Vishnunarasimha, Viṣṇunarasiṃha, Vishnu-narasimha: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Vishnunarasimha means something in Buddhism, Pali, 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 Viṣṇunarasiṃha can be transliterated into English as Visnunarasimha or Vishnunarasimha, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)

[«previous next»] — Vishnunarasimha in Pancaratra glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Pāñcarātra

Viṣṇunarasiṃha (विष्णुनरसिंह) is short for Viṣṇu, one of the aspects of nṛsiṃha (‘man-lion’), according to the Vihagendra-saṃhitā 4.17. Nṛsiṃha is a Tantric deity and refers to the furious (ugra) incarnation of Viṣṇu. The Vihagendra-saṃhīta is a Sanskrit work from the 15th century and deals primarely with meditation on mantras and sacrificial oblations.

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.

Discover the meaning of vishnunarasimha or visnunarasimha in the context of Pancaratra from relevant books on Exotic India

In Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Vishnunarasimha in Tibetan Buddhism glossary
Source: academia.edu: A Collection of Tantric Ritual Texts

Viṣṇunarasiṃha (विष्णुनरसिंह) is the name of an ancient Tibetan tantric deity.— Viṣṇu Narasiṃha refers to the deity with the human body and the lionʼs head, and is the fourth of the ten avataras of the great Hindu God Viṣṇu. This wrathful emanation came to the world to kill the malevolent Asura Hiraṇyakaśipu. In iconography, Narasiṃha is often depicted holding the Asura with the lower pair of hands (of 2 or 6 pairs) and exploding his belly. Functionally, Narasiṃha is treated as a Dharmapāla, a Protector of Dharma, who helps the Buddhists, fulfills their wishes and repels hindrances and enemies. Texts of the scroll depict various rites aimed at the use of Narasiṃha for these purposes. His use in magical rituals is attested in the vernacular Hindu tradition.

Tibetan Buddhism book cover
context information

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.

Discover the meaning of vishnunarasimha or visnunarasimha in the context of Tibetan Buddhism from relevant books on Exotic India

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