Phanishiras, Phaṇiśiras, Phani-shiras: 1 definition
Introduction:
Phanishiras means something in Buddhism, Pali. 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 Phaṇiśiras can be transliterated into English as Phanisiras or Phanishiras, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Buddhism
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: De Gruyter: A Buddhist Ritual Manual on AgriculturePhaṇiśiras (फणिशिरस्) refers to a “serpent head”, according to the Vajratuṇḍasamayakalparāja, an ancient Buddhist ritual manual on agriculture from the 5th-century (or earlier), containing various instructions for the Sangha to provide agriculture-related services to laypeople including rain-making, weather control and crop protection.—Accordingly, [as the Bhagavān teaches the offering manual of the root-heart] “[...] A Nāga cross-legged hand gesture should be made. The index finger should be like a serpent head (phaṇiśiras). The little finger should be extended. This is the hand gesture for all Nāgas. Merely upon reciting, all Nāgas will be suppressed. Headache and migraine will arise for them. [...]”.
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.
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