Category Technical terms

Category of all Technical terms

abhanga

slight flexion (in the standing pose of a figure)

abharana

adornment

abhaya

hand suggestive of protection (cf. abhaya-mudra and abhaya-hasta)

abhaya-hasta

a gesture granting freedom from fear – finger pointing (cf. abhaya)

abhaya-mudra

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

abhinaya

gesticulate

abhisarika

on a secret rendezvous

abhisheka

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

achala

immoveable

acharya

‘observing the rules of his order’ – spiritual guide or teacher who instructs students, especially in the Vedas

adhama

lowest

adharju

one of the five sthānas or positions

adhishthana

(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.

adhishthanam

(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.

aditya

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

adiyar

slave/servant of the lord

adu

to dance

agama

treatises on architecture

agamika

sacred-textual

Agastya

a Vedic sage

agni

fire; god of (the sacrificial) fire

agra-mandapa

front hall preceeding the main hall

agrapattiyal

(also akrapattiyal, Tamil: அக்ரபட்டியல்) a basement moulding is a listel

ahuyavarada

attitude of hand suggesting beckoning to confer a boon (cf. ahuyavarada-mudra)

ahuyavarada-mudra

hand-pose beckoning the devotee to confer boons on him (cf. ahuyavarada)

akam

love genre in Tamil poetics

akshamala

The Akshamālā 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. The… Continue Reading →

alaka-chudaka

smaller version of the headgear made of plaits of hair

alamkara

(also alankara) ornament and embellishment, without which images are seen as incomplete

alankara-shastra

science of poetics

alidha

the pose of a warrior, with his right leg bent forward and left drawn back (cf. pratyalidha)

alpa-vimana

Small, one-storeyed vimana. The parts are adhishthana, bhitti or pada prastara, griva, sikhara and stupi. It is usually without a hara.

alpanasika

Projected front end of an apsidal shrine resembling a kudu arch over pilasters, originally in kuta’s, koshtha’s and panjara’s.

alvar

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

amalaka

(also amalasara 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 →

amalasara

(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 →

amalasila

(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 →

amruta

ambrosia

ananda-tandava

dance pose; ‘dance of bliss’ – associated with South Indian representations of Shiva Nataraja, especially processional bronze images

ananta

variety of armlet

anantasana

Triangular in shape; it is usually used when viewing sports and amusements

anarpita-hara

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).

anchita-gana

a gana with graceful flexion

Andhaka

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).

angada

an ornament tied round the upper arm by a string

angaharas

bodily gryations in a dance pose

angula

unit of measurement

anjali

hands clasped in adoration

anjali-mudra

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

ankusha

elephant god; Ankusha (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 a sharp tool with a hook used to… Continue Reading →

antara-bhitti

inner wall of multiple-walled garbhagriha, or sanctum, or storey

antarala

vestibule (cf. sukhanasi)

antariya

lower garment

anugraha

grace and mercy

anugraha-murti

benevolent form

Apasmara

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

Appar

seventh-century Shaivite poet-saint, one of the muvar (‘Revered Three’)

apsara

celestrial nymph; semi-divine female beings inhabiting Hindu god Indra’s paradise as dancers and musicians, partnered with gandhara’s – celestial musicians

aravatti-muvar-ula

festival of the sixty-three saints (cf. nayanmar)

archa

cult image in sanctum of a temple; image of worship

ardha-chandrahasta

hands in crescent moon-like form to hold fire

ardha-mandapa

‘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 →

ardha-paryanka

seated with both legs on the seat, one raised up and the other bent

ardha-paryankasana

seated with both legs on the seat, one raised up and the other bent

ardha-yogapatta

hand around one bent leg in meditative pose

ardha-yogasana

meditative mode of seat with ardha-yogapatta

ardhakshi

one of the five sthānas or positions

ardhoraka

shorts (also ardhoruka)

ardhoruka

shorts (also ardhoraka)

arivai

Tamil classification of women: a lovely woman twenty to twenty-four years old

Arjuna

central heroic character in the Mahabharata epic

arpita-hara

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).

artha

accumulated wealth

asamyuta

single hand in dance gesticulation

asamyuta-hasta

single hand in dance gesticulation

asana

seated pose; alternatively, a kind of seat

ashoka

Saraca asoca, commonly known as the ashoka tree (Sanskrit: अशोक, sorrow-less)

ashrama

stages of life

ashta-parivara

Layout of central shrine with eight surrounding sub shrines (including the Nandi shrine) in the cardinal and corner direction.

