Lakulisha, Lakulīśa: 6 definitions

Introduction

Introduction
Image gallery
In Hinduism
1. Shaivism
2. Shilpashastra
In Buddhism
1. General definition
See also

Lakulisha means something in Buddhism, Pali, 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 term Lakulīśa can be transliterated into English as Lakulisa or Lakulisha, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

Images (photo gallery)

In Hinduism

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Source: Wisdom Library: Śaivism

Lakulīśa (लकुलीश), one of the fifty Rudras according to the Caryāpāda section of the Makuṭāgama (one of the 28 Saiva Siddhanta Agamas).

Source: academia.edu: Śivadharmottara Purāṇa: a Survey

Lakulīśa (लकुलीश), the founder of the Pāśupata sect, is commonly held to originate from Gujarat, his image being widely diffused especially in Gujarat, Bengal and Orissa. His usual iconic representation, however, features a club, in conformity to the etymon of his name (“the Lord with the club”; lakula, or lakuṭa, or laguḍa).

Source: Archaeological Survey of India: Śaiva monuments at Paṭṭadakal (śaivism)

Lakulīśa (लकुलीश).—Śiva, taking the four Vedas in the form of a stick and holding it in his hand, came to the earth to impart the principles of Śaivism. According to Skāndapurāṇa, he descended at Kāyāvarohaṇa (Prabhāsa-khaṇḍa, adhyāya 17). As he holds a stick (laguḍa or lakula in Sanskrit), he has the name Laguḍīśa, Lakulīśa or sometimes even Nakulīśa. Śaivism that he taught is known as Nakulīśa-Pāśupata.

By and large, Lakulīśa is shown naked, carrying a stick in one of his hands. He preached the principles of yoga and the importance of observing celibacy. According to him, with yogic power one can control one’s desires. That is the reason why he is ūrdhvaretas because it symbolizes the control over oneself.

Source: academia.edu: Kāpālikas

Lakulīśa (लकुलीश) is the name of Śiva he assumes in this Kali age.—According to a copper-plate inscription found in Malhar, Chhattisgarh, written around 650 CE: “Now having reached the kali age, Śiva descended in this world as Lord Lakulīśa. He was born in the family of a Brahman called Somaśarman (“Whose Shelter Is the Moon”), was initiated by him into the mahāvrata, and became Jagadindu (“Moon of the World”). He then initiated Musalisa. Then, in due course, the venerable Bhīmasoma, disciple of Tejasoma and grand-disciple of Rudrasoma, [was also initiated] according to the tradition started by Soma”.

context information

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.

Shilpashastra (iconography)

Source: Archaeological Survey of India: Śaiva monuments at Paṭṭadakal (śilpa)

Lakulīśa (लकुलीश) is a sculpture found at the temple of Vijayeśvara, at the southern side, eastern niche.—Śiva in the form of Lakulīśa is in standing pose holding a laguḍa, “a stick” in his right hand. He is naked and surprisingly his headwear is like that of a Pāśupata saint. He wears usual ornaments, but they are not well polished. So it is not easy to identify and describe them.

Lakulīśa (लकुलीश) is also found as a sculpture on the exterior (southern wall) of the temple of Trailokyeśvara.—Like in the temple of Lokeśvara here is also an image of Lakulīśa, naked, ūrdhvaretas and with a stick in his right hand. This image is almost identical with one in the Lokeśvara. Here the face of the statue is weather-beaten.

Above the niche of Lakulīśa there are two pairs of flying figures of demigods. Their body swing gives really the impression of flying. The knees of both couples are flexed in such a way that legs of the pair on the left looks as if they are touching the ground and the couple on the right is flying away. One of the legs of the female figure of the couple on the left side is hidden behind the legs of the male figure whereas we notice all four legs of the couple in the right. The position of their legs and feet show the lightness of figures. They are carrying offerings to god.

context information

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.

In Buddhism

General definition (in Buddhism)

Source: Google Books: The Buddhist Caves at Aurangabad

Lakulīśa is described as an incarnation of Śiva in the Purāṇas. Lakulīśa seems to refer to the club always held by this figure, and as related in the Viśvakarmāvatāra Vāstuśāstra, Lakulīśa should always be represented in dhyānāsana, with an erect penis and holding a citron in his right hand and a club in his left. The town of Karvan in Gujarat is referred to as the birthplace of Lakulīśa, and the Pāśupata cult became especially strong in Lata, th eregion between the mouth of the Tapi and Narmada rivers which historically had very close ties to the Ajatna range. Kauṇḍinya’s commentary to the Pāśupatasūtra states that Lakulīśa went to Ujjain where he initiated his first pupil Kuśika.

Relevant text

Search found 6 books and stories containing Lakulisha, Lakulīśa, Lakulisa; (plurals include: Lakulishas, Lakulīśas, Lakulisas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

The various sects of Shaivism < [Volume 2 - Nampi Arurar and Mythology]

Chapter 81 - Thirunagaikaronam or Tirunakaikkaronam (Hymn 46) < [Volume 3.6 - Pilgrim’s progress: away from Otriyur and Cankili]

Chapter 3 - The final goal < [Volume 4.2.3 - Philosophy of God]

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Temples in Melpadi < [Chapter II - Temples of Rajaraja I’s Time]

Temples in Tiruvorriyur < [Chapter IV - Temples of Rajendra I’s Time]

Temples in Ramanathankoyil < [Chapter IV - Temples of Rajendra I’s Time]

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Part 1 - The Literature and History of Southern Śaivism < [Chapter XXXIV - Literature of Southern Śaivism]

Part 1 - Introductory < [Chapter XXXVI - Philosophy of Śrīkaṇṭha]

Part 1 - The Doctrine of the Pāśupata-sūtras < [Chapter XXXVIII - Śaiva Philosophy in some of the Important texts]

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