Riddhi, aka: Ṛddhī, Ṛddhi; 12 Definition(s)

Introduction

Riddhi means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit, Marathi. 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 terms Ṛddhī and Ṛddhi can be transliterated into English as Rddhi or Riddhi, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy)

Ṛddhī (ऋद्धी):—One of the sixty-seven Mahauṣadhi, as per Rasaśāstra texts (rasa literature). These drugs are useful for processing mercury (rasa), such as the alchemical processes known as sūta-bandhana and māraṇa.

context information

Rasashastra (रसशास्त्र, rasaśāstra) is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Ṛddhi (ऋद्धि, “successful, magical”):—Name of one of the sixty-four mātṛs to be worshipped during Āvaraṇapūjā (“Worship of the Circuit of Goddesses”, or “Durgā’s Retinue”), according to the Durgāpūjātattva. They should be worshipped with either the five upācāras or perfume and flowers.

Her mantra is as follows:

ॐ ऋद्ध्यै नमः
oṃ ṛddhyai namaḥ.

context information

Shakta (शाक्त, śākta) or Shaktism (śāktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.

Purana

Ṛddhi (ऋद्धि).—Varuṇa’s wife. (Mahābhārata Udyoga Parva, Chapter 117, Verse 9).

1a) Ṛddhi (ऋद्धि).—The wife of Kubera; a brahmakalā; mother of Nalakūbara.^*

• * Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 8. 46; IV. 35. 94; Vāyu-purāṇa 70. 41.

1b) A deity attendant on Vināyaka.^*

• * Matsya-purāṇa 260. 55.

context information

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.

General definition (in Hinduism)

Ṛddhi (ऋद्धि, “prosperity”):—Name of the younger of two wifes of Varuṇa, who is the presiding deity of the invisible world and represents the inner reality of things.

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Ṛddhi (ऋद्धि) or Ṛddhyabhijñā refers to “magical powers” and represents one of the five superknowledges (pañcābhijñā) according to the Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter X. It includes the four kinds of gamana or movement, nirmāṇa or creation and āryaṛddhi or noble magical power. Pañcābhijña represents one of the qualities possessed by the Bodhisattvas that accompanied the Buddha.

context information

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.

General definition (in Buddhism)

Ṛddhi (ऋद्धि) refers to “spiritual power” and represents one of the “five deep knowledges” (pañcābhijñā) as defined in the Dharma-saṃgraha (section 20). The Dharma-samgraha (Dharmasangraha) is an extensive glossary of Buddhist technical terms in Sanskrit (eg., pañca-abhijñāu and ṛddhi). The work is attributed to Nagarjuna who lived around the 2nd century A.D.

Ṛddhi or Ṛddhivaśitā refers to the “mastery of spiritual power” and represents one of the “ten masteries of the Bodhisattvas” (vaśitā) as defined in the Dharma-saṃgraha (section 74).

Ṛddhi or Ṛddhiprātihārya refers to the “miracle of spiritual power” and represents one of the “three kinds of miracles” (prātihārya) as defined in the Dharma-saṃgraha (section 133).

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Ṛddhi (ऋद्धि, “wealth”) as in ṛddhi-mada refers to “pride in one’s wealth” and represents one of the eight forms of vainglory (mada), according to Samantabhadra in his Ratna-Karaṇḍa-śrāvakācāra (with commentary of Prabhācandra). These eight madas are included in the twenty-five blemishes (dṛg-doṣas), which are generally held to be the eight madas, the three mūḍhatās, the six anāyatanas, and the eight doṣas.

Ṛddhi (ऋद्धि).—How many types of “extraordinary powers” (ṛddhis) are there? Some ascetics attain extraordinary powers to produce worldly miracles. Such attainments are called ṛddhi.

Ṛddhi (extraordinary powers) is of eight types, namely:

1. intellect (buddhi),
2. activity (kriyā),
3. change of form (vikriyā),
4. austerity (tapas),
5. might (bala),
6. healing power (auṣadhi),
7. occult power to change food (rasa).
8. power to ensure inexhaustible food and space (kṣetra).

The word extraordinary is attached as a prefix to each of these eight types.

context information

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

Languages of India and abroad

Marathi-English dictionary

ṛddhi (ऋद्धि).—f S Prosperous or thriving state. 2 Prosperity, riches, affluence.

--- OR ---

riddhi (रिद्धि).—f (Properly ddhi S) Wealth, riches, substance.

ṛddhi (ऋद्धि).—f Prosperous state. Prosperity, riches.

--- OR ---

riddhi (रिद्धि).—f Wealth. riddhisiddhi f Prosperity and perfection.

Sanskrit-English dictionary

Ṛddhi (ऋद्धि).—f. [ṛdh-bhāve ktin]

1) Growth, increase. नियमर्द्धये (niyamarddhaye) Bhāg.12.8.9.

2) Success, prosperity; affluence, good fortune. तेषामृद्धिरतीवात्र (teṣāmṛddhiratīvātra) Bhāg.3.139.8.

3) Elevation, exaltation, greatness. संजीवितः शिशुरसौ मम चेयमृद्धिः (saṃjīvitaḥ śiśurasau mama ceyamṛddhiḥ) U.2.11.

4) (a) Extent, magnitude, excellence; परिच्छिन्नप्रभावर्द्धिर्न मया न च विष्णुना (paricchinnaprabhāvarddhirna mayā na ca viṣṇunā) Ku.2.58. (b) Grandeur, magnificence; व्यक्तर्धि वः क्रीडितम् (vyaktardhi vaḥ krīḍitam) Māl.5.22.

5) Supernatural power or supremacy, perfection.

6) Accomplishment.

7) Prosperity personified as the wife of Kubera.

8) Name of Pārvatī, and of Lakṣmī.

9) Name of a medicinal plant; (Mar. kevaṇī, muruḍaśeṃga)

1) magic; M. W.

Derivable forms: ṛddhiḥ (ऋद्धिः).

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