Pancashira, Pañcaśira, Panca-shira, Pañcaśiras, Panca-shiras, Pancashiras: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Pancashira 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.

The Sanskrit terms Pañcaśira and Pañcaśiras can be transliterated into English as Pancasira or Pancashira or Pancasiras or Pancashiras, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

Alternative spellings of this word include Panchashira.

In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

[«previous next»] — Pancashira in Purana glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Skanda-purana

Pañcaśira (पञ्चशिर) refers to the five heads of Brahman, according to the Skandapurāṇa 5.3.173 (The Greatness of Śuddheśvara).—Accordingly, “[...] Formerly Brahmā, the grandfather of the worlds, had five heads. For some reason, a lie had been uttered by him. On hearing it, Parameśvara became furious with him immediately. The Lord then cut off his head with his Fingers (nails). The severed head stuck to his hand and never dropped down. Thereupon the Lord of the chiefs of Devas roamed all over the earth. Then he went to Vārāṇasī and the head dropped down there. Although the skull fell down, the Sin of Brāhmaṇa-slaughter did not leave him. [...]”.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: The Purana Index

Pañcaśira (पञ्चशिर).—A Siddha.*

  • * Bhāgavata-purāṇa VI. 15. 14.
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.

Discover the meaning of pancashira or pancasira in the context of Purana from relevant books on Exotic India

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