Nilapataka, Nīlapatākā, Nīlapatāka, Nila-pataka, Nīla-patākā: 3 definitions
Introduction:
Nilapataka 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.
In Hinduism
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: The Purana IndexNīlapatākā (नीलपताका).—An Akṣarādevī; killed Jambukākṣa a commander of Bhaṇḍa.*
- * Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa IV. 19. 59; 25. 98, 37. 34.
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.
Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)
Source: Google Books: ManthanabhairavatantramNīlapatākā (नीलपताका) refers to one of the nine Nityās (Yoginīs particularly concerned with Kāma), according to the Manthānabhairavatantra, a vast sprawling work that belongs to a corpus of Tantric texts concerned with the worship of the goddess Kubjikā.—Accordingly, “Kulanityā is the first and Vajreśvarī is the second. The third is the Nityā Tvaritā and the fourth is Kurukullā. The goddess Lalitā is the fifth and the sixth is called Bheruṇḍā. The seventh is Nīlapatākā and the eighth is Kāmamaṅgalā. The goddess Vyomavyāpinī, who bestows accomplishment, is the ninth. O Lord of the gods, once known Tripurā, on (her) red lotus seat by means of the liturgy of the Nine Nityās recollect (her) liturgy (krama)”.
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.
In Buddhism
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: De Gruyter: A Buddhist Ritual Manual on AgricultureNīlapatāka (नीलपताक) refers to a “blue banner” (used for performing rituals), according to the 2nd-century Meghasūtra (“Cloud Sutra”) in those passages which contain ritual instructions.—Accordingly, “He who desires a mighty rain must perform this rite ‘the great-cloud-circle’ in an open space, overspread by a blue canopy, shaded by a blue banner (nīlapatāka), on a clear spot of earth; [being] a prophet of the Law, seated on a blue seat, fasting according to the aṣṭāṅga, with well-washed limbs, clad in pure raiment, anointed with fragrant odour, wearing the three white stripes, he must recite it for a day and night continuously facing the east; [...]”.
Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Nila, Pataka.
Full-text (+1): Jambukaksha, Pataka, Kulasundari, Bhagamalini, Jvalamalin, Totala, Vyomavyapini, Vajreshvari, Kulanitya, Kurukulla, Nitya, Shivaduti, Sarvamangala, Nityaklinna, Vahnivasini, Citra, Lalita, Bherunda, Kamamangala, Tvarita.
Relevant text
Search found 2 books and stories containing Nilapataka, Nila-pataka, Nīla-patākā, Nīla-patāka, Nīlapatākā, Nīlapatāka; (plurals include: Nilapatakas, patakas, patākās, patākas, Nīlapatākās, Nīlapatākas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Varahi Tantra (English Study) (by Roberta Pamio)
Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya) (by G.V. Tagare)