Difference between revisions of "Kartrika"
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Both an actual tool and an iconographic attribute, the [[ritual]] chopper (or flaying knife) is known in both [[Hindu]] and [[Buddhist symbolism]]; although its shape is different in both. | Both an actual tool and an iconographic attribute, the [[ritual]] chopper (or flaying knife) is known in both [[Hindu]] and [[Buddhist symbolism]]; although its shape is different in both. | ||
| − | It is an attribute of several [[Dharmapala's]] and certain [[Dakinis]] and [[Yoginis]]; indicating their [[manifestation]] as [[Tantric deities]]. | + | It is an attribute of several [[Dharmapala's]] and certain [[Dakinis]] and [[Yoginis]]; indicating their [[manifestation]] as [[Tantric]] [[deities]]. |
As a [[ritual]] tool, this knife is used in what is called Sky-Burial, the [[Tibetan]] practice of taking the deceased into the open countryside where the corpse is chopped to pieces and then left to be devoured by {{Wiki|carrion}} birds and other [[animals]]. When the [[kartrika's]] handle is topped by (half) a [[dorje]] - which it usually is - the exact [[name]] should be given as [[vajrakartika]] and/or [[rdo-rje grig-gug]]; yet this is done only sometimes. | As a [[ritual]] tool, this knife is used in what is called Sky-Burial, the [[Tibetan]] practice of taking the deceased into the open countryside where the corpse is chopped to pieces and then left to be devoured by {{Wiki|carrion}} birds and other [[animals]]. When the [[kartrika's]] handle is topped by (half) a [[dorje]] - which it usually is - the exact [[name]] should be given as [[vajrakartika]] and/or [[rdo-rje grig-gug]]; yet this is done only sometimes. | ||
Revision as of 16:09, 4 December 2013
Kartri, Kartrika Skt., karttrka Tib., gri-gug; gri-gsug Chopper, Curved Knife, Flaying Knife
Both an actual tool and an iconographic attribute, the ritual chopper (or flaying knife) is known in both Hindu and Buddhist symbolism; although its shape is different in both.
It is an attribute of several Dharmapala's and certain Dakinis and Yoginis; indicating their manifestation as Tantric deities.
As a ritual tool, this knife is used in what is called Sky-Burial, the Tibetan practice of taking the deceased into the open countryside where the corpse is chopped to pieces and then left to be devoured by carrion birds and other animals. When the kartrika's handle is topped by (half) a dorje - which it usually is - the exact name should be given as vajrakartika and/or rdo-rje grig-gug; yet this is done only sometimes.
In India, it is mainly associated with the fierce aspects of the goddess Kali, symbolizing her destructive powers and sometimes depicted with an eye on the blade.
