Rakshavidhana, Rakṣāvidhāna, Raksha-vidhana: 3 definitions

Introduction:

Rakshavidhana means something in Buddhism, Pali, 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 Rakṣāvidhāna can be transliterated into English as Raksavidhana or Rakshavidhana, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Rakshavidhana in Shaivism glossary
Source: SOAS University of London: Protective Rites in the Netra Tantra

Rakṣāvidhāna (रक्षाविधान) refers to the “rules for the (great) protection (rite)”, according to 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 6.9-15ab]—“[...] He [who is ill] quickly escapes from death. My speech is true and not false. According to the rules for the great protection (mahā-rakṣāvidhāna) [rite, the Mantrin] should make an oblation in the name of [the afflicted] into a fire fueled with holy wood. [This fire burns] in a round pot [adorned] with three girdles. [The mantrin] uses sesame seeds soaked in ghee and milk [mixed] together with white sugar. [...]”.

Shaivism book cover
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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.

Discover the meaning of rakshavidhana or raksavidhana in the context of Shaivism from relevant books on Exotic India

Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)

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

Rakṣāvidhāna (रक्षाविधान) refers to the “ceremony of petitioning for protection”, as discussed in in chapter 17 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 [vaibhavīya-nṛsiṃhamantra-uddhāraḥ tadārādhanavidhiśca]: [...] For the next seven days (as a part of narasiṃha-dīkṣā), śāntika is done—in which, during the course of seven lakhs of japa, the initiate pacifies for evil thoughts which he has harbored; then, for seven—or three—more days pauṣṭika is done, wherein the initiate is strengthened; then āpyāyana is done to satisfy or atone for past sins making offerings of fruits and sweets to Narasiṃha; after this, rakṣāvidhāna is done for seven days, wherein protection is petitioned [?=for leading henceforth a more perfect life, etc.?] by doing bhūtatarpaṇa thrice daily 108 times each and by offering regular worship and by making regular fire-offerings to maṇḍalas of different kinds on each of the seven days to while also feeding birds and animals. [...]

Pancaratra book cover
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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.

Discover the meaning of rakshavidhana or raksavidhana in the context of Pancaratra from relevant books on Exotic India

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Rakshavidhana in Mahayana glossary
Source: De Gruyter: A Buddhist Ritual Manual on Agriculture

Rakṣāvidhāna (रक्षाविधान) refers to “making provision for one’s safety”, according to the 2nd-century Meghasūtra (“Cloud Sutra”) in those passages which contain ritual instructions.—Accordingly, “In the end of one’s robe a knot must be tied (granthi-bandha) with seven prayers by the prophet of the Law after he has previously made provision for his safety (kṛta-rakṣāvidhāna). This ‘Whirlwind’-Chapter, (also) called “The heart of all Serpents,” must be recited. [...]”

Mahayana book cover
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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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