Abhaṅga (अभङ्ग) is a slight flexion (in the standing pose of a figure); see also samabhanga and atibhanga; The plumb line or midline runs from the crown of the head to a point midway between the heels slightly to the… Continue Reading →
adornment
hand suggestive of protection (cf. abhaya-mudra and abhaya-hasta)
a gesture granting freedom from fear – finger pointing (cf. abhaya)
hand-pose assuring protection (cf. abhaya); gesture of fearlessness, reassurance and protection offered by deity to devotee, with right hand displayed palm outwards and fingers raised
gesticulate
on a secret rendezvous
ceremonial bath; ‘ritual bathing’ – ceremonial lustration of a sacred image with water, milk, honey and so on, also performed to confer or confirm kingship and marriage
immoveable
‘observing the rules of his order’ – spiritual guide or teacher who instructs students, especially in the Vedas
Adhama (अधम), lowest
one of the five sthānas or positions
(also adhishthanam, Tamil: அதிஷ்டானம்) moulded basement usually resting on an upapitam (also upapita); Basement of a vimana, a mandapa or similar structure, forming a distinct architectural feature supporting walls and pilasters or pillars, and consisting of distinct moulded tiers.
(also adhishthana, Tamil: அதிஷ்டானம்) moulded basement usually resting on an upapitam (also upapita); Basement of a vimana, a mandapa or similar structure, forming a distinct architectural feature supporting walls and pilasters or pillars, and consisting of distinct moulded tiers.
Group of deities of Indian mythology. Apart from Vishnu, they are of little importance in modern Hinduism; one of the names of the sun god Surya
slave/servant of the lord
to dance
treatises on architecture
sacred-textual
a Vedic sage
fire (अग्नि); god of (the sacrificial) fire; It used as a weapon of war. It is also used for making offerings. Śiva frequently carries Agni in one of his hands.
front hall preceeding the main hall
(also akrapattiyal, Tamil: அக்ரபட்டியல்) a basement moulding is a listel
attitude of hand suggesting beckoning to confer a boon (cf. ahuyavarada-mudra)
hand-pose beckoning the devotee to confer boons on him (cf. ahuyavarada)
love genre in Tamil poetics
The Akshamālā (अक्षमाला) is a rosary and is made of beads. It may be either of the ‘rudrāksha’ variety, in which case it may be associated with the Rudra cult, or the ‘kamalāksha’ variety, probably associated with the Vishnu cult…. Continue Reading →
smaller version of the headgear made of plaits of hair
(also alankara) ornament and embellishment, without which images are seen as incomplete
science of poetics
Ālīḍha (आलीढ), the pose of a warrior, with his right leg bent forward and left drawn back (cf. pratyalidha); Left leg bent at knee, and right leg straight but slanting at an angle to the back.
Small, one-storeyed vimana. The parts are adhishthana, bhitti or pada prastara, griva, sikhara and stupi. It is usually without a hara.
Projected front end of an apsidal shrine resembling a kudu arch over pilasters, originally in kuta’s, koshtha’s and panjara’s.
saintly devotee of Vishnu; ‘immersed [in god]’ – South Indian Vaishnava poet saints, active between six and tenth centuries; their images are worshipped in temples and processions
(also amalasara or amalasila), Ribbed, lenticular or globoid part resembling the Āmalaka (आमलक) (refers to the ‘Emblic myrobalan’ an Indian gooseberry fruit) crowning the top of the northern-style sikhara as its characteristic; also adopted as the top of the Kadamba-Chalukya… Continue Reading →
(also amalaka or amalasila), Ribbed, lenticular or globoid part resembling the amalaka (Indian gooseberry fruit) crowning the top of the northern-style sikhara as its characteristic; also adopted as the top of the Kadamba-Chalukya forms, sometimes as an alternativ to the… Continue Reading →
(also amalaka or amalasara), Ribbed, lenticular or globoid part resembling the amalaka (Indian gooseberry fruit) crowning the top of the northern-style sikhara as its characteristic; also adopted as the top of the Kadamba-Chalukya forms, sometimes as an alternativ to the… Continue Reading →
ambrosia
dance pose; ‘dance of bliss’ – associated with South Indian representations of Shiva Nataraja, especially processional bronze images
variety of armlet
String of miniature shrine (hara) on the edge of each vimana tala, distinct from the body of the upper tala or storey, with intervening space (opposite of arpita-hara).
a gana with graceful flexion
Demon of darkness who was blind but believed he had sight; embodiment of spiritual blindness, sometimes identified as wayward son of Shiva, slain by Shiva with his trident (trisulam).
an ornament tied round the upper arm by a string
bodily gryations in a dance pose
Aṅgula (अङ्गुल), digit (finger-breadth); basic measuring unit for idols; unit of measurement (cf. Manangula); 12 Aṅgulas = 1 Vitasti 6 Yavas = 1 Adhama-mānāṅgula (inferior inch measure), 7 Yavas = 1 Madhyama-mānāṅgula (middling inch measure), 8 Yavas = 1 Uttama-mānāṅgula… Continue Reading →
hands clasped in adoration
a pose of anjali with the palm of the hands joined together near the chest; ‘two handfuls’ – pose with hands clasped together in respectful greeting and adoration, characteristic of subordinate deities, attendant gods and devotees
elephant god; Ankusha (अंकुश; also Ankuśa or Ankusa) is a Sanskrit word for an elephant hook or elephant goad, a tool used by elephant handlers (mahouts) to guide and train elephants. It is made of a small wooden handle topped… Continue Reading →
inner wall of multiple-walled garbhagriha, or sanctum, or storey
vestibule (cf. sukhanasi)
lower garment
grace and mercy
benevolent form
an ugly demon personifying ignorance and the bonds (malams) that fetter the soul from reaching God – usually seen under the foot of Nataraja and Dakshinamurti
Apaurūṣeya (अपौरूषेय) refers to ‘disciplines dealing with knowledge not contingent on individuals’; It is one of the two types of Shastra. This literature is also described as Vedas, also includes the Upaniṣads (cf. pauruseya).
