Mahayaga, Maha-yaga, Mahāyāga: 3 definitions
Introduction:
Mahayaga means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Buddhism, Pali. 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.
In Hinduism
Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)
Source: Semantic Scholar: The Brahmayāmalatantra (dissertation)Mahāyāga (महायाग) refers to the “great yāga” (associated with the eight directional cremation grounds), according to the Brahmayāmalatantra (or Picumata), an early 6th century Śaiva text consisting of twelve-thousand verses.—[Cf. Yāgavidhi]—Many occasional rites (naimittika) and those with special aims (kāmya) utilize the “Great Yāga” (mahāyāga), the extended pantheon as installed in an elaborate maṇḍala. The subject of Brahmayāmala III, the mahāyāga is explicitly contrasted with with the ninefold yāga used in a shrine context. According to a definition in Brahmayāmala XV, the mahāyāga is distinguished by its construction in a cremation ground with a maṇḍala containing eight directional cremation grounds, as delineated in Brahmayāmala III.
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.
Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)
Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama TextsMahāyāga (महायाग) refers to one of the “seven kinds of sacrifices (yāgas)”, as discussed in chapter 4 of the Indrarātra section of the Sanatkumārasaṃhitā: an encyclopedic Sanskrit text written in over 3500 verses dealing with a variety of topics such as yoga, temple-building, consecration ceremonies, initiation and dhanurveda (martial arts).—Description of the chapter [yāga-vidhi]: [...] Sanatkumāra proceeds to differentiate seven variations of dīkṣā according to the details of yāga-procedures: yāga; stoma; mahāyāga; adhvara; sava; kratu; haristoma; [...] The second, called stoma, which may be utilized by all classes, is briefly described (21-27a). The last one, although merely mentioned, is praised as “best”. Those who have undergone dīkṣā-initiation by one or another of these methods should be distinguished by the following names respectively [e.g., for mahāyāga it is cakravartin]
Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.
Languages of India and abroad
Pali-English dictionary
Source: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionarymahāyāga : (m.) a great sacrifice.
Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravāda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Yaga, Maha, Mahanta.
Starts with: Mahayagapatigganhanatthana, Mahayagasannita.
Full-text: Makayakam, Yittha, Yaga, Yagavidhi, Mulayaga, Grihayaga, Mulayagavidhi, Kratu, Stoma, Adhvara, Haristoma, Shava, Vishnu.
Relevant text
Search found 8 books and stories containing Mahayaga, Maha-yaga, Mahā-yāga, Mahanta-yaga, Mahanta-yāga, Mahāyāga; (plurals include: Mahayagas, yagas, yāgas, Mahāyāgas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
A Descriptive Catalogue of the Sanskrit Manuscripts, Madras (by M. Seshagiri Sastri)
Page 472 < [Volume 16 (1913)]
Notices of Sanskrit Manuscripts (by Rajendralala Mitra)
Page 305 < [Volume 15 (1911)]
Diksha (initiation) in Pancharatra (by Shanta Srinivasan)
3. General charateristics of a Disciple or Aspirant (Shishya) < [Chapter 2 - Aspects of Diksa]
Goddesses Durga and Lalita - A Contrast < [July – September 1974]
Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya) (by G.V. Tagare)
Archives of Social Sciences of Religions
The Kula Ritual in Abhinavagupta's Tantrāloka: Insights from Chapter 29 < [Volume 131-132 (2005)]