Introduction

Sadhikara 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 Āgamas

Sādhikāra (साधिकार) refers to a type of Lokadharminī-dīkṣā, which is a type of Sabīja-dīkṣā, which is a type of Kriyāvatī-dīkṣā, which in turn represents a type of of Hautrī-dīkṣā where dīkṣā refers to “initiation” performed by a healthy Ādiśaiva as part of his essential priestly duties in the Śiva temple.—Dīkṣā is popularly understood as “dīyate kṣīyate iti dīkṣā”—“that which grants mokṣa, while destroying the karma of the initiate”. Hautrī-dīkṣā referst to dīkṣā where the process involves agnikārya performed according to the rules. Hautrī-dīkṣā is further classified into jñānavatī-dīkṣā, where the agnikārya is performed internally and kriyāvatī-dīkṣā, where the rituals are performed externally. Kriyāvatī-dīkṣā is once again classified into sabīja-dīkṣā, with bījamantra and nirbīja-dīkṣā, without bījamantra. Sabīja-dīkṣā should definitely be performed for Sādhaka and Ācārya. It is of two types—lokadharminī-dīkṣā and śivadharminī-dīkṣā.

That which is performed for Samayī and Putraka initiates is called lokadharminī-dīkṣā. Lokadharminī-dīkṣā is of two types—niradhikāra-dīkṣā and sādhikāra-dīkṣā. Niradhikāra-dīkṣā bestows only the right to perform nityakarma (nityapūjā) on the Samayī and Putraka. Sādhikāra-dīkṣā bestows the right to perform all kriyās including nitya, naimittika and kāmya.

context information

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.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Ends with: Purushadhikara, Rasadhikara, Upadamshadhikara, Vilakshanamokshadhikara.

Full-text: Lokadharmini, Niradhikara.

Relevant text

No search results for Sadhikara, Sādhikāra; (plurals include: Sadhikaras, Sādhikāras) in any book or story.