Tapodhyaya, Tapodhyāya, Tapas-adhyaya: 1 definition

Introduction:

Tapodhyaya 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

Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)

Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts

Tapodhyāya (तपोध्याय) (lit. “chapter on ascesis”) is the name of chapter 3 of the Ṛṣirātra section of the Sanatkumārasaṃhitā: an encyclopedic Sanskrit text written in over 3500 verses dealing with a variety of topics such as yoga, temple-building, consecration ceremonies, initiation and dhanurveda (martial arts).

Description of the chapter [tapodhyāya]: Sanatkumāra offers now to list places in pūrvadeśa that are conducive to the practice of tapas-austerities. Most of the places named—Prayāga, Kurukṣetra, Badarī, Brahmadurga, Devatīrtha, the Ganges basin, et. al.—seem to be located in the North (1-13). He then turns to the time-periods in which such ascesis can best be undertaken (13b-15a). He then mentions the different ways by which one may fast (15b-18) and undertake prāyaścitta-penances by japa-repetitions and other methodical disciplines (19-67). Special reference is made in passing to the Vaikhānasas (63b) and to the Bhāgavatas (64b).

Pancaratra book cover
context information

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.

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