Mahima, aka: Mahimā; 7 Definition(s)

Introduction

Mahima means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit, Marathi. 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)

Mahimā (महिमा):—Seventh of the eight Mahāmātṛs existing within the Mātṛcakra, according to the Kubjikāmatatantra. Mahimā stands for the element “earth”. The eight Mahāmātṛs are also called mudrās because all the directions are ‘sealed’ by them.

Mahimā (as do each of the eight Mahāmātṛs) divides herself into eight (secondary) mātṛs, presided over by a Bhairava (fearsome manifestations of Śiva) and his Mātṛkā as consorts. The Mātṛs of this sixth and north-western group are born from Mahimā’s body. They are presided over by Jhaṇṭha Bhairava and his consort Aindryā.

The eight deities originating from Mahimā are called:

1. Nivṛtti,
2. Pratiṣṭhā,
3. Vidyā,
4. Śānti,
5. Śāntātītā,
6. Pṛthivī,
7. Vajriṇī
8. and Kāmadhenavī.

All these Mātṛs are characterized as carrying a diamond (vajra) in their hand.

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.

Yoga (school of philosophy)

Mahimā (महिमा) is a Sanskrit word referring to the “ability to become huge”, as described in the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali.

context information

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as āsanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Mahimā (महिमा) refers to the “power of greatness”, representing the achievements of the western petal of the Aṣṭadala (mystical diagram of the lotus of eight petals), according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.1.11, while explaining the mode of worshipping Śiva:—“[...] the Liṅga shall be purified and installed with various mantras beginning with Praṇava and ending with Namaḥ (obeisance). The pedestal in the form of Svastika or lotus shall be assigned with Praṇava. In the eight petals, in the eight quarters, the eight achievements are identified [viz., the western is Mahimā (greatness)]”.

1a) Mahimā (महिमा).—A siddhi devī.^*

• * Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa IV. 19. 4; 36. 51; 44. 108.

1b) One of the eight Yogaiśvaryas; the third Yoga.^*

• * Vāyu-purāṇa 13. 3, 13.

context information

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.

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Mahimā (महिमा) refers to “transforming the body into bigger stature” and represents one of the eleven types of extraordinary form-changing (vikriyā), which itself is a subclass of the eight ṛddhis (extraordinary powers). These powers can be obtained by the Ārya (civilized people) in order to produce worldly miracles. The Āryas represent one of the two classes of human beings according to the 2nd-century Tattvārthasūtra 3.46, the other being Mleccha (barbarians).

What is meant by extraordinary power to transform body into bigger stature (mahimā-riddhi)? It is the extraordinary power by which one transforms his body into bigger stature like a hill.

context information

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

Languages of India and abroad

Marathi-English dictionary

mahimā (महिमा).—m f (S) Greatness, grandeur, glory, illustriousness, majesty. Ex. patanauddhāra santāñcā ma0 || tyajāvēṃ adhamā santadvēṣṭayā ||. 2 m Magnitude as one of Shiva's attributes, immensity or illimitability. 3 Greatness or magnitude in general.

mahimā (महिमा).—m f Greatness, glory. m Magnitude.

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