Pashubhava, Paśubhāva, Pashu-bhava: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Pashubhava 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.

The Sanskrit term Paśubhāva can be transliterated into English as Pasubhava or Pashubhava, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Pashubhava in Shaktism glossary
Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

1) Paśubhāva (पशुभाव) refers to “fettered state” (i.e., the first six of seven births before attaining liberation) according to the Janmasūtra.—The six beginning with the Buddhists and ending with the Śaivites are in the fettered state (paśubhāva). The seventh that has come into being is the House (veśman) of the Yoginī whose sign is liberation. In the first one Tārā is the goddess (śakti) and Ambikā in the second. Gāyatrī is (the form of the goddess) in the third (birth) and Lakṣmī in the fourth. In the fifth she is Rājñī and is said to be Umā in the sixth. In the seventh she is Khañjī who has descended in each Age.

2) Paśubhāva (पशुभाव) refers to the “basic state of the fettered soul” (Cf. Bhāva), according to the Niruttaratantra (quoted by Woodroffe 1973: 241).—The suitable forms of practice or conduct—ācāra—vary in accord with these states [i.e., bhāva]. The lowest condition is the basic state of the fettered soul—paśu—that is accordingly called paśubhāva. In this state one should follow the basic rules and norms enjoined by the common, exoteric scriptures that derive their authority from the Vedas and the smṛtis. In this context this is called samayācāra. It is coupled with the practices and rules enjoined on Vaiṣṇavas, such as vegetarianism and sexual restraint. This is termed vaiṣṇavācāra.

Shaktism book cover
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.

Discover the meaning of pashubhava or pasubhava in the context of Shaktism from relevant books on Exotic India

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

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

Paśubhāva (पशुभाव) (also: Paśutva) refers to “animal-hood”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.5.9 (“Śiva’s campaign”).—Accordingly, as Śiva said to the Gods: “O excellent gods, you will not fall even in your animal-hood (paśubhāva). Let it be heard, and let the process of release from animal-hood (paśubhāva) be practised. He who performs the divine rite of Pāśupata will be released from animal-hood. I promise this to you. Be attentive. O excellent gods, there is no doubt about it that those who perform my Pāśupata rite will become liberated. He who renders service perpetually or for twelve years, becomes relieved of animal-hood. Hence O excellent gods, perform this divine rite. You will be released from animal-hood. There is no doubt about this”.

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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