Sahasranama position 927 of the 1,000 names

Shilpine

शिल्पिने

Śilpine

What Shilpine means

Shilpine is name 927 in the Kalabhairava Sahasranama, the 1,000-name devotional text to Kalabhairava. Salutations To The one who is the supreme artist, the master craftsman of the universe.

Also spelled

  • Silpine
  • Source transliteration: SHILPINE

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 the supreme artist, the master craftsman of the universe.

Elaboration

The name Shilpine (Śilpine) derives from the Sanskrit word Śilpin (शिल्पिन्), which signifies an artist, artisan, craftsman, or maker. When applied to Kalabhairava, this term elevates the meaning to a cosmic scale, portraying Him as the ultimate creator, sculptor, and architect of the universe.

The Divine Architect As Shilpine, Kalabhairava is not merely a destructive force but also the supreme constructor. This highlights the Hindu philosophical tenet that creation and destruction are two sides of the same coin, both essential aspects of the cosmic play (Lila). He is the master craftsman who designs, shapes, and builds the entire cosmos, from the grand galaxies to the minutest particles, with unparalleled skill and precision. His artistry is manifested in the intricate balance of nature, the complex structures of life, and the underlying order of the universe.

Master of Illusion and Form In a broader sense, Shilpine points to His ability to manifest the diverse forms of the phenomenal world out of the formless primordial substance. This can also relate to Maya, the divine illusion, where He, as the ultimate artist, creates the intricate web of existence that both conceals and reveals His true nature. Every form, every structure, every phenomenon in the universe is an expression of His divine craftsmanship.

Symbol of Perfect Creation This name implies a perfection in His creation. There is an inherent aesthetic and functional beauty in the universe, which is a testament to the divine artistry of the Shilpine. His creative endeavors are not random but follow a profound cosmic design, manifesting both beauty and order. This also links to the concept of Dharma, the underlying cosmic law that governs the structure and function of the universe, all orchestrated by the divine architect.

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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 →

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