Vahnimandala, Vahnimaṇḍala, Vahni-mandala: 3 definitions

Introduction:

Vahnimandala means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit. 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

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Vahnimandala in Shaivism glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Kubjikāmata-tantra

Somamaṇḍala (वह्निमण्डल):—One of the four maṇḍalas that make up the Khecarīcakra, according to the kubjikāmata-tantra. This maṇḍala consists of a ring of eight petals associated with the letters from ya to ha. The goddesses of this maṇḍala are born from the central male deity Asitāṅga.

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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.

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Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

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

Vahnimaṇḍala (वह्निमण्डल) (or Agnimaṇḍala) refers to the “circle of fire”, according to the Ṣaṭsāhasrasaṃhitā, an expansion of the Kubjikāmatatantra: the earliest popular and most authoritative Tantra of the Kubjikā cult.—Accordingly, “(She is the principle called) the Doomsday Fire (vaḍava). Above the Trident, it is the triple principle and is located within power (kalā). The Doomsday Fire is the Wheel of Fire in the centre of (the reality) within the triangle. The Trident consists of the three energies (tejas) and is the Circle of Moon, Sun, and Fire [i.e., agnimaṇḍala]. The denote the principle of the Self, Vidyā, and Śiva. Power (kalā) is said to be Kuṇḍalinī. All of this is within that and its purity (śuci) is beyond doubt. [...]”.

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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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In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

[«previous next»] — Vahnimandala in Jainism glossary
Source: archive.org: Trisastisalakapurusacaritra

Vahnimaṇḍala (वह्निमण्डल) or Agnimaṇḍala refers to one of the four Maṇḍalas (or Ākāras) for the breath, as mentioned in chapter 1.5 [ādīśvara-caritra] of Hemacandra’s 11th century Triṣaṣṭiśalākāpuruṣacaritra: an ancient Sanskrit epic poem narrating the history and legends of sixty-three illustrious persons in Jainism. Accordingly:—“[...] Attended by good soldiers, with a chariot of unequaled speed, he [i.e., Bharata] left Vinītā, like an embodied command of the King. As he went along the road, his left eye twitched constantly as if seeing a fate unfavorable to the transaction of the undertaking. His right nostril blew constantly in the vahnimaṇḍala, like a goldsmith’s blow-pipe in a fire, even in the absence of sickness”.

Note: There are 4 maṇḍalas, or ākāras, for the breath: vāyu, pṛthvī, jala, agni. The favorableness, or unfavorableness, of each maṇḍala depends on various circumstances. Agni (vahni) is bad for beginning work. It is good, e.g., for taking food. It is also of importance from which nostril the breath comes. In sickness, it is normal for the breath to come from the right nostril in the case of the agnimaṇḍala. In the absence of sickness it is abnormal and therefore a bad omen. This subject is treated in the Svarodayaśāstras.

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Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

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