Sahasranama position 142 of the 1,000 names

Kantakine

कंटकिने

Kaṃṭakine

What Kantakine means

Kantakine is name 142 in the Kalabhairava Sahasranama, the 1,000-name devotional text to Kalabhairava. Salutations To The one who is thorny and proves to be a great obstacle to his enemies.

Also spelled

  • Kamtakine
  • Source transliteration: KANTAKINE

Sanskrit names travel into English in several romanizations. This page keeps the common spelling, the IAST form, and the source transliteration together so the same name is discoverable under each spelling readers use.

Meaning and elaboration

Meaning: Salutations To The one who is thorny and proves to be a great obstacle to his enemies.

Elaboration

The name Kaṇṭakine (Kaṇṭakī) is derived from the Sanskrit word "Kaṇṭaka."

Kaṇṭaka: This versatile term can refer to: 1. A thorn, prickle. 2. An impediment, obstacle, or difficulty. 3. An enemy or an adversary.

Thus, Kaṇṭakī embodies the formidable and protective aspects of Kalabhairava.

Thorny and Impenetrable In the literal sense of "thorny," this name describes Kalabhairava as an unapproachable and impenetrable force. Like a thorny bush or a spiked weapon, he presents an insurmountable barrier to anyone intending harm or evil. His very presence creates a boundary that malevolent forces cannot breach, ensuring the safety of his devotees and the sanctity of the realms he guards. This aspect signifies his fierce form chosen to ward off all opposition.

The Great Obstacle to Enemies More profoundly, Kaṇṭakī signifies that Kalabhairava himself becomes the "great obstacle" or "impediment" for those who stand against dharma, truth, or his devotees. He is the one who actively thwarts, hinders, and ultimately destroys adversaries. For the wicked, he is a formidable enemy, creating insurmountable difficulties and ensuring that their malicious intentions do not succeed. This attribute highlights his role as a divine punisher and a protector who actively intervenes against evil.

Symbol of Justice and Protection This name underscores Kalabhairava's role as a supreme guardian and an embodiment of divine justice. Just as thorns protect a plant from predators, Kalabhairava protects the cosmic order and his adherents from all forms of negativity, both internal and external. He is the ultimate deterrent, standing firm as an unyielding force against every enemy, whether they be worldly foes, negative energies, or one's own inner demons.

-

Text and sources

The name list follows the Kalabhairava Sahasranama as compiled for this project. The English meaning and elaboration are interpretive notes for devotional study, not a translation of a single critical edition.

Read the editorial method and source notes →

About the author · Contact and corrections · Privacy policy