Palanquin, Palankeen: 3 definitions

Introduction:

Palanquin means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, the history of ancient India. 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.

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In Hinduism

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Palanquin in Shaktism glossary
Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions (shaktism)

Palanquin processions are involved in the worship of the Goddess, and formed a part of the Navarātra Tantric ritual (an autumnal festival of the warrior goddess Caṇḍikā).—Nine wooden shrines to be built on the Eighth lunar day (mahāṣṭamī), and the goddess is to be installed in a gold or silver image, in a sword or in a trident; worship involves chariot and palanquin processions.—Various 8th century sources refer to such rituals involving palanquins, for example: Devīpurāṇa, Kālikāpurāṇa, Kṛtyakalpataru, Durgābhaktitaraṅgiṇī, Durgāpūjātattva, Durgāpūjāviveka, Bhadrakālīmantravidhiprakaraṇa in Sanderson (2007); account of the Durgā Pūjā in Kelomal, West Bengal (Nicholas 2013).

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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.

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Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)

Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts

A Palanquin is typically offered to the icon of the Lord as part of “liturgical worship”, as discussed in chapter 6 of the Sattvata-Samhita: one of the most ancient of Pancaratra Agamas consisting of roughly 3500 verses which stresses the theological standpoint of the oneness of God despite his various vyuhas (modes of existence), vibhavas (manifestations) and avataras (incarnations).—Description of the chapter [sūkṣamavyūha-devatā-bahiryāga-vidhi]: The details of how the liturgy step-by-step is prepared for and how it proceeds are given (7-131). [...] After [bathing the icon, ] then a flower-festooned lamp is waved before Him, followed by incense accompanied by bell-ringing. A (third?) pair of sandals are (verbally) offered, along with a white umbrella, a palanquin, chariot and other vehicles marked with Garuḍa. Two long-handled whisks are also supposed to be offered, as well as music, éclat and entertainment. Praises are to be sung, whereupon the worshipper circumambulates the icon and falls at its feet (59b-63а).

Pancaratra book cover
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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.

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India history and geography

Source: Singhi Jain Series: Ratnaprabha-suri’s Kuvalayamala-katha (history)

Palankeens were commonly depicted on the Saṃsāracakra paintings (representing scenes of human life), in ancient India, as mentioned in the Kathās (narrative poems) such as Uddyotanasūri in his 8th-century Kuvalayamālā (a Prakrit Campū, similar to Kāvya poetry).—Page 185.21 f.: Here follows a description of a printed scroll illustrating the Jaina conception of saṃsāracakra. [...] The saṃsāra-cakra illustrated the three worlds of hell, human world and the world of gods. [For example:] A recluse sitting on a palankeen and invited by the king; a soldier fighting with weapons on the battle-field.

India history book cover
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The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

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