Svasakhi, Sva-sakhi, Svasakhī: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Svasakhi 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

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

[«previous next»] — Svasakhi in Purana glossary
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Svasakhī (स्वसखी) refers to an “attendant”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.3.17 (“The dialogue between Indra and Kāmadeva”).—Accordingly, as Brahmā said to Kāma: “[...] Śiva is at present engaged in a great penance. [...] For the sake of gods, at the bidding of her father, Pārvatī is attending [i.e., svasakhī] on Him, I hear. O Kāma, you shall certainly do everything necessary to bring about an interest in her in the mind of Śiva who has self-control. You will become contented after this. Your miseries will be destroyed. Your exploit will be permanently established in the world. Not otherwise”.

Purana book cover
context information

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.

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Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions

Svasakhi (स्वसखि) refers to “one’s ritual assistant”, according to the Kiraṇatantra chapter 49 (dealing with vratacaryā).—Accordingly, “Garuḍa spoke: ‘You have taught me, O great Lord, the activities of the Neophyte, the Putraka and the Ācārya. Tell me those of the Sādhaka’. The Lord spoke: ‘[...] Accompanied by his ritual assistant, he should go to the forest and begin the practice of his religious observance. [If he is] without a ritual assistant, then his spouted water-pot is his ritual assistant (svasakhi) in that [practice].’”.

Shaivism book cover
context information

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.

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