seventh-century Shaivite poet-saint, one of the muvar (‘Revered Three’)
celestrial nymph; semi-divine female beings inhabiting Hindu god Indra’s paradise as dancers and musicians, partnered with gandhara’s – celestial musicians
festival of the sixty-three saints (cf. nayanmar)
cult image in sanctum of a temple; image of worship
hands in crescent moon-like form to hold fire
‘half hall’, the smaller hall connecting the shrine and the larger pillared hall (mandapa); front porch (cf. tiru-idaik-kattu). Pillared hall immediately in front of the principal shrine or distal half of a mandapa with two seriate pillars, as in rock-cut… Continue Reading →
hand around one bent leg in meditative pose
meditative mode of seat with ardha-yogapatta
one of the five sthānas or positions
Ardhaparyaṅka (अर्धपर्यङ्क), seated with both legs on the seat, one raised up and the other bent (cf. ardhaparyankasana); Sitting with one leg folded and the other raised with the heel on the seat, the arm resting on the knee. Same… Continue Reading →
Ardhaparyaṅkāsana, seated with both legs on the seat, one raised up and the other bent (cf. ardhaparyanka); Sitting with one leg folded and the other raised with the heel on the seat, the arm resting on the knee. Same as… Continue Reading →
standing position with strongly bent knees
shorts (also ardhoruka)
shorts (also ardhoraka)
Tamil classification of women: a lovely woman twenty to twenty-four years old
central heroic character in the Mahabharata epic
Hara or string of miniature shrines on the edge of each vimana tala that is applique to the body (harmya) of the upper tala or storey without any intervening space (opposite of anarpita-hara).
accumulated wealth
Asaṃyukta (असंयुक्त) or Asaṃyuktahasta is the presentation of a single hand in dance gesticulation (cf. samyukta-hasta and nrtta-hasta).
Asaṃyuktahasta (असंयुक्तहस्त) or Asaṃyukta is the presentation of a single hand in dance gesticulation (cf. samyukta-hasta and nrtta-hasta).
Saraca asoca, commonly known as the ashoka tree (Sanskrit: अशोक, sorrow-less)
stages of life
Layout of central shrine with eight surrounding sub shrines (including the Nandi shrine) in the cardinal and corner direction.
on of the sub-shrines round the main shrine, housing subordinate deities (cf. parivaradevatagriham)
on of the sub-shrines round the main shrine, housing subordinate deities (cf. parivaralaya)
octagonal
Aṣṭatāla (अष्टताल), Measurement of images by eight tālas; measure of ordinary humans
a base on which the pillar stands raised (ashvapadam, Tamil: அசவபாதம்)
Is an architectural term given to design which uses neither columns nor pilasters for decorative purposes.
Demon, evil spirit; in the Rigveda sometimes also meaning ‘divine’, ‘good spirit’ or ‘supreme spirit’; see danava
An Ātapatra (आतपत्र) is an umbrella (of silk or leaves used as a parasol). This is the symbol of Buddhist goddesses like Uṣṇīṣasitā, Pañcarakṣā, etc.
Atibhaṅga (अतिभङ्ग) is the form of the tribhaṅga curve, a multi-flexed pose.
soul
invocation of a deity to inhabit an icon, part of the opening ritual of every puja; ritual invitation to a deity to temporarily take up residence in an image of worship
a Buddhist bodhisattva
Also called parivara-devatas, or subsidiary deities in shrines called parivaralaya’s or parivara.
‘descent’ – physical form taken by a god when he intercedes periodically to save the world from peril, usually referring to Vishnu’s many incarnations
Pedestal in the center of the garbhagriha on which the deity is placed and which is serves to receive the liquid matter with which the god is bathed and to throw it out of the sanctum through a channel called… Continue Reading →
platform projections
oblong
Vimana, oblong on plan and covered by a wagon-top roof.
Shrine
worship of weapons as embodiments of an aspect of the god with whom they are associated
weapons personified
Shoulder decoration of bahula flowers – an ornamental motf consisting of bahula or similar flowers
Outermost wall of a multipled-walled sanctum or storey (opposite of antara-bhitti).
an ornament (a string of beads) encircling the arm at the elbow
(also balipitha, Tamil: பலிபீடம்) altar for the placing of offerings to deities. It is generally built in the shape of a blossoming lotus, erected near the main entrance of a temple.
Bāṇa (बाण) is an arrow. It is made up of wood, tipped with a metallic point and has feathers at its tail-end.
halo (cf. mandala)
Central reliefed or projected part from each side of the body of the vimana or prasada as distinct from the corner projection (karna). Bhadra (भद्र) is an asana; Sitting cross-legged as in Kurmasana and holding the toes with the hands.
Oblong, wagon-topped miniature shrine of ayatasra type in the center of each side of the hara over the storeys of the vimana.
Bhadrapīṭha (भद्रपीठ), square or rectangular supplemental pedestal to which an image and its padmapitham are attached and which they rest.
Bhadrāsana (भद्रासन), square or rectangular supplemental pedestal to which an image and its padmapitham are attached and which they rest; Bhadrāsana posture, the legs are crossed as in the kurmasana, and the right and the left big toes are caught… Continue Reading →
devotee; one who practices bhakti or devotion
deep, intense, uncompromising devotion to a personal godhead, aspiring to mystical union with the divine (cf. bhakta)
Bhaṅga (भङ्ग) are the flexions of the body and is one of the three subdivisions of pratimalakshana (postures of icons). The three bhangas are: abhanga, samabhanga and atibhanga.
emotion
Bheṇḍipāla is a vegetable.
the wall (cf. kal)
Ornamental festoon on the wall, usually a makara-torana supported by two pilasters (cf. torana, makara-torana).
one of the five sthānas or positions
mistress, concubine
ringlets of hair
ancient sage; devotee of Shiva
earth; the goddess Earth
‘scared by snake’, a dance-pose suggesting movement away from a snake out of fear
ornament on waist in the form of a coiled snake
the storeys (cf. tala); Stage in the curvilinear superstructure (sikhara) or anda of a northern-style temple, often marked off at the corners by compressed amalaka’s – the karna-malakas or bhumia-malakas (bhumi, Tamil: பூமி).
