Samharastra, Saṃhārāstra, Samhara-astra: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Samharastra 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
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English TranslationSaṃhārāstra (संहारास्त्र) refers to the “weapon of destruction”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.4.5 (“Kārttikeya is crowned”).—Accordingly, after the Kṛttikās spoke to Kārttikeya: “[...] Then Śiva, the lord of the universe, following the worldly convention delightedly placed Kārttikeya on a beautiful gemset throne. [...] Śiva gave him the trident, the bow Pināka, the axe, the arrow Paśupata, the weapon of destruction (saṃhārāstra) and the greatest lore. I gave him the holy thread, the Vedas, the mantra Gāyatrī, the vessel Kamaṇḍalu, the arrow Brahmāstra and the lore that destroys the enemy. [...]”.
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.
Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)
Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama TextsSaṃhārāstra (संहारास्त्र) refers to “(mystic) wrathful weapons (of sudarśana)”, as discussed in the thirty-fifth chapter of the Ahirbudhnyasaṃhitā, a Pāñcarātra work in 60 chapters dealing with topics such as Viṣṇu’s discus-power, the processes of creation and esoteric practices related to Sudarśana (such as mantras and yantras).—Description of the chapter [saṃhārāstra-svarūpa-nirūpaṇa]: The former astra-powers originated with the major limbs of the great Sudarśana. The present chapter, continuing the tone of the preceding, turns to the forty-three astra-mantras that have their origin in the smaller parts of Sudarśana (his eye-brows, his nails, etc.) (1-81). Nārada asks if these various astras have presiding deities associated with them; indeed they do, and these horrific beings of divine wrath are described in some detail (82-99).
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Astra, Samhara.
Starts with: Samharastrasvarupanirupana.
Ends with: Upasamharastra.
Full-text: Samhara.
Relevant text
Search found 2 books and stories containing Samharastra, Saṃhārāstra, Samhara-astra, Saṃhāra-astra; (plurals include: Samharastras, Saṃhārāstras, astras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Hanuman Nataka (critical study) (by Nurima Yeasmin)
Hanuman-Nāṭaka, Act 12 (Summary) < [Chapter 3]
The Skanda Purana (by G. V. Tagare)
Chapter 49 - Śanaiścareśvara (Śanaiścara-īśvara) < [Section 1 - Prabhāsa-kṣetra-māhātmya]