Pancadeva, Panca-deva, Pañcadeva: 1 definition

Introduction:

Pancadeva 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.

Alternative spellings of this word include Panchadeva.

In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

[«previous next»] — Pancadeva in Purana glossary
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Pañcadeva (पञ्चदेव) refers to the “five divinities”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.5.10 (“The burning of the Tripuras”).—Accordingly, as Sanatkumāra narrated to Vyāsa: “[...] [Śiva] is independent, the great Brahman, both possessed and devoid of attributes. He is invisible, the supreme soul and unsullied. He is the soul of five divinities (pañcadeva-ātmaka). He is worshipped by the five deities (pañcadeva-upāsya) [paṃcadevātmakaḥ paṃcadevopāsyaḥ]. He is the great lord. There is none else worthy of worship. He is the ultimate abode of all. Or, O sage, the activities of Śiva, the lord of the Gods, the granter of boons are but proper inasmuch as they constitute his divine sports. [...]”.

Note: The Pañcadeva (five god—Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Rudra, Skanda and Indra, Cf. Vidyeśvara-saṃhitā, 14.48) are in essence identical with Śiva but they have also their distinct forms in which they remain subservient to him. According to another version, the Pañcadeva (five deities) are the son, Gaṇeśa, Durgā, Rudra and Viṣṇu. See note 174 P. 168.

 

Purana book cover
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.

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