In Hinduism

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram (shaivism)

Vāmavaktra (वामवक्त्र) refers to the “northern face” (of Svacchanda), according to the Śrīmatottara-tantra, an expansion of the Kubjikāmatatantra: the earliest popular and most authoritative Tantra of the Kubjikā cult. Accordingly, “O goddess, Svacchanda is in the middle, within the abode of the triangle. Very powerful, he has five faces with three times five flaming eyes. He has ten arms and, very fierce, is adorned with many garlands, ornaments, necklaces and anklets. He has beautiful matted hair and the half moon is his crest jewel. O beloved, the face in the east is white like cow’s milk, it shines brilliant white. Generating great energy, contemplate it thus. One should think that the northern face [i.e., vāmavaktra] is like the young rising sun, the form of a pomegranate flower and (red) like a Bandhūka”.

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

Vāmavaktra (वामवक्त्र) refers to the “northern face” of Sadāśiva, 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 9.19cd-26, while instructing to visualize Sadāśiva in order to worship the formless Amṛteśa]—“[He] resembles the swelling moon, a heap of mountain snow. [...] [The Southern Sadāśiva] bears a skull rosary and makes the world tremble. [Sadāśiva's] Western [face] resembles snowy jasmine and the North (vāmavaktra—pūrvavaktrataḥ ... vāmaṃ) as a beautiful red lotus. The face above the [other] Śiva [faces] resembles a crystal [i.e., colorless]. [...]”.

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.

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Vāmavaktra (वामवक्त्र) refers to the “face of Vāma”, according to the Ṣaṭsāhasrasaṃhitā, an expansion of the Kubjikāmatatantra: the earliest popular and most authoritative Tantra of the Kubjikā cult.—Accordingly, “The Face of the Unborn, free of defects, is the penetration of the energy of the will. Conjoined with the energy of knowledge (the face of) Īśāna is located above. It is said that the eastern face of the goddess is Tatpuruṣa. Aghora is the face that abides permanently in the western quarter . O lord of the gods, one should worship the face of Vāma (vāmavaktra) located in the northern quarter. The face called Sadyojāta should be worshipped in the western quarter. The face of Picu is that of Śakti and faces downwards”.

context information

Shakta (शाक्त, śākta) or Shaktism (śāktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Vaktra, Vama.

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