśilā (कूर्मशिला) refers to a “stone in the form of a tortoise” and refers to the foundation stone (ādhāraśilā).—[...] The energy at the base of the seats [i.e., āsana] is called the energy of the foundation (ādhāraśakti) and it inheres in the foundation stone (ādhāraśilā) of the Liṅga, which corresponds to the Earth principle. According to Brunner:—“The first to be invoked is ādhāraśakti (the energy of the foundation), which is present in the ādhāraśilā (the foundation) stone in the form of a tortoise (its other name is kūrmaśilā) at the base of the worlds. Its form as a circular sprout is explained subsequently as being such because it is the support of the seed of the impure worlds. (This seed is Māyā), the primary cause (seed) of the pure worlds, thus she [the goddess who is the energy of the foundation] sustains all manifestation, which is the reason for the form attributed to her. [...]”.
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: Shila, Kurma, Cila.
Full-text: Brahmashila.
Relevant text
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