Pithavidhi, Pīṭhavidhi, Pitha-vidhi: 1 definition

Introduction:

Pithavidhi 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.

In Hinduism

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Pithavidhi in Shaivism glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Śaivism

Pīṭhavidhi (पीठविधि) translates to “ritual of sacred sites” and refers to a ceremony (vidhi) in which the participant assigns various sacred sites (pīṭha) on differents parts of the body (deha), according to Abhinavagupta’s Tantrāloka chapter 29. According to verse 29.58 the ritual originated from Parameśvara.

The following sacred sites and parts of the body are connected:

Head:

  1. Aṭṭahāsa (śikhā, or ‘tuft of hair’),
  2. Caritra (randhra, or ‘fontanelle’),
  3. Kaulagiri (śruti, or ‘ears’),
  4. Jayantikā (nāsā, or ‘nostrils’),
  5. Ujjayinī (bhrū, or ‘eye-brows’),
  6. Prayāga (vaktra, or ‘face’).

Torso:

  1. Vārāṇasī (hṛdaya, or ‘heart’),
  2. Śrīpīṭha (skandha, or ‘the two shoulders’),
  3. Viraja (gala, or ‘throat’),
  4. Eḍābhī (udara, or ‘stomach’),
  5. Hālā (nābhi, or ‘navel’),
  6. Gośruti (kanda, or ‘testicles’).

Legs:

  1. Marukośa (upastha, or ‘generative organ’),
  2. Pauṇḍravardhana and Nagara (sakthi, or ‘left and right buttocks’),
  3. Purastīra and Elāpura (ūru, or ‘left and right thighs’),
  4. Sopāna and Kuḍyākeśī (jānu, or ‘left and right knees’),
  5. Kṣīraka and Māyāpū (jaṅghā, or ‘left and right calves’),
  6. Nṛpasadmanī and Āmrāta (gulpha, or left and right ankles),
  7. Vairiñcī (pādādhāra, or ‘soles of the feet’)

Chapter 29 of the Tantrāloka expounds details regarding the Kula initiation ritual. Kula or Kaula is a specific tradition within Śaivism, closely related to Siddhānta and Śaktism.

Shaivism book cover
context information

Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.

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