In Hinduism

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Source: SOAS University of London: Protective Rites in the Netra Tantra

Tritanu (त्रितनु) refers to “oṃ” (ॐ), 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 2.17-19]—“The pure-souled Ācārya should draw an eight petaled lotus, in smooth, pure earth [that is] smeared with sandal and aloe wood [and] scented [with] fragrant camphor and strong saffron. After he has drawn [the lotus] with a great undertaking, [the Ācarya,] decorated and adorned with a crown, smeared with sandalwood, [writes] the mātṛkā. Having placed oṃ in the middle (tritanu—tritanuṃ madhyato nyasya) [on the pericarp of the lotus], he should draw [the phonemes of the mātṛkā on the petals] starting in the East”.

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.

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: Wisdom Library: Padma-purana

Tritanu (त्रितनु) refers to the “three bodies” (of Viṣṇu), according to the Padmapurāṇa 6.128 (“The Hymn Yogasāra in Praise of Viṣṇu”).—Accordingly, as the Vasiṣṭha said to Dilīpa:—“I shall tell you the secret, excellent hymn that is muttered. It was formerly received by Garuḍa and from him it came to me. It contains the essence of metaphysics; it causes great prosperity; is auspicious. It removes all sins, and is the great cause of the knowledge about the self, O king. (The hymn is as follows:) ‘[...] May that Viṣṇu who becomes one having three bodies like an actor (tritanu—tritanurnaṭavadyastu), due to the (three) constituents in acts like creation, maintenance and destruction, favour me. May that Viṣṇu who, merely for protecting righteousness, descended on the earth in ten ways, and who was requested by all gods, favour me. [...]’”.

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.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Tri, Tanu.

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Full-text: Nyasya.

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