Mantranyasa, Mantranyāsa, Mantra-nyasa: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Mantranyasa 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.
In Hinduism
Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)
1) Mantranyāsa (मन्त्रन्यास) refers to “(the ceremony of) investing the icon with various ‘powers’ and ‘weapons’”, as discussed in the eighteenth chapter of the Īśvarasaṃhitā (printed edition), a Pāñcarātra work in 8200 verses and 24 chapters dealing with topics such as routines of temple worship, major and minor festivals, temple-building and initiation.—Description of the chapter [pratiṣṭhāvidhanā]: For the consecration of all idols with mantras, elaborate preparations are necessary. [...] The next step after jalādhivāsa concerns the placement of the icon on a bed of grains, and it is called “dhānyādhivāsa” (168-339a)-and connected with it are many homas (236 ff., 305 ff.) and saṃprokṣaṇas (220 ff.) and other activities, the most important of which is investing the icon with various “powers” and “weapons” [mantranyāsa] (273 ff.).
2) Mantranyāsa (मन्त्रन्यास) refers to “concentrating the powers of mantras”, as discussed in the twelfth chapter of the Jayākhyasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra Āgama text composed of 4500 verses in 33 chapters dealing with topics such as mantra (formulas), japa (repetitions), dhyāna (meditations), mudrā (gesticulations), nyāsa (concentrations) etc.—Description of the chapter [mantranyāsa-vidhi]:—If one practices nyāsa-concentrations during the disciplined repetition of mantras, he will achieve great spiritual as well as mundane rewards (1-3). The detailed instructions for undertaking nyāsa-concentrations of the mantra’s powers into one’s own body are given step-by-step (4-38a). [...]
3) Mantranyāsa (मन्त्रन्यास) refers to “strengthening oneself with mantra powers”, as discussed in chapter 4 (Kriyākāṇḍa) of the Pārameśvarasaṃhitā: an important Pāñcarātra text of 8700 verses followed closely by the Ranganathaswamy temple at Srirangam—dealing with priestly concerns such as their daily routines, occasional liturgies and expiatory services.—Description of the chapter [mantranyāsa-vidhi]: Without such nyāsa-concentrations of God’s Power into one’s own being, one cannot be made ready to approach Him in worship (1-4). This brief chapter turns to an explanation of how nyāsa, such as is enjoined upon the aspiring worshipper, is to be done. [...]
4) Mantranyāsa (मन्त्रन्यास) or Mantranyāsamudrā is the name of a Mudrā (“ritual hand-gestures”) mentioned in in chapter 13 of the Viśvāmitrasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra text comprising some 2600 Sanskrit verses covering topics such as initiation (dīkṣā) and the construction, decoration and consecration of temples and icons, as well as routines of regular and special worship cycles.—Description of the chapter [mudrā-adhyāya]: Kāśyapa asks what are the various types of mudrā-gestures, and Viśvāmitra complies by first defining mudrā as that by seeing which one derives pleasure (“mu-”) and then by counseling that whoever practices these mudrās must do so in secrecy (1-6). Thereupon he names and briefly describes how to perform a number of mudrās [e.g., mantra-nyāsa]
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.
Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)
Mantranyāsa (मन्त्रन्यास) refers to one of the topics discussed in the Śaktisaṅgamatantra, a Sanskrit manuscript collected in volume 1 of the catalogue “Notices of Sanskrit Manuscripts (first series)” by Rajendralal Mitra (1822–1891), who was one of the first English-writing historians dealing with Indian culture and heritage.—The Śaktisaṃgama-tantra manuscript contains roughly 11,000 ślokas (metrical verses) and represents a voluminous compendium of the Śākta cult comprising four books on Kālī, Tārā, Sundarī and Chinnamastā.—The catalogue includes the term—Mantrapārāyaṇa its ‘subject-matter list’ or Viṣaya (which lists topics, chapters and technical terms). The complete entry reads—[chapter 3.1-10: tṛtīyasyādiḥ khaṇḍitaḥ | 20 paṭale khaṇḍasamāptirdṛśyate | tatra, 4-10, mantra-prastāra-mantrapārāyaṇa-mantranyāsa nānāvidhasnāna-sandhyāmantrajapa-tadaṅgahoma-pūjyapūjakakramāpta[?]ācyādidiṅnirṇaya-deśavyavasthā-parastrīpūjanasvarūpānandayogakathanādi].
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: Nyasa, Mantra.
Starts with: Mantranyasamudra, Mantranyasavidhi.
Full-text (+19): Mantranyasamudra, Matrika, Nyasamantra, Shadangavidhi, Kramayogata, Mantrashuddhi, Pithabali, Tarangini, Dehanyasa, Hastanyasa, Mantranyasavidhi, Durgamantra, Sajiva, Nyasa, Parastri, Dhvajarohana, Mantraprastara, Samdhyamantra, Mantraparayana, Angahoma.
Relevant text
Search found 19 books and stories containing Mantranyasa, Mantranyāsa, Mantra-nyāsa, Mantra-nyasa; (plurals include: Mantranyasas, Mantranyāsas, nyāsas, nyasas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Diksha (initiation) in Pancharatra (by Shanta Srinivasan)
3. Naming the pupil < [Chapter 4 - The Process of Diksha]
A Descriptive Catalogue of the Sanskrit Manuscripts, Madras (by M. Seshagiri Sastri)
Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (by Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī)
Verse 3.4.14 < [Part 4 - Parenthood (vātsalya-rasa)]
Temple worship and Rituals as per Shaiva Agamas (by Gayathri Balasubramanian)
Part 2.3 - Varioush Shuddhis (purification) and Nyasas (placements) < [Chapter 4 - Domestic and Personal rituals]
Part 7 - Description of Renovation Rituals (Jirnoddhara) < [Chapter 3 - Temple Rituals]
Notices of Sanskrit Manuscripts (by Rajendralala Mitra)