(cf. bhusparsa); The attitude of ‘touching the earth’, calling her to witness of virtue of Gautama. In this hand-pose, the right hand is placed over the right knee. The hand, with palm inward, all fingers down, touches the lotus seat… Continue Reading →
(cf. bhumisparsa); The attitude of ‘touching the earth’, calling her to witness of virtue of Gautama. In this hand-pose, the right hand is placed over the right knee. The hand, with palm inward, all fingers down, touches the lotus seat… Continue Reading →
goblin
dwarfish goblin
The hand pose that inspires awe. In this, the wrists are crossed in front of the chest. It is one of the mudras of Vajrapani.
Fruit of Bilva, wood-apple; also known as Bael or Aegle marmelos, is a sacred tree in Hinduism.
title
(also bodigai, Tamil: போதிகை) a corbel surmounting the capital of a pillar, like the pushpa-bodhika, ‘corbel of flower-pattern’
a corbel surmounting the capital of a pillar, like the pushpa-bodhika, ‘corbel of flower-pattern’ (cf. bodhika, Tamil: போதிகை)
the knot of the strings of the yajnopavita usually over the left chest
one of the many images of Nandi placed in the Shiva temples; Brahma-Nandi of stone will be by side of the mulavar in the sanctum
plumbline
one of four castes in Hindu society, highest caste in India, generally synonymous with priestly class, entitled to perform Hindu rites and sacrifices; authors of the Brahmanas, designed to guide Brahmans in hymns and performance of various rituals
early script from which all Indian scripts, northern and southern, are derived
major annual festival in a Shiva temple that extends over a period of ten days
(also bhringipada) an ornament (with a string and bell attached) worn on the right leg (high up)
Life of Buddha
This is the hand-pose of salutation. In this, the hand is held level with the head, with the palm facing up and all fingers fully extended. It is the mudra of Vasudhārā and Usnisavijaya.
Catuṣtāla (चतुष्ताल), Measurement of images by four tālas
A chaitya (चैत्य) is a Buddhist or Jain shrine or temple including a stupa. The symbol of Maitreya, the Future Buddha, and others.
Wheel of Vishnu; discus; attribute of Vishnu The chakra (चक्र) or wheel symbolises the rotation of the world, and also represents the Wheel of Dharma. It also stands for air. In Buddhism, the chakra is symbolic of the Wheel of… Continue Reading →
Shaivite poet-saint, originally a young cowherd whose faith was rewarded by granting of grace and appointment as the earthly head of Shiva’s gana’s. Identifiable by an ax held in the crook of his arm.
Moon
Representation of the crescent moon
decorated cross-belt over the breast (cf. suvarnavaikakshaka); jewelled ornament worn as neckpiece, falling between the breasts and secured behind the waist; chain ornament that encircles the female torso
Shrine or vimana opening on all four sides.
a dance-pose, with the left foot slightly raised but still touching the ground; lit. clever
square section of a pillar (cubique)
the four arrays of Vishnu forms: Vāsudeva, Saṅkarshaṇa, Pradyumna and Aniruddha
fly-whisk
hand connoting knowledge; In this hand-pose, the tips of the thumb and the forefinger touch each other to form a circle, while the other fingers are kept open. The palm faces outwards. This is the hand-pose of teaching or exposition…. Continue Reading →
Flag with the Chintamaṇi jewel.
gold-roofed hall housing cult image of Shiva Nataraja at Nataraja temple, Chidambaram
Corbels with embossed carving or painting of creepers, flowers, etc.
mid-April to mid-May in the Tamil calendar
a golden ornament worn on the head dress in the middle and at the sides
a small round ornament for the head dress worn by children
French word meaning “lost-wax process”; ‘lost wax’ metal-casting technique whereby wax model is enclosed in clay mould, melted out through vents and replaced by molten metal (usually bronze)
Group of demons (Asura’s), similar to the Danava’s. The Daityas are giant, titanic creatures.
world mountain of the south; world axis; Mount Meru (Sanskrit: मेरु), also known as Sumeru or Mahameru; it is the Gunung Semeru volcano in Indonesia
Ḍamaru (डमरु) is a small, double-ended, hourglass-shaped drum held by Shiva, its sound denoting the primordial creation and destruction of the universe; hand-drum; Its two ends are covered tightly with membranes which are held in that position by a string… Continue Reading →
gift or charitable donation, especially in religious context
demonic creatures; see asura
stick or staff (डंडा); If it is held by Śiva, it is indicative either of death or of Śiva teaching. Daṇḍa, rod; unit of measurement; 4 Dhanurmusti (26 Aṅgulas) = 1 Daṇḍa and 8 Daṇḍa = 1 Rajju The table… Continue Reading →
hand held straight like a stick (cf. kari-hasta and gaja-hasta)
Darpaṇa (दर्पण) means a mirror.
vision or visualisation
‘seeing [god]’ – auspicious viewing of deity’s cult image, conferring blessings on the devotee; ritual ‘seeing’ of the enshrined temple deity that involves a dynamic act of awareness
Daśatāla (दशताल), Measurement of images by ten tālas; measure of major gods
oil lamp
gift to the gods; gifted temple lands
Niche on walls of shrines and mandapa’s containing sculpture of deities (their occupants are called vimana-devata – parsva-devata in Kalinga); often crowned by torana or shrine motif, kuta sala, panjara, or kudu, or udgama.
a variety of coiffure; smaller version of the headgear made of plaits of hair
a donor
Dhanurgraha (धनुर्ग्रह), bowlength; unit of measurement; 1 Dhanurgraha = 27 Angula’s
Dhanurmuṣṭi (Sanskrit: धनुर्मुष्टि), bowlength; unit of measurement; 1 Dhanurmuṣṭi = 26 Aṅgulas and 4 Dhanurmuṣṭi = 1 Danda The table shows the different units of measurement in relation to each other: 8 Paramanu = 1 Rathadhūli, 8 Rathadhuli = 1… Continue Reading →
a bow (धनुस्)
established belief and practice, law or doctrine
The hand-pose of preaching the Law. It signifies the turning of the Wheel of Law. In this hand-pose, both the hands are held against the chest, the left hand covering the right. (cf. dharmachakrapravartana-mudra) It is the mudra of Gautama,… Continue Reading →
hand suggesting the first turning of the wheel of law by Buddha at Sārnāth (cf. dharmachakra)
a thorn apple with strong narcotic properties; usually the flower represented
a flower with strong narcotic properties
cloth over the waist; male skirt (also lungi or veshti)
Dhvaja (ध्वज) is a flag, a banner or an emblem.
