Citrabhanu, Citra-bhanu, Citrabhānu: 18 definitions
Introduction:
Citrabhanu 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.
Alternative spellings of this word include Chitrabhanu.
In Hinduism
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: The Purana Index1a) Citrabhānu (चित्रभानु).—A warrior son of Kṛṣṇa.*
- * Bhāgavata-purāṇa X. 90. 33.
1b) A name of the sun; moves in the north of Śākadvīpa in Śravaṇa and Uttarāṣāḍha;1 begged of Kārtavīryārjuna, the seven islands as bhikṣā and burnt them all; father of Varuṇa (Vasiṣṭha) famous as Āpava who cursed the king; the sun-god in the guise of a Brahmana asked for food all the immovable property of the king to which he agreed; Āditya was pleased with him and gave him resplendent and useful arrows; he ate all the eastern parts of the kingdom including the tapovana.2
- 1) Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa II. 21. 73, 136; Vāyu-purāṇa 50. 128.
- 2) Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 69. 38-47; Vāyu-purāṇa 94. 39; 95. 3-13.

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.
Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology)
Source: Wisdom Library: Brihat Samhita by VarahamihiraCitrabhānu (चित्रभानु) refers to the sixteenth of the sixty-year cycle of Jupiter, according to the Bṛhatsaṃhitā (chapter 8), an encyclopedic Sanskrit work written by Varāhamihira mainly focusing on the science of ancient Indian astronomy astronomy (Jyotiṣa).—Accordingly, “The first year of the fourth yuga is known as Citrabhānu; in it mankind will be happy. The second is known as Subhānu. In it mankind will be neither happy nor miserable; there will however be disease in the land but no deaths in consequence. The next year is known as Tāraṇa; in it there will be abundance of rain. The next is known as Pārthiva; in it crops with thrive well and mankind will be happy. The fifth year is known as Vyaya; in it amorous sensastions will prevail over the land”.
Source: The effect of Samvatsaras: SatvargasCitrabhānu (चित्रभानु) refers to the sixteenth saṃvatsara (“jovian year)” in Vedic astrology.—The native born in the ‘samvatsara’ of ‘citrabhanu’ is fond of (wearing) various kinds of clothes and flowers, has a heart or mind which is full of different ambitions, is good natured and is endowed with crafts or arts.
According with Jataka Parijata, the person born in the year citrabhanu (2002-2003 AD) will have the energy and the beauty of the lord of the day.

Jyotisha (ज्योतिष, jyotiṣa or jyotish) refers to ‘astronomy’ or “Vedic astrology” and represents the fifth of the six Vedangas (additional sciences to be studied along with the Vedas). Jyotisha concerns itself with the study and prediction of the movements of celestial bodies, in order to calculate the auspicious time for rituals and ceremonies.
Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma)
Source: Pure Bhakti: Arcana-dipika - 3rd EditionCitrabhānu (चित्रभानु) is the sixteenth of sixty years (saṃvatsara) in the Vedic lunar calendar according to the Arcana-dīpikā by Vāmana Mahārāja (cf. Appendix).—Accordingl, There are sixty different names for each year in the Vedic lunar calendar, which begins on the new moon day (Amāvasyā) after the appearance day of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu (Gaura-pūrṇimā), in February or March. The Vedic year [viz., Citrabhānu], therefore, does not correspond exactly with the Christian solar calendar year.

