In Hinduism

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Nīlotpaladala (नीलोत्पलदल) refers to the “petal of a blue lotus”, 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, “(Kubjikā’s) iconic form is threefold (according to whether it is) in (the transmission) of the Child, Middle One or the Aged. [...] She is said to be a short vowel at the beginning and appears to be slightly bent. She is dark blue like the petal of a blue lotus [i.e., nīlotpaladala-śyāmā] and is covered with the ashes of heroes. She has six faces and aspects. As the power of consciousness, she moves within. She sees with her eighteen round eyes. She has twelve arms and is adorned with many garlands. She sits on a ghost as her throne and is adorned with many ornaments. She is mounted on the Kula teaching of thousands of millions of Kulas. The teaching concerning her body is said to be hard to acquire even by the gods. [...]”.

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.

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Nīlotpaladala (नीलोत्पलदल) refers to “(resembling) blue-lily petals”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.5.1 (“Description of Tripura—the three cities).—Accordingly, after Maya built the three cities: “[...] Some were hunchbacked, Some were dwarfish. They were protected by Maya. Some had the blue-lily petals (nīlotpaladala-prakhya). Their hair was curly and dark in hue. Maya had instructed them in the arts of warfare. The cities abounded in people engaged in terrific battles. There were many Asuras whose heroism was sanctified by the worship of Brahmā and Śiva. The Asuras resembled the sun, the Maruts and Mahendra. They were sturdy. [...]”.

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.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Dala, Nilotpala, Tala.

Full-text: Shyama.

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