Dhyāna (Sanskrit: ध्यान) refers to meditation or hands in meditation; Seated in Padmasana in the attitude of meditation. In this sitting position, the legs are crossed, with soles of the feet turned upwards, resting on the thighs; In this hand-pose,… Continue Reading →
In this gesture of the hand, the palm of the right hand is placed in the palm of the left hand. Both hands rest on the crossed legs of the seated image. This is the hand gesture of meditation and… Continue Reading →
contemplative hymn to mentally picture the iconography of the deity
guardian of one of the eight directions
auspicious lamp-bearer damsel
hall supported by between 108 and 1008 pillars
peoples of South India
temple flag mast (dvajastambham, Tamil: த்வஜஸ்தம்பம்)
the imposing temple-gateway (cf. gopura) Kinds: sobha-dvara: gopuram with 1 to 2 storeys (nilais; cf. nilai), sala-dvara: gopuram with 2 to 4 storeys (nilais), prasada-dvara: gopuram with 3 to 5 storeys (nilais), harmya-dvara: gopuram with 5 to 7 storeys (nilais),… Continue Reading →
jambs
guardian-deity at the door or gateway; doorkeeper (dvarapala, Tamil: த்வாரபாலர்)
Dvibhanga (द्विभङ्ग) a duoflex pose
Dvitāla (द्विताल), Measurement of images by two tālas
Ekatāla (एकताल), Measurement of images by one tālas
one-stringed big necklace of pearls
architectural part of the prastaram (eradakam, Tamil: ஏராதகம்)
Gadā (गदा) the Indian mace, stout stick, club of Vishnu; attribute of Vishnu; Sometimes it is held in the hand and other times, the hand is merely placed upon the top of the mace. The gadā may be plain or… Continue Reading →
hand held straight like a stick (see also danda-hasta and kari-hasta)
an ornament of very small gold or silver bells fastened by strings and worn on the waist or ankles
Literally neck: part between the topmost tala of the vimana and the sikhara; usually the clerestory raising up the roof (sikhara) with light and air-openings (nasika’s) on its side in the vimana types. The neck is below the amalaka in… Continue Reading →
a grotesque dwarf often shown as an attendant of Shiva; mischievous dwarf-like figures derived from nature spirits (yaksha and yakshi) and adopted into Hinduism as Shiva’s faithful attendant, led by Ganesha
celestial musician
the river Ganga (Ganges) personified as a goddess
courtesan
(also garbhagriham, Tamil: கர்பகிருஹம்) Literally womb house; inner or most sacred chamber of the temple, the sanctum sanctorum (cf. mulasthana) or cella, where cult image is housed.
solid (casting)
false door adorned with torana
Ghaṇṭā (घण्टा) refers to the bell or tinkling bells.
a bell tied around the neck of a cow or bull
(also gomukham, Tamil: கோமுகம்) gargoyle or channel from which the liquid matter with which the deity was bathed is drained from the garbhagriha.
cowherd men (cf. gopis)
cowherd woman (cf. gopas)
(also gopura, Tamil: கோபுரம்) Main gateway; the imposing temple-gateway (cf. dvara); the storeyed structure over the entrance or entrances through the enclosing walls th the premises of a temple, palace or city.
posture of the hand hanging down in the manner of the tail of a cow
jewelled necklet
village goddess
script used in South India for Sanskrit letters that are not part of the Tamil alphabet
(griva, Tamil: கிரீவா) Literally neck: part between the topmost tala of the vimana and the sikhara; usually the clerestory raising up the roof (sikhara) with light and air-openings (nasika’s) on its side in the vimana types. The neck is below… Continue Reading →
qualities, virtues
hala (Sanskrit: हल) primarily means an Indian plough; It can also refer to a weapon or a land measure. Additionally, it’s an epithet for Balarama, the elder brother of Kṛishṇa, who is often depicted holding a plough.
a type of ruby
The swan; the divine bird
swan-frieze
String of miniature shrines over each terrace (tala) of the storeyed vimana consisting of kuta’s, koshtha’s or sala’s and panjara’s, interconnected by cloister-lenghts or balustrades simulating cloisters (harantara).; necklace
String of miniature shrines over each terrace (tala) of the storeyed vimana consisting of kuta’s, koshtha’s or sala’s and panjara’s, interconnected by cloister-lenghts or balustrades simulating cloisters (harantara).
