In Hinduism

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Mahāphaṇi (महाफणि) refers to a “great snake”, 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, 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 [i.e., mahāphaṇi-indra-hāra]. 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.

Languages of India and abroad

Kannada-English dictionary

Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpus

Mahāphaṇi (ಮಹಾಫಣಿ):—[noun] (math.) a huge number (1 followed by thirty three zeros).

context information

Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Maha, Phani.

Starts with: Mahaphanindrahara.

Full-text: Indrahara.

Relevant text

No search results for Mahaphani, Mahāphaṇi, Maha-phani, Mahā-phaṇi; (plurals include: Mahaphanis, Mahāphaṇis, phanis, phaṇis) in any book or story.