Varnadhva, Varna-adhva, Varna-adhvan, Varṇādhvā, Varṇādhvan, Varnadhvan: 5 definitions
Introduction:
Varnadhva 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
Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)
Source: Wisdom Library: ŚaivismVarṇādhvan (वर्णाध्वन्):—One of the six ways in which the Absolute manifests Itself in the process of creation (ṣaḍadhvan). Each of them represents a differect aspect of energy. Each path consists of a particular number of entities which stand for the successive stages in the evolutionary process, from the most subtle to the gross. In reverse order, from the gorss to the subtle, they symbolize the process of involution (or, saṃhāra) and serve as a means of attaining liberation or reintegration.
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: JSTOR: Tāntric Dīkṣā by Surya KantaVarṇādhvan (वर्णाध्वन्) or Varṇādhvā or simply Varṇa refers to one of the six adhvans being purified during the Kriyāvatī-dīkṣā: an important Śākta ritual described Śāradātilaka-tantra, chapters III-V.
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.
Mantrashastra (the science of Mantras)
Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts (mantra)Varṇādhvā (वर्णाध्वा) (lit. “the way of perceiving truth through letters”) is the name of chapter 20 of the Lakṣmītantra: a Pāñcarātra text comprising some 3600 Sanskrit verses exclusively devoted to Goddess Lakṣmī or Śrī (the consort of Viṣṇu) besides dealing with cosmology and practical regarding Vaishnava priests and temple-building programs.
Description of the chapter [varṇādhvā]: God can be known through various ways [adhvā] and one of these is by means of varṇa-letters and sounds. It is Lakṣmī who comes out of the Lord as the sound-energy [śabdaśakti] in order to save the world; at first an indistinct monotone, clever men now are able to perceive her in the Sound of letters. In turn, these letters are classified into the tattvas, the four vyūhas, Gods and Goddesses, etc. (1-52).
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.
Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)
Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama TextsVarṇādhvā (वर्णाध्वा) refers to one of the “six ways” (adhvās) of altering the Vaibhava-Dīkṣā iniatiation, as discussed in chapter 19 of the Sāttvatasaṃhitā: one of the most ancient of Pāñcarātra Āgamas consisting of roughly 3500 verses which stresses the theological standpoint of the oneness of God despite his various vyūhas (modes of existence), vibhavas (manifestations) and avatāras (incarnations).—Description of the chapter [dīkṣāvidhiḥ, varṇādhvavijñānaṃ ca]: [Regarding vaibhavadīkṣā]: Since, as it was said that this dīkṣā can give one also either bhoga or bhoga-and-kaivalya, there follow some specific instructions as to how to alter certain details of the ceremonies in order to gain a specific end. Five ways are briefly mentioned, [...]. But, the sages interject, there are six pots. Is there a sixth way to effect the dīkṣā ceremonies? There follows then a discourse (153-170) on the varṇādhvā-path, and how one can by its method choose special letters for special mantras, and each of these mantras have their own sure effect.
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.
Languages of India and abroad
Kannada-English dictionary
Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpusVarṇādhva (ವರ್ಣಾಧ್ವ):—[noun] written words as a means of acquiring knowledge.
Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Adhvan, Varna.
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Full-text: Adhvan, Varna, Varnattuva, Lambakarni, Shabdashakti.
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Search found 4 books and stories containing Varnadhva, Varṇa-adhvā, Varna-adhva, Varṇa-adhva, Varṇa-adhvan, Varna-adhvan, Varṇādhva, Varṇādhvā, Varṇādhvan, Varnadhvan; (plurals include: Varnadhvas, adhvās, adhvas, adhvans, Varṇādhvas, Varṇādhvās, Varṇādhvans, Varnadhvans). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Cidgaganacandrika (study) (by S. Mahalakshmi)
Part 6 - Ṣaḍadhvā (six ways in the process of creation) < [Philosophy of Kashmir Tantric System]
Diksha (initiation) in Pancharatra (by Shanta Srinivasan)
7. The Lord, conceived as Shabda-brahman < [Chapter 4 - The Process of Diksha]
Appendix: Glossary of Pancaratra terms
12. Regarding Acharya Abhisheka (consecration) < [Chapter 4 - The Process of Diksha]
A Cultural Commentary on the Sarasvati-Stotra < [Purana, Volume 1, Part 2 (1960)]
Linga-purana and the Tantra Sastra < [Purana, Volume 6, Part 2 (1964)]
Devi Bhagavata Purana (by Swami Vijñanananda)