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Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Trivaktra (त्रिवक्त्र) refers to a “Rudraksha with three faces”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 1.25, while explaining the greatness of Rudrākṣa:—“[...] a Rudrākṣa with three faces (trivaktra) always bestows means of enjoyment. As a result of its power all lores become firmly established”.

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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.

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Trivaktrā (त्रिवक्त्रा) refers to “she who has three faces”, according to the Śrīmatottara-tantra, an expansion of the Kubjikāmatatantra: the earliest popular and most authoritative Tantra of the Kubjikā cult.—Accordingly, while describing Trikhaṇḍā: “[...] She has three sections, three faces [i.e., trivaktrā], a divine form and large belly. She has three eyes on each face and is blissful with wine. (The face) in front is white like snow, a jasmine flower or the moon. Content and tranquil, its gaze is immersed in subtle contemplation and, radiant with divine jewels, is adorned with jewel earrings. [...]”.

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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.

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Source: SOAS University of London: Protective Rites in the Netra Tantra

1) Trivaktra (त्रिवक्त्र) or “three-faced”, and is used to describe Viṣṇu, according to the Netratantra of Kṣemarāja: a Śaiva text from the 9th century in which Śiva (Bhairava) teaches Pārvatī topics such as metaphysics, cosmology, and soteriology.—Accordingly, [verse 13.1-9, while describing the appearance and worship of Viṣṇu, in the form of Nārāyaṇa]—“[...] Or, he should meditate [on Nārāyaṇa] atop Garuḍa, Śrī at his side. [He should visualize Viṣṇu] very white and beautiful [with] three faces (trivaktra) [that] resemble the moon, six arms, decorated like Varāha Hari, [his hands] endowed with [the shapes of] wish-granting and protection. Śrī is of the same color and holds the same weapons, suitably beautiful and charming before the eyes of Devadeva. [...]”.

2) Trivaktra (त्रिवक्त्र) or “three-faced” is also used to describe Sūrya.—Accordingly, [verse 13.17-25ab, while describing the appearance and worship of Sūrya]—“Now, I explain that which consists of light [i.e., Sūrya]. [...] Or [the Mantrin should visualize him with] eight arms, bearing the weapons of the Lokapālas. [Here Sūrya is endowed with] three terrible faces (trivaktra—trivaktraṃ ghoravadanaṃ), [each with] three eyes, [and he is] disfigured. One should worship him [visualized as] mounted on a horse in the middle of a lotus. [The worshipper] honors [his] heart, head, and topknot, enveloped with the weapon of sight. [...]”.

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Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Tri, Vaktra.

Full-text: Ghoravadana.

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Search found 2 books and stories containing Trivaktra, Tri-vaktra, Trivaktrā, Tri-vaktrā; (plurals include: Trivaktras, vaktras, Trivaktrās, vaktrās). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Vastu-shastra (4): Palace Architecture (by D. N. Shukla)

Chapter 4 - State or Public Buildings (The cognate structures)

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The Skanda Purana (by G. V. Tagare)

Chapter 72 - Victory of Durgā < [Section 2 - Uttarārdha]

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