In this hand-pose, a ring is formed by joining the thumb with the middle and ring fingers. The indes and little fingers are kept straight.
main temple-gateway/gopuram with 5 to 7 storeys
Life of Emperor Harsha
Hasta (हस्त) or Hastamudrā refers gestures and movements of hands (cf. mudra) and is one of the three subdivisions of pratimalakshana (postures of icons); hand poses; mode of hand suggestive in dance, single asamyukta or double samyukta; The three kinds… Continue Reading →
hands crossed
mode of wearing the lower garment to suggest the contour of the elephant’s trunk
golden womb; source of all creation according to the Rig Veda; name given to a Veda ritual
fire sacrifice
the idal (Tamil: ஐதழ்) has the form of the calyx of a flower of lotus and is a part of the bulbous capital of the pillar (cf. stambha)
The lower part of the chariot (ter) is made of a special kind of wood of a tree of the family Bassia (illupai, Tamil: இலுப்பை).
a basement-moulding; lowest level of a temple’s base moulding
liquid pillar of victory
Jambhara (जम्भर) is a Lemon; This is the ‘seed’ of the universe and the symbol of Jambhala, the Buddhist Kubera.
loin-cloth
locks of hair of an ascetic; knot of matted hair, especially of Shiva; hallmark of Shiva’s followers (risis)
heavy mass of locks of hair
An elaborate coiffure of jatas piled above the head to a crown adorned with jewels or ornamentation.
outspread circle of locks of hair
individual soul
In this hand gesture, the tips of the middle or index finger and of the thumb are joined together and held near the chest, with the palm turned inward.
flaming hair
Cloth folded to form a pleat
Successive inward offsetting or corbelling-in of the roofing slabs or brick courses over walls to reduce the space to be roofed over an ultimate small opening on top that can be covered by a slab overlapping like a banana bunch.
Variant primarily of the rekha-Nagara-style prasada, or temple, in which the superstructural tiers comprise kapata (cornice) and kantha (neck) and are capped by a circular griva or gala (neck), and an amalasara, often without the sukanasika.
a kind of snake; name of certain naga’s (serpent-demons)
the wall (cf. bhitti); part of the pilaster stambham is sometimes square in section, and at other times octagonal (kal, Tamil: கால்)
A measure of weight used in weighing precious things like pearl, coral, perfumes, etc., also unit of bullion weight of gold; ancient weight measure.
(also kalasam or kalasha/kalaśa, Tamil: கலசம்) pot-shaped component of the capital of a pillar (cf. lasuna); wide-mouthed vase; lowermost member of the pillar capital, so-called after its shape. Also the vase-shaped finial over the amalaka of northern temples. Kalaśa (Hindi:… Continue Reading →
(also kalasam or kalasha/kalaśa, Tamil: கலசம்) pot-shaped component of the capital of a pillar (cf. lasuna); wide-mouthed vase; lowermost member of the pillar capital, so-called after its shape. Also the vase-shaped finial over the amalaka of northern temples. Vase; The… Continue Reading →
Kalpalatā is a wish fulfilling tree.
Mandapa or hall in which the ceremonial wedding of god and goddess in the form of utsava-murti’s or processional bronze icon is celebrated annually in South Indian temples. (kalyana-mandapa, Tamil: கலியாணமண்டபம்)
Kamaṇḍalu (कमण्डलु) refer to a water pot, water jug or holy jug; a vessel to hold water. It is of different shapes and in some cases has a spout.
Pillar (cf. stambha or stambham)
a basement-moulding
golden dance hall (of Natesa at Chidambaram)
Shaivite poet-saint who was a hunter
‘shirt-wearer’, a chamberlain in the royal harem
a basement-moulding, (kandam, Tamil: காந்தம்)
wristlet (cf. valaya)
neck
(also kan dam; Tamil: க்ண்டம்) Tenon of a bulbous capital; Notice: not to be confused with kandam.
a stiff necklace
Sacred ceremony of giving away the bride in marriage
Kapāla (कपाल), literally human skull – used as begging bowl; skull-cup, usually of Brahmā when it is carried be Śiva. In sculptural representations it looks like a spherical or oval bowl.
cornice
Pigeon; overhanging cornice, usually flexed, projecting beyond the principal beam to throw off water from the terrace beyond the beam and joist-end or recesses of the adhishthana like kumudam and padma. (cf. kapotam, Tamil: கபோதம்)
(also kabodam, Tamil: கபோதம்) originally a term applied to the kudu (cf. kudu), but later equated with the cornice by some writers (cf. kapota)
a stiff necklace of large round gold beads strung on metal rather than thread
sixth-century female devotee of Shiva, included in canon of poet-saints; famed for renouncing bodily beauty to serve Shiva better
dance pose; classified and codified dance movements
basket-like
a conical crown of hairstyle in tiers bulgingin horizontal sections – the whole resembling a basket in shape; the tiers are called karandas (cf. karanda)
hand held straight like a stick (see also danda-hasta and gaja-hasta)
metalworker
major character in the Mahabharata epic
(also karnakudu, Tamil: கர்ணகூடு) Miniatur sama-chaturasra (square) shrine at the corner of each storey of the vimana over the prastara, with a single stupi. It is rarely vritta (circular) or ashtasra (octagonal) on plan.
Miniature ayatasra (oblong) shrine with barrel-vault roof placed at the corner of each tala of a structure, usual in gopura’s.
ear-ornament
(also karna-kuta, Tamil: கர்ணகூடு) Miniatur sama-chaturasra (square) shrine at the corner of each storey of the vimana over the prastara, with a single stupi. It is rarely vritta (circular) or ashtasra (octagonal) on plan.
a holding gesture; In this hand-pose the hand is kept level with the shoulder. The thumb and the ring finger form a ring and the index and middle fingers are kept straight up to look like the horn of a… Continue Reading →
In this hand-pose the hand is kept level with the shoulder. The thumb and the ring finger form a ring and the index and middle fingers are kept straight up to look like the horn of a deer, in which… Continue Reading →
the gesture of kartari; In this hand-pose the hand is kept level with the shoulder. The thumb and the ring finger form a ring and the index and middle fingers are kept straight up to look like the horn of… Continue Reading →
fingers of the hand held like a pair of scissors to hold an object; In this hand-pose the hand is kept level with the shoulder. The thumb and the ring finger form a ring and the index and middle fingers… Continue Reading →
Karttrikā (कर्त्त्रिका) or Karttṛkā (कर्त्तृका) is a small sword or hunter’s knife; chopper, the symbol of Tantric goddesses like Buddhaśaktis, Ḍākshinīs, etc.
