Abhicara, , Ā: 23 definitions
Introduction:
Abhicara means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Marathi, Hindi. 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 Abhichara.
In Hinduism
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation (अभिचार) refers to “black magic�, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.2.36. Accordingly, as Bṛhaspati said to Indra:—“[...] there is the presiding deity of sacrifices who dispenses the fruits of all sacrifices. He does it with reference to the performer. He is not independent of the performer. Neither Mantras nor medicinal herbs, nor black magic [viz., ], nor worldly activities, nor the Vedas, nor the two systems of Mīmāṃsās, nor other sacred texts based on Vedic passages are able to know Śiva—so the ancient authorities say. [...]�.
: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: The Purana IndexĀ (आभिचार).—Incantations done by purohita and ministers for defeating the enemy—according to Bhaṇḍa;1 Brhaspati did this on behalf of Indra to vanquish Rāji's sons.2

The Purana (पुरा�, 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.
Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology)
Source: Wisdom Library: Brihat Samhita by Varahamihira (अभिचार) refers to “occult magic�, according to the Bṛhatsaṃhitā (chapter 2), an encyclopedic Sanskrit work written by Varāhamihira mainly focusing on the science of ancient Indian astronomy astronomy (Jyotiṣa).—Accordingly, “We shall now proceed to give a brief description of (the qualifications of) a dzپṣa첹. [...] He must be of cleanly habits, able, noble-minded, eloquent and of originality and imagination; must possess a knowledge of place and time; be meek and without nervousness, must be difficult of conquest by his fellow students; must be able and devoid of vices; must be learned in matters of expiatory ceremonies, of Hygiene, of Occult Magic [i.e., ] and of ablutions; must be a worshipper of the Devas and an observer of fast and penance; must be of remarkable genius and capable of solving any difficulties save in matters of direct divine interference; and finally, he must be learned in astronomy, natural astrology (Saṃhitā) and horoscopy�.
: Google Books: Studies in the History of the Exact Sciences (Astronomy) (अभिचार) refers to the “cursing� (of enemies), according to the śԳپ (cf. ⲹñ) section of the Yājñavalkyasmṛti (1.295-309), preceded by the section called ⲹ첹첹貹 (1.271-294), prescribing a rite to be offered to Vināyaka.—Accordingly, “[Purpose of the rite]—The object of ⲹñ is not only to get wealth and happiness but also for the purpose of ‘cursing� () enemies. [...]�.

Jyotisha (ज्योति�, dzپṣa or jyotish) refers to ‘astronomy� or “Vedic astrology� and represents the fifth of the six Vedangas (additional sciences to be studied along with the Vedas). Jyotisha concerns itself with the study and prediction of the movements of celestial bodies, in order to calculate the auspicious time for rituals and ceremonies.
Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)
: University of Vienna: Sudarśana's Worship at the Royal Court According to the Ahirbudhnyasaṃhitā (अभिचार) (Cf. Ābhicārika) refers to “aggressive magic�, according to the Ahirbudhnyasaṃhitā, belonging to the Pāñcarātra tradition which deals with theology, rituals, iconography, narrative mythology and others.—Accordingly, “[...] [The demons born of] the aggressive magic () of [his] enemies, having failed to take hold of him, frightened will possess the performer [of the ritual], like a river[’s fury] blocked by a mountain. Droughts will end and enemies will run away. In his kingdom there will not be dangers in the form of untimely deaths, wild animals, beasts of prey, thieves, illnesses etc. and strength shall reside in his lineage�.

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.
Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)
: Google books: Genesis and Development of Tantra (अभिचार) or � sorcery� refers to one of the various objectives expected of the 峾ṣṭ (“Vedic rituals following the basic pattern of the new and full-moon sacrifice�).—There is a certain group of Vedic rituals which are referred to as �峾ⲹ�. Those which are performed following the basic pattern of the new and full-moon sacrifice are called 峾ṣṭ. [...] According to the analysis of W. Caland, the objectives expected of the 峾ṣṭs are: [e.g., sorcery ()] [...], etc. (Cf. Caland 1908: VI–VII). Although Vedic rituals were a reliable way for the people of ancient India to fulfill their objectives, Tantric rites too claim to bring about the attainment of wishes.
