Mantralakshana, Mantralakṣaṇa, Mantra-lakshana: 1 definition

Introduction:

Mantralakshana 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.

The Sanskrit term Mantralakṣaṇa can be transliterated into English as Mantralaksana or Mantralakshana, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Mantrashastra (the science of Mantras)

[«previous next»] — Mantralakshana in Mantrashastra glossary
Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts (mantra)

Mantralakṣaṇa (मन्त्रलक्षण) (lit. “concerning mantras”) is the name of chapter 2 of the Śivarātra section of the Sanatkumārasaṃhitā: an encyclopedic Sanskrit text written in over 3500 verses dealing with a variety of topics such as yoga, temple-building, consecration ceremonies, initiation and dhanurveda (martial arts).

Description of the chapter [mantralakṣaṇa]: Sanatkumāra says that all mantras mentioned by him fall into one of three categories—saumya (benefic), āgneya (malefic), or saumyāgneya (mixed). He then proceeds first to speak generally of the usage and construction of mantras, and then turns to some further general remarks on the construction and use of certain gāyatrīmantras. Of all the gāyatrīmantras, the one dedicated to Viṣṇu is the best, whereupon he becomes specific and detailed in regard to the variant constructions of particular gāyatrīs (1-35a). He ends by counseling that all mantras, with their constituent letters, should be properly pronounced (35b-37a).

context information

Mantrashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, mantraśāstra) refers to the ancient Indian science of mantras—chants, incantations, spells, magical hymns, etc. Mantra Sastra literature includes many ancient books dealing with the methods reciting mantras, identifying and purifying its defects and the science behind uttering or chanting syllables.

Discover the meaning of mantralakshana or mantralaksana in the context of Mantrashastra from relevant books on Exotic India

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