Karttṛkā (कर्त्तृका) or Karttrikā (कर्त्त्रिका) is a small sword or hunter’s knife; chopper, the symbol of Tantric goddesses like Buddhaśaktis, Ḍākshinīs, etc.
a flower
Vedic sage
a pose of holding between the closed fingers; In this hand-pose, the tips of the fingers are loosely joined to the thumb to form a ring. This is done with a view to inserting a fresh flower in the hand… Continue Reading →
the pose of hand in kataka; In this hand-pose, the tips of the fingers are loosely joined to the thumb to form a ring. This is done with a view to inserting a fresh flower in the hand of the… Continue Reading →
hand in an attitude of holding a lily; In this hand-pose, the tips of the fingers are loosely joined to the thumb to form a ring. This is done with a view to inserting a fresh flower in the hand… Continue Reading →
This is the pose of ease. The arm hangs loose and the hand is placed on the waist. Also called Katyavalambita.
waist-band
a small knife
prismatic section of a pillar; Intervening octagonal or polygonal portion between the bottom ans top squares of a pillar.
pose in which the hand is held straight below the hip; This is the pose of ease. The arm hangs loose and the hand is placed on the waist. Also called Kati-hasta.
Kaumudī (कौमुदी) is associated with half-moon, moonshine or moonlight.
metal covering
Kayotsarga (कयोत्सर्ग) means to give up one’s physical comfort and body movements, thus staying steady, either in a standing or other posture, and concentrating upon the true nature of the soul (cf. kayotsarga-sthanaka and sthanaka).
Kayotsargasthānaka (कयोत्सर्गस्थानक) or Kayotsarga refers to the ‘erect posture’; In kayotsarga posture, the feet are placed together with the body erect and the arms hanging close to the body.
also keśabandha; a variety of coiffure; hair-style with a binding of flowers or fillets
an armlet similar to baji-bandha but made of stiff rings
The khaḍga (खड्ग) is a sword. It may be long or short, single-edged or double-edged. It is the symbol of enlightenment. ‘As the sword cuts knots, so does the intellect pierce the deepest recesses of Buddhist toughts.’ It is the… Continue Reading →
Khakkhara (खक्खर) is an alarm staff. It is a long wooden staff with a metal top with a number of metal rings attached to it. Shaken to give warning.; also a beggar’s staff
Khaṭvāṅga (खट्वाङ्ग) a kind of a club made up of the bone of the forearm or leg. To the end of this is attached a skull. It is probably a weapon which comes from antiquity. Sometimes the bone shaft is… Continue Reading →
The kheṭaka (खेटक) is a shield. It represents Dharma, which protects like a shield. It may be circular or rectangular. It has a handle at the back. the face of the shield shows a variety of faces and emblems.
Kerala term used for the nasika (cf. nasika and sukanasika).
bells or tinklers on a thread
chain of bells
crown
a type of tall crown of metal
(also kirtimukha) literally ‘face of glory’; Lion’s head signifying glory usually seen in arches and belt loops and ornaments. A motif consisting of leonine head with bulging eyes and a flat nose, seen in the centre of belts prabhavali and… Continue Reading →
(also kiriti-mukha) literally ‘face of glory’; Lion’s head signifying glory usually seen in arches and belt loops and ornaments. A motif consisting of leonine head with bulging eyes and a flat nose, seen in the centre of belts prabhavali and… Continue Reading →
Kiṣku (Sanskrit: किष्कु), cubit; unit of measurement; 1 Kiṣku = 2 Vitasti; There are 4 different cubit (kiṣku) varieties: 1 Kiṣku = 24 Aṅgulas, 1 Prajapatya = 25 Aṅgulas, 1 Dhanurmusti = 26 Aṅgulas, 1 Dhanurgraha = 27 Aṅgulas. The… Continue Reading →
name of the bow held by Rama
foliage-decoration (especially over the edges of the sikhara or kodungai)
cornice, moulded projection over a tala (kodungai, Tamil: கொடுங்கை)
a wristlet or anklet of woven pattern
(also goshta) a cell or niche for the deity (cf. sala)
a niche decorated with a curved cage-motif (cf. kumbha-panjara)
literally ‘abode of the lord/king’; Koil or Kovil or Koyil (Tamil: கோயில்), (meaning: residence of God) is the Tamil term for a distinct style of Hindu temple with Dravidian architecture.
deer skin
This is the gesture for sprinkling ambrosia. In this hand-pose are joined palm to palm, with the tips of the index fingers touching and turned down towards the vase containing nectar. It is the mudra of Nāmasangīti.
one of four castes in Hindu society, kshatriyas are the military and ruling classes
hall resting on between 4 and 28 pillars
short nasika; projected front end of a miniature apsidal (one or two-storeyed) shrine with arch over pilasters functioning as a small opening, usually found in the harantara.
a breast band
(kudam, Tamil: குடம்) part of the capital of a pillar (cf. stambham)
a measure of weight (unknown today) referred to in Chola inscriptions
‘Nest’; The arched-window motif (chaitya-window motif) on roof-line with a shovel- or lion-head top (horse-shoe-shaped decorative element on the facade of a monument) out of a flexed cornice (kapota), originally perhaps intended for entry of roosting birds (kapota) but in… Continue Reading →
pilaster shown as relief on wall surface
Kukkuṭa (Sanskrit: कुक्कुट) refers to a ‘cock’. Held by Sbrahmaṇya (Kārttikeya).
(kulam, Tamil: குளம்) a sacred tank or pond
(also kumbham, Tamil: கும்பம்) Member of the pillar capital coming above the kalasa, and tadi, and bulbous in form. Originally a flattened carinate vase with a short, narrow mouth.
(also kumbha-panjaram, Tamil: கும்பபஞ்சரம்) a vase of foliage crowned by a curved, cage-like pattern, a motif alternating with koshtha-panjara niches
(also kumbha, Tamil: கும்பம்) Member of the pillar capital coming above the kalasa, and tadi, and bulbous in form. Originally a flattened carinate vase with a short, narrow mouth.