According to the Siddhayogeśvaīmata, the twelve kinds of black magic () are:
- murder (ṇa),
- expelling someone (ܳṭaԲ),
- annihilation (jambhana),
- paralysing (stambhana),
- benumbing (mohana),
- nailing down (īԲ),
- taking away someone’s speech (峦貹),
- making someone dumb (ū첹ٱ),
- deaf (ⲹ),
- blind (andhana),
- impotent (śṇḍī첹ṇa) and,
- changing one’s form (rūpasya parivartanam).

Shaiva (शै�, 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.
General definition (in Hinduism)
Source: Wisdom Library: Hinduism (अभिचार) refers to “black magic� or “witchcraft�.
: Professor Gudrun Bühnemann: Buddhist Deities and Mantras in the Hindu Tantras (अभिचार):—The following seven rites are listed in the ղԳٰsaṃgraha (cf. also Agni-Purāṇa 306.1) and the Mantrapāda:
- immobilization (stambha),
- causing dissension (屹ṣa),
- eradication (ܳṭa),
- liquidation (ṇa),
- creating confusion or madness (Գپ, bhrama),
- destruction (ܳٲ岹Բ)
- and creating illness (roga, ), especially fever.
These rites are briefly defined in the anonymous commentary on the ղԳٰsaṃgraha.
Languages of India and abroad
Marathi-English dictionary
: DDSA: The Molesworth Marathi and English Dictionary (अभिचार).—n S Incantation or magic to destroy or injure.
: DDSA: The Aryabhusan school dictionary, Marathi-English (अभिचार).�n Incantation or magic employ- ed for malevolent purposes.
Marathi is an Indo-European language having over 70 million native speakers people in (predominantly) Maharashtra India. Marathi, like many other Indo-Aryan languages, evolved from early forms of Prakrit, which itself is a subset of Sanskrit, one of the most ancient languages of the world.
Sanskrit dictionary
: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionaryAbhicara (अभिच�).—A follower, servant, attendant.
Derivable forms: � (अभिचरः).
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(अभिचार).�
1) Exorcising, enchanting, employment of magical spells for malevolent purposes; magic itself (being regarded as one of the Upapātakas or minor sins); दिग्गजैर्दन्दशूकैश्च अभिचारावपातनैः (diggajairdandaśūkaiśca abhicārāvapātanai�) Bhāg 7.5.43; अभिचारेष� सर्वेष� कर्तव्यो द्विशत� दम� (abhicāreṣu sarveṣu kartavyo dviśato dama�) Manusmṛti 9.29;11.63.197; K.19; ब्रह्मद्विषो ह्ये� निहन्त� सर्वानाथर्वणस्तीव्� इवाभिचार� (brahmadviṣo hyeṣa nihanti sarvānātharvaṇastīvra ivābhicāra�) Mv. 1.62.
2) Killing गत� क्रिया� मन्त्र इवाभिचारिकीम् (gata� kriyā� mantra ivābhicārikīm) Ki 3.56.
Derivable forms: � (अभिचार�).
: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English DictionaryAbhicara (अभिच�).—m.
(-�) A servent. E. abhi after, and cara who goes.
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(अभिचार).—m.
(-�) Magic for a malevolent purpose, the spells and diagrams of the Atharva Veda and some of the Tantras, pupposed to produce mental aberration, love, hatred, loss of feeling or paralysis, and death. E. abhi before cara to go, and ñ aff.
: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Benfey Sanskrit-English Dictionary (अभिचार).—i. e. abhi-car + a, m. Incantation, making charms for mischievous purposes, [Բśٰ] 11, 197.
: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Cappeller Sanskrit-English Dictionary (अभिचार).—[masculine] incantation, sorcery.
: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary1) Abhicara (अभिच�):—[=abhi-cara] [from abhi-car] m. a servant, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
2) (अभिचार):—[=-] [from abhi-car] m. exorcising, incantation, employment of spells for a malevolent purpose, [Atharva-veda etc.]
3) [v.s. ...] magic (one of the Upapātakas or minor crimes).
4) ī (अभीचा�):—[=ī-] [from abhi-car] a m. exorcising, incantation, [Āpastamba-dharma-sūtra]
5) [=ī-] b See -√c.
: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Goldstücker Sanskrit-English DictionaryAbhicara (अभिच�):—[tatpurusha compound] m.
(-�) A servant. E. car with abhi, kṛt aff. ac; (cara being ṭi, the femin. would be ī).
