Varnanamani, Varṇanāmāni, Varna-namani: 1 definition

Introduction:

Varnanamani 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

Mantrashastra (the science of Mantras)

Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts (mantra)

Varṇanāmāni (वर्णनामानि) (lit. “the names of constituent letters”) is the name of chapter 8 of the Viśvāmitrasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra text comprising some 2600 Sanskrit verses covering topics such as initiation (dīkṣā) and the construction, decoration and consecration of temples and icons, as well as routines of regular and special worship cycles.

Description of the chapter [varṇanāmāni]: Kāśyapa asks for clarification concerning the names given to certain letters used in the composing for mantras (1-2). In the course of his response Viśvāmitra tells about the vedi-platform to be prepared (4-6) for purposes of drawing there a 16-spoked mātṛkācakra design, the spaces of which are reserved for specific letters of the alphabet, and into which is to be invoked the presence of the goddess Mātṛkādevī (7-17a). He then names the letters comprising the Sanskrit alphabet [*** gap occurs after “a”, picking up after “bh” ***], giving each letter one of the names of Viṣṇu, or of His weapons, or of other gods or natural objects (17b to end of chapter).

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.

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