Varnabha, Varṇābhā, Varna-abha: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Varnabha 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
Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)
Source: SOAS University of London: Protective Rites in the Netra TantraVarṇābhā (वर्णाभा) refers to a “beautiful color”, 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 11.1-24ab, while describing the appearance and worship of Tumburu]—“[...] Gāyatrī is a beautiful red color (rakta-varṇābhā), adorned with one face, sitting in the bound lotus seat, the eye opened in meditation. Sāvitrī is the color white, eyes gone to inward meditation. The devī Māyā is dark and four armed [One of her] pair [of arms] hold a great cloth that conceals the world”.
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.
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English TranslationVarṇābha (वर्णाभ) refers to “having the complexion of a particular colour”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.3.46 (“The arrival of the bridegroom”).—Accordingly, as Brahmā narrated to Nārada: “Menā saw with pleasure lord Śiva, the bridegroom of Pārvatī, served by all the gods and who by that time had come there. Śiva had the complexion of the colour (varṇābha) of the Campaka flower. He had only one face but retained the three eyes. The face was beaming with a simple smile. He was bedecked in gems and gold and wore a garland of Mālatī flowers. The gem-set crown was lustrous. He wore brilliant necklaces. He was bedecked in bangles and bracelets of fine workmanship. [...]”.
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Varnabhairava.
Ends with: Savarnabha, Suvarnabha, Svarnabha, Svarnavarnabha.
Full-text: Svarnavarnabha, Bandhujivaka, Bandhuka.
Relevant text
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