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(अभिचार):—[tatpurusha compound] m.
(-�) Incantation, employment of charms or spells for a malevolent purpose.—The ḍvṃśa-ṇa names as such purposes: killing an enemy and depriving him of his cattle or property; it gives an account of four sacrifices which are performed for the attainment of these objects, (see śyena, trivṛdagniṣṭoma, saṃdaṃśa and vajra) and describes the manner in which the mantras are to be recited at these sacrifices; (see ṣṭܳپ).—The ղԳٰ (as quoted by Գٲ.) names six purposes of incantation, viz. causing death (ṇa), mental aberration (mohana), stoppage of the bodily functions (stambhana), hatred (屹ṣaṇa), ruin (ܳṭaԲ) and submission (śī첹ṇa). [Comp. e. g. also the following passage from the Skanda-Purāṇa: kuśairvā dūrvayā devi āsane śubhrakambale . upaviśya tato devi japedekāgramānasa� (scil. ܰܲī峾) . śuklāsane vai śāntyarthe vaśye raktāsana� priye . abhicāre kṛṣṇavarṇa� pītavarṇa� dhanāgame . uttare śāntijāpyasyāvaśye pūrvamukhoditam . dakṣiṇe ṇa� prokta� stambhane paścime mukham . mohana� sarvabhūtānā� bandhamokṣakara� param . devabhūpapriyakara� rājāna� vaśamānayet &c.]—śܳٲ speaks of a variety of fever caused by incantation (see jvara and comp. ṣaṅgᱹ), the symptoms of which are, according to the Nighaṇṭa Prakāśa, thirst, mental aberration, abscesses, delirium, fainting, anguish, excessive heat &c.—Manu (likewise Viṣṇu &c.) when speaking of incantations (9. 290.) makes a distinction between , ū첹 and various ṛt; the former comprises, according to ѱپٳ and ܱū첹 as well incantations founded on vaidik writings (vaidika or śٰīⲹ, such as the Śyena &c.), as those founded on vulgar superstition (laukika, such as taking the dust of the feet, digging in needles—ūīԾԲԲ in the E. I. H. Mss. of Medh. being apparently a better reading than ūԾԲԲ in the present edd. of Kull.—&c.) for the purpose of causing death; ū첹 is, according to both comm., subduing a person by means of mantras, drugs &c. (Kull.: mantrauṣadhādinā; Medh.: mantrādikriyayā); the ṛt are, according to ܱū첹, incantations for the sake of causing ruin, making sick &c., according to Medh., for the sake of causing ruin, animosity between friends or relatives, working wonders &c. (ܳṭaԲsuhṛdbandhukalahavicitīkaraṇādihetava�).—Manu fines a person who employs charms two hundred Paṇas (9. 290.), classes in another passage and ū첹 amongst the Upapātaka (11. 63.) and makes the expiation of an depend on the performance, thrice repeated, of the penance called Kṛchchhra (11. 197.). But as these clauses would jar apparently with the vaidik texts which impliedly sanction the employment of charms by regulating the sacrifices Śyena &c. performed for incantatory purposes, ܱū첹 qualifies the definition of Manu 11. 63. by commenting that is an ܱ貹ٲ첹, if it causes the death of an innocent or unoffending person (śyenādiyajñenānaparādhasya ṇam), while ѱپٳ seems merely to lay stress on the fact of death itself (although the death be that of an enemy) and perhaps too on the condition of death being caused by a vaidik kind of incantation (Medh. to 11. 63.: abhicāro vaidikena śāpādinā mantraprayogeṇa śyenādiyāgena vā śatruṇam, or to 11. 197.: vaidikena japahomādinā śatrorṇam�); for the same reason, probably, both comm. agree in giving to the penalty clause (9. 290) the additional sense: ‘if the incantation does not cause death�, and qualify, in the clause 11. 197., the incantation as one ‘directed against a person who ought not to have been brought under the spell (i. e. an innocent or unoffending person)�; some however, as results from Medh.'s discussion on the latter verse, give it a different bearing, for they supply the preceding word ᲹԲ at and subject thus to the penance Kṛchchhra, not the ⲹᲹԲ or the person who institutes an incantatory sacrifice, but the ṛt or the priest who performs for him such a sacrifice. But in spite of these efforts of the commentators to establish a harmony between Manu and the Veda, it will seem that another possibility alluded to by ѱپٳ is more plausible, viz. that Manu did not attach any scriptural authority to such voluntary rites, as the incantatory sacrifices, and, therefore, did not consider himself at variance with the Veda, when he interdicted incantations in an unqualified manner; (ѱپٳ: nanu ca kāmyānyapi niṣiddhāni . kāmātmatā na praśasteti . yattasya viṣaya� . sa tatraiva vyākhyāta�). E. car with abhi, kṛt aff. ñ.
