Rudrakanya, Rudrakanyā, Rudra-kanya: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Rudrakanya 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
Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)
Source: Shodhganga: Temple management in the ĀgamasRudrakanyā (रुद्रकन्या) refer to members of the dance troupe employed in Śiva temples.—Performance of śuddhanṛtta or classical dance by Rudrakanyā accompanied by Pañcācārya is known as saukhyakarma. This is recommended to be performed as part of nityotsava, sthāpana, prokṣana, prāyaścitta, adbhutaśānti, utsava, snapana, māsapūjā, homakarma, dhvajārohaṇa and other kāmya-karma.
Rudrakanyās are described in two ways. One, as the Apasaras created by Rudra for the sake of Kauśika, who are from time immemorial known as the vaṃśa of Rudragaṇika. Second, as the daughters of Rudra, conceived by the wives of the Ṛṣīs in the Devatāruvana when they beheld in wondrous desire, the beautiful form of Śiva resplendent in all auspicious adornments. The daughters thus born are known as Rudragaṇikā.
The Rudrakanyā and the Pañcācārya should also undergo dīkṣā by the Ācārya. They are honoured with new clothes and ornaments and also given bhṛti or wages to “their heart’s content”.
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)
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English TranslationRudrakanyā (रुद्रकन्या) refers to the “daughter of Rudra” and is used to describe the River Narmadā, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.3.37 (“The letter of betrothal is dispatched”).—Accordingly, as Himavat prepared the wedding of Menā and Śiva: “[...] With great pleasure Gaṅgā too, assuming a divine form and fully bedecked in ornaments came to attend the marriage of Śiva and Śivā. The best of rivers Narmadā, daughter of Rudra (rudrakanyā), came joyfully and quickly to attend the marriage of Śiva and Śivā. The entire city of Himavat was full of excitement and ardent fervour when the invitees gathered there together. [...]”.
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Kanya, Rudra.
Full-text: Mauravika, Gayaka, Vamshika, Mardaka, Pancacarya, Nartaka, Rudraganika.
Relevant text
Search found 4 books and stories containing Rudrakanya, Rudrakanyā, Rudra-kanya, Rudra-kanyā; (plurals include: Rudrakanyas, Rudrakanyās, kanyas, kanyās). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
The Skanda Purana (by G. V. Tagare)
Chapter 229 - The Benefit of Listening to this Purāṇa < [Section 3 - Revā-khaṇḍa]
Chapter 44 - Uttareśvara (uttara-īśvara-liṅga) < [Section 2 - Caturaśīti-liṅga-māhātmya]
Chapter 79 - Dharmeśākhyāna (Episode of Dharma) < [Section 2 - Uttarārdha]
The Linga Purana (by J. L. Shastri)
Chapter 80 - The holy Pāśupata rite (pāśupatavrata-māhātmya) < [Section 1 - Uttarabhāga]
The Padma Purana (by N.A. Deshpande)
Chapter 20 - Naraka, Kapilātīrtha, Ṛṣitīrtha, Gaṇeśvara, Bhṛgutīrtha, Somatīrtha etc. < [Section 3 - Svarga-khaṇḍa (section on the heavens)]
Expiatory Rites in Keralite Tantra (by T. S. Syamkumar)
4. Ritual Gift as a Mode of Expiation < [Chapter 4 - Socio-Cultural aspects of Expiatory Rites]