(also kumuda, Tamil: குமுதம்) the rounded or angular base moulding of a temple, above the jagati
a graceful bend or tilt
an ear ring; ear-ornament (of various kinds such as makara-, preta-, patra-, ratna-, simha- and naga-)
smaller version of the headgear made of plaits of hair
Kūrma (Sanskrit: कूर्म) it means tortoise; a standing posture with the outer part of the leg, heel and knee of the right side are placed on the ground and the left foot is kept in the normal position; sitting cross-legged… Continue Reading →
Kūrmāsana (कूर्मासन) refers to the ‘seat of the turtle’; Oval in shape and is made of wood; it has the face and the feet of a tortoise; is the name of an asana (cf. kurma)
(also kutam) square ornamental pavilion on the storeys of the vimana (cf. sala, salai and nasi); Shrine of square plan (sama-chaturasra) with four-sided converging roof and single finial, or circular or octagonal with domical roof and single finial, or stupi.
(also kuta) square ornamental pavilion on the storeys of the vimana (cf. sala, salai and nasi); Shrine of square plan (sama-chaturasra) with four-sided converging roof and single finial, or circular or octagonal with domical roof and single finial, or stupi.
dance
Laḍḍu (लड्डु), a round sweetmeat dear to Gaṇeśa; a round ball of sugar, wheat or rice-flour, ghee, and spices
Laḍḍuka (लड्डुक), a round sweetmeat dear to Gaṇeśa; a round ball of sugar, wheat or rice-flour, ghee, and spices
‘Crest figure’; chief decorative motif or figure on the frontal of any entrance or door-lintel, sometimes extending to the overdoor.
Lalita (ललित), dance pose; graceful form; Sitting on a high pedestal as on a stool, with one leg hanging down and the other folded and resting on a cushion or a pedestal (also called Savya-lalita or Sukhasana). If the left… Continue Reading →
Lalitāsana (ललितासन), relaxed sitting posture with one leg pendant, the other bent at the knee
Buddhist sutra that narrates the story of the Buddha, starting with his descent from the Tushita heavens and ending with the First Sermon
pot-shaped component of the capital of a pillar (cf. kalasa or kalasam); wide-mouthed vase; lowermost member of the pillar capital, so-called after its shape. Also the vase-shaped finial over the amalaka of northern temples.
Likṣā (Sanskrit: लिक्षा), nit; unit of measurement; 1 Likṣā = 8 Valagra and 8 Likṣā = 1 Yuka The table shows the different units of measurement in relation to each other: 8 Paramanu = 1 Rathadhūli, 8 Rathadhuli = 1… Continue Reading →
sportive lotus
(also linga, Tamil: லிங்கம்) non-pictorial symbol of the Hindu deity Shiva; aniconic pillar-like symbol of Shiva, typically in phallic form evoking Shiva’s progenitive powers; fertility symbol, especially connected with Shiva as Bijavin (Giver of Seed), often placed in a yoni-shaped… Continue Reading →
lord of the world
hand dangling at ease
male skirt (also dhoti or veshti)
part of the bodigai or bodhika
lotus-wax mode of casting metal image i.e. (fr.) cire-perdue
interspace between walls
Madhyamā (मध्यम), middle
First string sarini producing a middle note on the vina instrument.
main temple-gateway/gopuram with 7 to 16 storeys (cf. maha-maryada)
large assembly hall; Pillared hall immediately in front of the ardha-mandapa, or antarala, or the proximal half of a mandapa with two seriate pillars, closed or open, in cave temples.
main temple-gateway/gopuram with 7 to 16 storeys (cf. maha-gopura)
great soul
Mahāḷuṅga (महाळुंग) is a fruit held by Devi.
Projected nose-like part from the side of the griva and sikhara showing the frontal aspects of apsidal vimana’s and having pillars with surmounting arched torana’s.
a royal pose of sitting at ease; seated pose of ease like a king, with the right hand resting on the knee of the bent right leg; sitting at ease (cf. ardhaparyanka, ardhaparyankasana and rajalilasana)
Mahārājalīlāsana (महाराजलीलासन) or Rājalīlāsana is a sitting posture with one leg folded at the hip, touching the thigh of the other, which hangs with the heels slightly raised above the pedestal which is touched only by the toe or a… Continue Reading →
the future Buddha
an ornamental motif developed from an alligator or a crocodile head with a floriated tail; mythical sea creature combining elements of fish, crocodile, lion and elephant, symbolising life giving power of the water
a clasp with the motif of a makara
a golden ornament worn in the centre of the head dress with the makara motif below
a stiff necklace with a makara motif
(also makara-kuntala); ear ornament with a makara motif
makara decoration on a crown
Entrance decoration with a festoon – straight or arched, spanning the tops of two columns, the festoon or torana being a decorative garland or scroll issuing from mouth of makara’s (crocodiles), placed over the capitals of the supporting stambha’s. Such… Continue Reading →
Makarāsana (Sanskrit: मकरासन), Standing posture on a pedestal, contrived in form of a Makara, a seamonster.
Makuṭa (मकुट) means a crown (cf. mukuta)
looped garland
Apex of pillars or pilaster shaft below capital with looped garland (mala) hanging from the padma-bandha.
Mānāṅgula (मानाङ्गुल), digit (finger-breadth); basic measuring unit for idols; unit of measurement (cf. Angula); 12 Aṅgulas = 1 Vitasti 6 Yavas = 1 Adhama-mānāṅgula (inferior inch measure), 7 Yavas = 1 Madhyama-mānāṅgula (middling inch measure), 8 Yavas = 1 Uttama-mānāṅgula… Continue Reading →
halo (cf. bha-mandala); Maṇḍala (मण्डल), in it the feet are four Tala’s apart and they are obliquely placed and turned sideways, the waist and the knee are in the natural position. Relates to Indra.
territorial division within a kingdom
(also mandapam, Tamil: மண்டபம்) open or closed pillared or astylar hall; place of assembly
auspicious string on neck (of females)
a necklace with a motif of mangoes
influential guild of medieval merchants in South India
ninth-century Shaivite poet-saint who lived after the sixty-three nayanmar; one of the nalvar (‘Revered Four’)
string of beads
Tamil classification of women: a nubile girl twelve to thirteen years old
chant
Tamil classification of women: an ingénue fourteen to nineteen years of age
pearl-festoons
Sanskrit name for the headgear
silence
Mayūrapiccha (मयूरपिच्छ) are feathers of peacock.
