Shimshumaracakra, Śiṃśumāracakra, Shimshumara-cakra: 1 definition

Introduction:

Shimshumaracakra 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 Śiṃśumāracakra can be transliterated into English as Simsumaracakra or Shimshumaracakra, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

Alternative spellings of this word include Shimshumarachakra.

In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

[«previous next»] — Shimshumaracakra in Purana glossary
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Śiṃśumāracakra (शिंशुमारचक्र) is another name for Jyotiścakra, which refers to the “solar cycle”, as defined in the Śivapurāṇa 1.14. Jyotiścakra or Śiṃśumāra-cakra refers to the system of stars, planets and constellations conceived of as a cakra rotating like the Potter’s wheel. The vast space is an ocean in which the stars are arranged like the body of a giant alligator. The imagery of the wheel implies a fixed centre to which the whole system of moving stars is secured by certain pulls, spoken of as winds (Vāta) in physical form but actually invisible forces exercised by the centre on the peripheral stars.

Purana book cover
context information

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.

Discover the meaning of shimshumaracakra or simsumaracakra in the context of Purana from relevant books on Exotic India

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