Rakshakara, Rakṣākara, Raksha-kara: 3 definitions
Introduction:
Rakshakara 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 Rakṣākara can be transliterated into English as Raksakara or Rakshakara, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Hinduism
Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)
Rakṣākara (रक्षाकर) refers to “one who protects”, according to the Netratantroddyota commentary on the Netratantra of Kṣemarāja: a Śaiva text from the 9th century in which Śiva (Bhairava) teaches Pārvatī topics such as metaphysics, cosmology, and soteriology.—Accordingly, [verse 22.11]—“[...] The diversity of the world has passed away from him, [as have] contracted manifestations [such as persons or things]. He is called the threefold protector because he protects all (sarva-rakṣākara) and he is the liberating, because he is the savior. Śiva is Mṛtyujit, whose nature is Paramaśiva, which is salvation. He protects those whose minds are terrified And this is the nirvacana of netranātha on the basis of similarity of syllables and vowels. [...]”.
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.
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Rakṣākara (रक्षाकर) refers to the “protector (of the Gods)”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.4.12 (“The story of Śiva and Pārvatī”).—Accordingly, as Viṣṇu said to Kārttikeya: “[...] You alone are the creator, sustainer and annihilator of the universe. You, born of fire-god, be pleased. Your cosmic image is identical with the universe. O son of Śiva, kinsman of the distressed, be pleased. O lord, protector of the gods (deva-rakṣākara), O lord, save us always. O merciful one, protector of gods, be pleased. After killing the Asura Tāraka along with his followers, O great lord, the gods have been freed from adversities by you”.
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.
Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)
Rakṣākara (रक्षाकर) refers to “that which is protective”, as discussed in the seventh chapter [fifth book] of the Jñānāmṛtasārasaṃhita: a Pāñcarātra text representing a sectarian glorification of Kṛṣṇa and Rādha (i.e., the cult of Radha-Krishna) dated among the latest of the Saṃhitā-type works.—Description of the chapter [sarvarakṣākaram rādhākavacam]: Pārvatī asks Śiva to speak of the kavaca of Rādhā that leads to fourfold mukti. He mentions its originating sage, presiding deity, meter, etc., and points out that after having invoked the various protective powers they are to be “set down” in the kavaca-amulet. This will bring great power to the bearer—just as it did to enable Brahmā, Viṣṇu and me (Śiva) to carry out their cosmic enterprises (1-30).
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Raksha, Kara.
Starts with: Rakshakaranda, Rakshakarandaka.
Full-text: Sarvarakshakara, Devarakshakara, Kashyapasamhita.
Relevant text
Search found 10 books and stories containing Rakshakara, Rakṣā-kara, Raksa-kara, Rakṣākara, Raksakara, Raksha-kara; (plurals include: Rakshakaras, karas, Rakṣākaras, Raksakaras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Garga Samhita (English) (by Danavir Goswami)
Verse 1.13.22 < [Chapter 13 - The Liberation of Pūtanā]
Verse 8.12.1 < [Chapter 12 - The Prayer and Armor of Lord Balarāma]
Verse 4.16.2 < [Chapter 16 - The Srī Yamunā Armor]
Dictionaries of Indian languages (Kosha)
Page 878 < [Hindi-Bengali-English Volume 1]
Page 216 < [Bengali-Hindi-English, Volume 2]
Page 693 < [Hindi-Bengali-English Volume 2]
Women in the Atharva-veda Samhita (by Pranab Jyoti Kalita)
5a. Prayer for Successful Pregnancy < [Chapter 2 - The Strīkarmāṇi Hymns of the Atharvaveda]
A Descriptive Catalogue of the Sanskrit Manuscripts, Madras (by M. Seshagiri Sastri)
Chaitanya Bhagavata (by Bhumipati Dāsa)
Verse 2.9.116 < [Chapter 9 - The Lord’s Twenty-One Hour Ecstasy and Descriptions of Śrīdhara and Other Devotees’ Characteristics]
Verse 3.5.626 < [Chapter 5 - The Pastimes of Nityānanda]
Verse 2.3.90-091 < [Chapter 3 - The Lord Manifests His Varāha Form in the House of Murāri and Meets with Nityānanda]
Notices of Sanskrit Manuscripts (by Rajendralala Mitra)