Indraratra, Indrarātra, Indra-ratra: 1 definition
Introduction:
Indraratra 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
Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)
Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama TextsIndrarātra (इन्द्ररात्र) refers to the “third night led by Indra” representing part of the Pūjā (worship) performed by the creatures of the world in order to defeat the demon Somaka in Kṛtayuga times, as discussed in chapter 2 of the Bhāradvājasaṃhitā or “Bhāradvāja-kaṇva-saṃhitā”: a Pāñcarātra text comprising some 230 ślokas mainly concerned with basic details concerning temple construction and icon consecration.—Accordingly, [...] The creatures of the world repeated the aṣṭākṣara-mantra to make Viṣṇu strong enough to conquer the demon. This they did over a period of five nights with firm resolve; thereby Viṣṇu waxed stronger, killed the demon and returned the Vedas to the gods. The order of the pūjā by which Viṣṇu was made strong was on the first night [Brahmarātra] Brahmā led the worship; on the second, Śiva [Śivarātra]; on the third night, Indra [Indrarātra]; on the fourth, Nāga [Nāgarātra]; and on the fifth Ṛṣis led it [Ṛṣirātra]. This is how the “Pāñcarātra” originated.
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Ratra, Indra.
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Full-text (+38): Sanatkumara, Kriyashuddhi, Varnashuddhi, Deshashuddhi, Mahavishnu, Kratu, Lokapitamaha, Sadavishnu, Vasudevakshara, Sukshmasrishti, Yonishuddhi, Bijashuddhi, Pitamaha, Mahayaga, Stoma, Adhvara, Varnakrama, Vidyesha, Haristoma, Antaralaya.
Relevant text
Search found 2 books and stories containing Indraratra, Indrarātra, Indra-rātra, Indra-ratra; (plurals include: Indraratras, Indrarātras, rātras, ratras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Diksha (initiation) in Pancharatra (by Shanta Srinivasan)
2. Qualification of a Preceptor (Acarya) < [Chapter 2 - Aspects of Diksa]
11. The concept of Vibhava (divine descent) < [Chapter 1 - Introduction]
1. Introduction to the aspects and types of Diksha < [Chapter 2 - Aspects of Diksa]
A History of Indian Philosophy Volume 3 (by Surendranath Dasgupta)
Part 3 - The Pañcarātra Literature < [Chapter XVI - The Pañcarātra]