Vaishnava (वैष्णव, vaiṣṇava) or vaishnavism (vaiṣṇavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).
Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)
Source: Google Books: ManthanabhairavatantramCitrabhānu (चित्रभानु) refers to the “beautiful sun (of energy)”, according to the Devīpañcaśataka, an important source of the Kālīkrama that developed in Kashmir after the Kālī Mata of the Jayadrathayāmala.—Accordingly, “The permutation (of the Transmental) is said to be the Light that precedes the mistress of the Wheel of Rays [i.e., puñjacakra-īśī] (of divine consciousness). [...] (That light) is not the moon, (or) the light of the stars; it is not the light of the rays of (the sun), the lord of the sky, nor is it the brilliance of lightning—nor is it like the beautiful sun (of energy) [i.e., citrabhānu]. That Light (bhāsā) is seen in the belly (of consciousness) with the eye of knowledge, that is, in the eye on the path of opening (unmeṣa). She is not seen otherwise. All (things) shine due to her: Fire, Moon, Sun and stars. As the division of Sun and Moon, she bestows the plane of oneness. Thus she is the aggregate (kula) of rays and, ferocious, she is the Supreme One (Parā) who has reached the final end of Kula and devours duality with the Yoga of the Fire of (Universal) Destruction.”.—(Cf. Puñjacakra).

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 TantraCitrabhānu (चित्रभानु) refers to “various light”, 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 2.22cd-28ab]—“From this authority, the seventy-million mantras arise. The terminal letter shining with various light (citrabhānu-padānta), [which is the] split belly of the moon [j], is placed upon a hook [u], and yoked with the last rising horizon [i.e., the wind or last labial nasalization] [ṃ]. That which is described is celebrated in the world as the supreme Amṛta [sa], this is the highest dwelling place. [...]”.

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.
In Buddhism
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: LokottaravādaCitrabhānu (चित्रभानु) is the name of a Buddha under whom Śākyamuni (or Gautama, ‘the historical Buddha’) acquired merit along the first through nine bhūmis, according to the Mahāvastu. There are in total ten bhūmis representing the ten stages of the Bodhisattva’s path towards enlightenment.
Citrabhānu is but one among the 500 Buddhas enumerated in the Mahāvastu during a conversation between Mahākātyāyana and Mahākāśyapa, both principle disciples of Gautama Buddha. The Mahāvastu is an important text of the Lokottaravāda school of buddhism, dating from the 2nd century BCE.

Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.
Languages of India and abroad
Sanskrit dictionary
Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionaryCitrabhānu (चित्रभानु).—a. of a variegated colour, shining with light; चित्रभानुरुषसां भात्यग्रे (citrabhānuruṣasāṃ bhātyagre) R.7.9.3; प्रपूर्वगौ पूर्वजौ चित्रभानू (prapūrvagau pūrvajau citrabhānū) Mahābhārata (Bombay) 1.3.57. (-nuḥ) 1 fire; पुच्छैः शिरोभिश्च भृशं चित्रभानुं प्रपेदिरे (pucchaiḥ śirobhiśca bhṛśaṃ citrabhānuṃ prapedire) Mahābhārata (Bombay) 1.53. 5.
2) the sun; (citrabhānurvibhātīti dine ravau rātrau vahnau K. P. 2 given as an instance of one of the modes of añjana).
3) Name of Bhairava.
4) the Arka plant.
5) Śiva.
6) an epithet of the Aśvins.
7) the first year of the first cycle of Jupiter.
Citrabhānu is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms citra and bhānu (भानु).
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Edgerton Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit DictionaryCitrabhānu (चित्रभानु).—name of a former Buddha: Mahāvastu i.139.4.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English DictionaryCitrabhānu (चित्रभानु).—m.
(-nuḥ) 1. Fire. 2. The sun. 3. A name of Bhairava, a form of Siva. 4. The marking-nut plant. 5. Gigantic swallow wort. E. citra surprising, and bhānu light. citrāḥ bhānavaḥ yasya .
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Benfey Sanskrit-English DictionaryCitrabhānu (चित्रभानु).—I. adj. resplendent,
Citrabhānu is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms citra and bhānu (भानु).
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Cappeller Sanskrit-English DictionaryCitrabhānu (चित्रभानु).—[adjective] shining bright; [masculine] fire.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Aufrecht Catalogus CatalogorumCitrabhānu (चित्रभानु) as mentioned in Aufrecht’s Catalogus Catalogorum:—son of Arthapati, grandson of Kubera, father of Bāṇa. Oxf. 156^b.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary1) Citrabhānu (चित्रभानु):—[=citra-bhānu] [from citra > cit] mfn. (tra-) of variegated lustre, shining with light, [Ṛg-veda; Atharva-veda iv, 25, 3; xiii, 3, 10; Taittirīya-brāhmaṇa ii f.; Kauśika-sūtra; Mahābhārata i, 722]
2) [v.s. ...] Name of fire, [Mahābhārata; Harivaṃśa; Rāmāyaṇa; Bhāgavata-purāṇa; Sāhitya-darpaṇa]
3) [v.s. ...] = trārcis, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
4) [v.s. ...] Plumbago zeylanica, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
5) [v.s. ...] Calotropis gigantea, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
6) [v.s. ...] the 16th year in the 60 years' cycle of Jupiter, [Varāha-mihira’s Bṛhat-saṃhitā viii, 35; Romakasiddhānta]
7) [v.s. ...] Name of Bhairava, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
8) [v.s. ...] of a prince, [Viṣṇu-purāṇa iv, 16, 2] ([varia lectio])
9) [v.s. ...] of Bāṇa (-bhaṭṭa) ’s father.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Yates Sanskrit-English DictionaryCitrabhānu (चित्रभानु):—[citra-bhānu] (nuḥ) 2. m. Fire; sun; Shiva; the marking-nut plant; gigantic swallowwort.
[Sanskrit to German]
Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.
Kannada-English dictionary
Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpusCitrabhānu (ಚಿತ್ರಭಾನು):—
1) [noun] the sun, the bright-shining one.
2) [noun] fire or the Fire-God.
3) [noun] name of the sixteenth year in the Hindu cycle of sixty years.
Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Bhanu, Citra.
Starts with: Citrabhanukavya, Citrabhanushataka.
Query error!
Full-text (+5): Rashtradevi, Samtarpayana, Samvatsara, Caitrabhanava, Rudranga, Kamalekshana, Kubera, Cittirapanu, Bana bhatta, Apava, Vicitra, Vyaya, Bhuri, Varida, Bhurivarida, Subhanu, Bhanu, Tarana, Bana, Citra.
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Search found 30 books and stories containing Citrabhanu, Citra-bhanu, Citra-bhānu, Citrabhānu; (plurals include: Citrabhanus, bhanus, bhānus, Citrabhānus). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Preksha meditation: History and Methods (by Samani Pratibha Pragya)
4. Jaina Meditation < [Chapter 5 - Other Modern Forms of Jaina Meditation]
1. Introduction (meditation in other Jaina traditions) < [Chapter 5 - Other Modern Forms of Jaina Meditation]
10. Outline of the Chapters of the Thesis < [Chapter 1 - Introduction]
Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study) (by Mrs. Nandita Sarmah)
Part 4(a): Bāṇabhaṭṭa: His time, Date and His Works < [Chapter 1 - Introduction]
Part 6: Satī System < [Chapter 4 - Status of Women]
Rig Veda (translation and commentary) (by H. H. Wilson)
Vedic influence on the Sun-worship in the Puranas (by Goswami Mitali)
Sun-worship Vratas (18) Citrabhānu-padadvaya < [Chapter 5 - Rituals Related to the Sun-Worship in the Purāṇas]
Sun-worship Vratas (50) Sarvāpti-saptamī < [Chapter 5 - Rituals Related to the Sun-Worship in the Purāṇas]
Part 8 - Savitṛ (the God of Atmosphere) < [Chapter 2 - Salient Traits of the Solar Divinities in the Veda]
Mahavastu (great story) (by J. J. Jones)
Chapter XVI - The ninth Bhūmi < [Volume I]
Vakyapadiya (study of the concept of Sentence) (by Sarath P. Nath)
5.2. Various Means of Ascertainment of Meaning < [Chapter 3 - The Concept of Sentence and Sentence-Meaning]
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