broad girdle
Meṣa (मेष), ram; Carried by Śiva in earlier images. Later images show a buck (Mṛiga).
goddess enshrined at Madurai; literally ‘fish-eyed one’
human figures
liberation
Mṛga (मृग) is a deer or buck and symbolizes gentleness as well as attentiveness.
gesture of the hand; hand poses (cf. hasta)
the frontal motif of any ornament
First or frontal mandapa of a series at the entrance of a temple, often synonymous with maha-mandapa in earlier temples.
facade
Mukuṭa (मुकुट) means a crown (cf. makuta)
deity enshrined in the temple sanctum
inner or most sacred chamber of the temple, the sanctum sanctorum (cf. garbhagriha)
the central deity is located near the centre of temple; the mulavar is usually made of stone images in most South Indian temples
the petals of a lotus flower: part of the capital of a pillar (cf. stambham), (munai, Modern Tamil: முனை)
Muraḷī (मुरली) is a flute or pipe made from a thin and hollow bamboo (cf. Venu).
manifestation of divinity; Is a devotional image, such as a statue or icon, of a deity or saint used during puja and/or in other customary forms of actively expressing devotion or reverence.
Musala (मुसल) refers to the Indian wooden pestle.
dwarf-like figure signifying ignorance and darkness, upon whom Shiva as Nataraja dances in conquest; Tamil version of Sanskrit term ‘Apasmara’
chieftains and landowners in pre-Chola Tamil Nadu who became Chola feudatories
‘Revered Three’ Shaivite poet-saints – child saint Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar (cf. nalvar)
the demon under the foot of Nataraja, see also apasmara
A fruit, refers to the ‘Emblic myrobalan’ and represents a type of fruit-bearing plant (cf. amalaka).
navel
Sacred Words of the Lady (Andal)
serpent demi-god living in the netherworld
an angada with the motif of snakes
(also nagabandham, Tamil: நாகபந்தம்) a pillar-decoration resembling the hood of a snake; a section having a frieze of naga (cf. hamsa-bandhana)
wristlet with a frieze of nagas
snakes twisted to form the sacred thread or yajnopavita
breast band composed of a snake
merchant township
merchants
Life of Nala, king of Nishadha
toe-nail to crest
Nakula (नकुल) a mongoose.
‘Revered Four’ Shaivite poet-saints – the muvar and Manikkavachakar
This is the attitude of adoration or prayer. The two hands are kept close to the chest, touching palm to palm, in an attitude of prayer.
also known as Nandikeshvara or Nandideva, is the bull vahana (mount) of the Hindu god Shiva. Almost all Shiva temples display stone-images of a seated Nandi, generally facing the main shrine. (nandi, Tamil: நந்தி) ‘joyful’ – calf-bull associated with Shiva… Continue Reading →
part of the bodigai or bodhika
interspace between sala and kuta in the tala of the vimana
‘Nose’; projected arched opening (window), (cf. alpanasika, kshudranasika, mahanasika and sukanasika). In Kerala temples it is called kilivasal or or parrot-beak entrances.
dance hall
dance hall (cf. nritta-mandapa)
treatise on drama
nine planets
Mandapa with four pillars surrounding a central bay, twelve more on the periphery in alignment with the central pillars, enclosing eight more bays, surrounding the central one and making nine bays in all; characteritic of Chalukyan temples and their derivatives.
Navatāla (नवताल), Measurement of images by nine tālas; measure of minor divinities and goddesses
newly wedded bride
newly-wed
hero
saintly devotee of Shiva; in the singular, the term is ‘nayanar’
heroine
classification of heroines
Miniature apsidal shrine; same as panjara.
storeys of a gopura; (plural: nilais, Old Tamil: நிலை, Modern Tamil: நிலை)
a long tubular flower
Devoid of a closed circuit or ambulatory round the cella, the wall of the cella being single and thick (as opposed to sandhara).
a royal title, lit. perennial entertainment
hall of dance (cf. natya-mandapa)
dancing form
Nṛttahasta (नृत्तहस्त) refers to hand in dance gesticulation (cf. asamyukta-hasta and samyukta-hasta).
anklet
putting down
Basal pitha of pillar or pilaster
Pillar (cf. stambha or stambham)
crossed legs
foot-first to hair
a pendant inlaid with jewels
literally ‘temple sung of’ (in the saints’ poems); sacred sites of hallowed antiquity
(also padapitha); foot-stool
an ornament worn below the ankle designed to lie loose on the foot; jewel for the feet
Lotus; capital member (doucine) below the phalaka (abacus), shaped like a lotus with petals (also padmam, Tamil: பத்மம்).
(also padma-bandham, Tamil: பத்மபந்தம்) Broad fillet, ringing the top of the shaft of a pillar, marked by decorative bands between rows of lotus petals, separating the shaft from the capital; lotus-frieze
(also padma-bandha, Tamil: பத்மபந்தம்) Broad fillet, ringing the top of the shaft of a pillar, marked by decorative bands between rows of lotus petals, separating the shaft from the capital; lotus-frieze
dwarf attendant of Kubera holding a lotus in his hand
Lotus; capital member (doucine) below the phalaka (abacus), shaped like a lotus with petals (also padma, Tamil: பத்மம்).
Padmapīṭha (पद्मपीठ), Lotus pedestal or a pedestal with a motif in the form of an inverted lotus (also padmapitham).
Padmapīṭham (पद्मपीठम), Lotus pedestal or a pedestal with a motif in the form of an inverted lotus (also padmapitha).
Padmāsana (पद्मासन) is the lotus pose: a seated pose of ease with the legs crossed and feet resting on the thighs with the soles turned up; alternativly, the lotus shaped seat or pedestal and is generally used for worship (also… Continue Reading →
wooden sandal
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