: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Yates Sanskrit-English Dictionary1) Abhicara (अभिच�):—[abhi-cara] (�) 1. m. A servant.
2) (अभिचार):—[-] (�) 1. m. Magic.
: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary (S) (अभिचार) in the Sanskrit language is related to the Prakrit word: .
[Sanskrit to German]
Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम� (ṃsṛt), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.
Hindi dictionary
: DDSA: A practical Hindi-English dictionary (अभिचार) [Also spelled abhichar]:�(nm) incantation, employment of spells for a malevolent purpose, sorcery, black magic; ~[raka] one who practises incantation, a conjurer; ~[] witchcraft; sorcery; ~[ī] incantational, incantatory; a conjurer.
...
Kannada-English dictionary
: Alar: Kannada-English corpusAbhicara (ಅಭಿಚ�):—[noun] a person employed to perform services, esp. household duties, for another; a servant.
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(ಅಭಿಚಾರ):�
1) [noun] an action done against one’s promise; betrayal of trust or allegiance.
2) [noun] the supposed use of an evil supernatural power over people and their affairs; witchcraft; black magic; sorcery.
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Ā (ಆಭಿಚಾರ):�
1) [adjective] of or related to the art of hypnotism or mesmerism.
2) [adjective] leading to misconception or wrong impression.
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Ā (ಆಭಿಚಾರ):—[noun] the use of charms, spells, and rituals in seeking or pretending to cause or control events or govern certain natural or supernatural forces; occultism; magic; sorcery.
Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.
Nepali dictionary
: unoes: Nepali-English Dictionary (अभिचार):—n. exorcism; black magic & sorcery;
Nepali is the primary language of the Nepalese people counting almost 20 million native speakers. The country of Nepal is situated in the Himalaya mountain range to the north of India.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Abhicarahoma, Abhicaraja, Abhicarajna, Abhicarajvara, Abhicaraka, Abhicarakalpa, Abhicarakavidye, Abhicarakriye, Abhicaramantra, Abhicarana, Abhicaranika, Abhicaraniya, Abhicarat, Abhicarati, Abhicarayajna.
Full-text (+65): Vyabhicara, Abhicaramantra, Avyabhicara, Abhicarakalpa, Abhicarajvara, Abhicarahoma, Abhicarayajna, Abhicarana, Byabhicari, Abhichar, Abhicarika, Abhicarati, Mohana, Vyabhicarata, Vyabhicaratva, Vyabhicaranirupanakhanda, Vyabhicaravat, Apicaran, Vyabhicarakrit, Vyabhicaravivarjita.
Relevant text
Search found 50 books and stories containing Abhicara, , Ā, Abhi-cara, Abhi-cāra, ī, Abhī-cāra; (plurals include: Abhicaras, s, Ās, caras, cāras, īs). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
A Descriptive Catalogue of the Sanskrit Manuscripts, Madras (by M. Seshagiri Sastri)
Kausika Sutra (study) (by V. Gopalan)
The Sixth Adhyaya (chapter)—Abhicara rites
Introduction (e): The Kausika Sutra of the Atharvaveda
Puranic encyclopaedia (by Vettam Mani)
Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages (by Satya Vrat Shastri)
Page 33 < [Sanskrit words in the Southeast Asian Languages]
Page 588 < [Sanskrit words in the Southeast Asian Languages]
Cosmetics, Costumes and Ornaments in Ancient India (by Remadevi. O.)
2.24. Sacrificial Dress < [Chapter 2 - Costumes]
Chaitanya Bhagavata (by Bhumipati Dāsa)
Verse 2.19.181 < [Chapter 19 - The Lord’s Pastimes in Advaita’s House]
Verse 2.19.179 < [Chapter 19 - The Lord’s Pastimes in Advaita’s House]
Verse 3.2.319 < [Chapter 2 - Description of the Lord’s Travel Through Bhuvaneśvara and Other Placesto Jagannātha Puī]
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