Pradhanadevata, Pradhānadevatā, Pradhana-devata: 1 definition

Introduction:

Pradhanadevata 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

Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)

[«previous next»] — Pradhanadevata in Pancaratra glossary
Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts

Pradhānadevatā (प्रधानदेवता) refers to “important deities”, as discussed in chapter 12 of the Sāttvatasaṃhitā: one of the most ancient of Pāñcarātra Āgamas consisting of roughly 3500 verses which stresses the theological standpoint of the oneness of God despite his various vyūhas (modes of existence), vibhavas (manifestations) and avatāras (incarnations).—Description of the chapter [vibhavamūrtidhyāna-vidhi]: [...] It is stated that God takes His many shapes out of His own desire to come within the grasp of His worshippers, doing so out of compassion for His worshippers who have faith and devotion, etc. [...] The following forms are mentioned and described: Ādiśeṣa (6-19), Madhusūdana (20-22), Kapila (23-25), Viśvarūpa (26-39), Haṃsa (40-46a, mentioning Agnīṣoma as part of this aspect), Varāha (46b-52a), Vājivaktra (= Hayagrīva, 52b-66), Arṇavaśāyī (=the Lord Recumbant on the ocean, 67-72), Narasiṃha (73-80), Śrīpati (81-91a, mentioning Agnīṣoma also as part of this aspect), Garuḍāsana of the hue of the blue lotus (9rb-97), Pārijātajit (98-102), Datta (103-113), Nyagrodha (Vaṭa) Patraśāyin (114-121a), Ekaśṛṅga (Matsya) to whose snout the arc was tied (121b-140), Nārāyaṇa (141-144), Kṛṣṇa (145-159), Aśvagantā (i.e. Kalkin) (160-167a) these being the “important” deities [pradhānadevatā] (167b). Those who know these deities thus, and who contemplate upon them so, will be relieved from the three sicknesses of birth, old age and death.

Pancaratra book cover
context information

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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