Sarpasthi, Sarpāsthi, Sarpa-asthi: 1 definition

Introduction:

Sarpasthi 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

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Sarpasthi in Shaktism glossary
Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Sarpāsthi (सर्पास्थि) refers to “snakes and bones”, according to the Manthānabhairavatantra, a vast sprawling work that belongs to a corpus of Tantric texts concerned with the worship of the goddess Kubjikā.—Accordingly, “(Kubjikā) is the colour of (dark) blue collyrium. She is bent over (kubjīrūpā) and has a large belly. She has six faces and twelve arms. She is adorned with snakes, bones and gems [i.e., sarpāsthi-ratna-carcitā]. Raudrī (i.e. Kubjikā) wears a garland of severed heads and has a fierce gaping mouth with protruding teeth. The goddess has eighteen eyes and (her) hair is tied up in the barbarian style”.

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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.

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