Rudracanda, Rudracaṇḍā, Rudra-canda: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Rudracanda 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.
Alternative spellings of this word include Rudrachanda.
In Hinduism
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: Wisdom Library: PurāṇasRudracaṇḍā (रुद्रचण्डा):—One of the nine Durgās (navadurgā) that are worshipped for the prosperity of children, according to the Agni-purāṇa. Her colour is gorocana (red sandal paste). She has sixteen hands each and holds within her right hands a skull, shield, mirror, bow, flag and pāśa (cord), and in her left hands a rod, iron pounder, Śūla, Vajra, sword, Aṅkuśa (a sticklike weapon), Śara (arrow), Cakra and a śalākā. These nine Durgās are seen as different forms of Pārvatī.
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.
Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)
Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions (shaktism)Rudracaṇḍā (रुद्रचण्डा) refers to one of the Navadurgā (“nine Durgās”), whose worship formed a part of the Navarātra Tantric ritual (an autumnal festival of the warrior goddess Caṇḍikā).—On Mahāṣṭamī is the worship of the Nine Durgās (e.g., Rudracaṇḍā), the eight mothers, the sixty-four Yoginīs, purification of the gross elements, installation of mantras on the body; [...] Goddess is believed to morph into a more uncontrollable presence requiring constant placation.—Various 8th century sources refer to rituals such as the worship of Rudracaṇḍā, for example: Devīpurāṇa, Kālikāpurāṇa, Kṛtyakalpataru, Durgābhaktitaraṅgiṇī, Durgāpūjātattva, Durgāpūjāviveka, Bhadrakālīmantravidhiprakaraṇa in Sanderson (2007); account of the Durgā Pūjā in Kelomal, West Bengal (Nicholas 2013).
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Rudra, Canda.
Full-text: Navadurga.
Relevant text
Search found 3 books and stories containing Rudracanda, Rudracaṇḍā, Rudra-canda, Rudra-caṇḍā; (plurals include: Rudracandas, Rudracaṇḍās, candas, caṇḍās). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
The Agni Purana (by N. Gangadharan)
Chapter 50 - Characteristics of an image of the Goddess
Puranic encyclopaedia (by Vettam Mani)
Varahi Tantra (English Study) (by Roberta Pamio)
Chapter 29 - The worship of Caṇḍikā < [Summary of the Vārāhī Tantra]