Maharatridhara, Mahārātridhara, Maharatri-dhara: 1 definition

Introduction:

Maharatridhara 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)

[«previous next»] — Maharatridhara in Pancaratra glossary
Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts

Mahārātridhara (महारात्रिधर) refers to the “one-spoked wheel” and represents one of the various manifestations of ādhāra (“the sustaining force of the world”), as discussed in the eighth chapter of the Ahirbudhnyasaṃhitā, a Pāñcarātra work in 60 chapters dealing with topics such as Viṣṇu’s discus-power, the processes of creation and esoteric practices related to Sudarśana (such as mantras and yantras).—Description of the chapter [jagad-ādhāra-nirūpaṇa]: [...] Nārada asks “what is the support [ādhāra] (by which all these things adhere)?” (29-33). To this, Śiva replies that none other than Sudarśana is that internal force [ādhāra] (which keeps all disparate activities together and moving in one particular direction or on one particular plane of action)—and that ādhāra-force is worshipped by those who perceive its power in several different forms: [e.g., as the one-spoked wheel called mahārātridhara (38-39)] [...]

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.

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