Shastrapuja, Śastrapūjā, Shastra-puja: 1 definition

Introduction:

Shastrapuja 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.

The Sanskrit term Śastrapūjā can be transliterated into English as Sastrapuja or Shastrapuja, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Shastrapuja in Shaktism glossary
Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions (shaktism)

Śastrapūjā (शस्त्रपूजा) or Astrapūjā refers to the “worship of weapons”, and 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, [...] restraining the breaths; visualization and self-identification with the deity, rite of the sword in Nepal for powers; animal sacrifice and offering blood from a king’s arms and offering a human head; worship of weapons (astrapūjā); Goddess is believed to morph into a more uncontrollable presence requiring constant placation.—Various 8th century sources refer to rituals such as śastrapūjā, for example: Devīpurāṇa, Kālikāpurāṇa, Kṛtyakalpataru, Durgābhaktitaraṅgiṇī, Durgāpūjātattva, Durgāpūjāviveka, Bhadrakālīmantravidhiprakaraṇa in Sanderson (2007); account of the Durgā Pūjā in Kelomal, West Bengal (Nicholas 2013).

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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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