Skull-bearer: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Skull-bearer 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: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric TraditionsSkull-bearers (Sanskrit: kāpālika) formed the third group of the Atimārga, alongside the Pāśupatas and the Lākulas.—The Kāpālikas were perhaps the most notorious Śaiva ascetics of classical India. They were known for their cremation ground rituals and for wandering around with a skull for an alms bowl. The skull (kapāla), their most conspicuous attribute, also provided their name. But the Kāpālikas are also designated as Somasiddhāntins, “Those of the Soma Doctrine”, or the “Soma People with the Skull”.
Note: In the Jayadrathayāmala verse 3.35.33, there may be an attempt here to distinguish the skull-bearing Soma ascetics from other Skull-bearers, such as those who follow a Bhairava tantra or a Kaula tantra.
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.
Yoga (school of philosophy)
Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation by Jason BirchThe Skull-Bearers are denoted by the Sanskrit term Kāpālika, according to the Dattātreyayogaśāstra 41-42.—Accordingly, “Whether a Brahmin, an ascetic, a Buddhist, a Jain, a Skull-Bearer (Kāpālika) or a materialist, the wise man who is endowed with faith and constantly devoted to the practice of [haṭha] yoga will attain complete success”.
Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as āsanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Skull.
Full-text (+2): Kapalika, Kapalin, Somajanakapali, Somajana, Skull, Arhata, Bauddha, Carvaka, Shramana, Materialism, Buddhist, Jain, Ascetic, Kapalini, Mankha, Kapalapa, Shikhamani, Rucaka, Yajnopavita, Kuthika.
Relevant text
Search found 3 books and stories containing Skull-bearer; (plurals include: bearers). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
The Skanda Purana (by G. V. Tagare)
Chapter 27 - Pārvatī Enraged: The Origin of Gaṇeśa < [Section 2 - Kaumārikā-khaṇḍa]
Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story) (by Somadeva)
Chapter LXIV < [Book X - Śaktiyaśas]
Hindu Pluralism (by Elaine M. Fisher)
Ardhanārīśvara Dīkṣita and the Birth of Samayin Śrīvidyā < [Chapter 2 - The Making of the Smārta-Śaiva Community of South India]