Kurmacakra, aka: Kūrmacakra, Kurma-cakra; 1 Definition(s)

Introduction

Kurmacakra 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.

Alternative spellings of this word include Kurmachakra.

In Hinduism

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Kūrmacakra (कूर्मचक्र) is explained in the 10th-century Kakṣapuṭatantra verse 1.29-39.—The Kūrmacakra is a yantra (portrayed as a tortoise) with which the practitioner checks whether or not the place is auspicious. The kūrmacakra is a square-shaped yantra having nine compartments, each of which is assigned to the face, arms, heart, sides, legs, and tail of a tortoise. Using this yantra, one can ascertain if a place where the sādhana is to be performed is auspicious.

Aside from the Merutantra, the Tantrarāja [5.88-101] also gives a detailed account of the subject (of kūrmacakra). However, the Tantrarāja uses the term “kūrmavibhāga” instead of “kūrmacakra”, and this term also appears in Varāhamihiraʼs Bṛhatsaṃhitā.The kūrmavibhāga explained in the Bṛhatsaṃhitā [14.1-33] is a chart used for astrological divination, which predicts the demise of a king of a country.

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.

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