ashta-parivaradevatagriham

on of the sub-shrines round the main shrine, housing subordinate deities (cf. parivaradevatagriham)

ashta-parivaralaya

on of the sub-shrines round the main shrine, housing subordinate deities (cf. parivaralaya)

ashtasra

octagonal

ashtatala

Measurement of images by eight tālas

ashvapadam

a base on which the pillar stands raised (ashvapadam, Tamil: அசவபாதம்)

astylar

Is an architectural term given to design which uses neither columns nor pilasters for decorative purposes.

asura

Demon, evil spirit; in the Rigveda sometimes also meaning ‘divine’, ‘good spirit’ or ‘supreme spirit’; see danava

atapatra

An Ātapatra is an umbrella (of silk or leaves used as a parasol).

atibhanga

multi-flexed pose

atman

soul

avahana

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

Avalokiteshvara

a Buddhist bodhisattva

avarana-devatas

Also called parivara-devatas, or subsidiary deities in shrines called parivaralaya’s or parivara.

avatar

‘descent’ – physical form taken by a god when he intercedes periodically to save the world from peril, usually referring to Vishnu’s many incarnations

avudaiyar

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 →

ayaka

platform projections

ayatasra

oblong

ayatasra-vimana

Vimana, oblong on plan and covered by a wagon-top roof.

aytana

Shrine

ayudha-puja

worship of weapons as embodiments of an aspect of the god with whom they are associated

ayudhapurushas

weapons personified

bahulamala

Shoulder decoration of bahula flowers – an ornamental motf consisting of bahula or similar flowers

bahya-bhitti

Outermost wall of a multipled-walled sanctum or storey (opposite of antara-bhitti).

baji-bandha

an ornament (a string of beads) encircling the arm at the elbow

balipitham

(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.

bana

is an arrow

barah-masa

twelve months

bha-mandala

halo (cf. mandala)

bhadra

Central reliefed or projected part from each side of the body of the vimana or prasada as distinct from the corner projection (karna).

bhadra-sala

Oblong, wagon-topped miniature shrine of ayatasra type in the center of each side of the hara over the storeys of the vimana.

bhadrapitham

Square or rectangular supplemental pedestal to which an image and its padmapitham are attached and which they rest

bhadrasana

Square or rectangular supplemental pedestal to which an image and its padmapitham are attached and which they rest

bhakta

devotee; one who practices bhakti or devotion

bhakti

deep, intense, uncompromising devotion to a personal godhead, aspiring to mystical union with the divine (cf. bhakta)

bhava

emotion

bhitti

the wall (cf. kal)

bhitti-torana

Ornamental festoon on the wall, usually a makara-torana supported by two pilasters (cf. torana, makara-torana).

bhittika

one of the five sthānas or positions

bhogiyar

mistress, concubine

bhramaraka

ringlets of hair

Bhringi

ancient sage; devotee of Shiva

bhu

earth; the goddess Earth

bhujanga-trasita

‘scared by snake’, a dance-pose suggesting movement away from a snake out of fear

bhujanga-valaya

ornament on waist in the form of a coiled snake

bhumi

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).

bhumisparsa

(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 →

bhusparsa

(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 →

bhuta

goblin

bhuta-gana

dwarfish goblin

bhutadamara

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.

bilvafala

Fruit of Bilva; also known as Bael or Aegle marmelos, is a sacred tree in Hinduism.

biruda

title

bodhika

(also bodigai, Tamil: போதிகை) a corbel surmounting the capital of a pillar, like the pushpa-bodhika, ‘corbel of flower-pattern’

bodigai

a corbel surmounting the capital of a pillar, like the pushpa-bodhika, ‘corbel of flower-pattern’ (cf. bodhika, Tamil: போதிகை)

brahma-bandha

the knot of the strings of the yajnopavita usually over the left chest

brahma-nandi

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

brahma-sutra

plumbline

Brahman

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

Brahmi

early script from which all Indian scripts, northern and southern, are derived

brahmotsavam

major annual festival in a Shiva temple that extends over a period of ten days

bringipada

(also bhringipada) an ornament (with a string and bell attached) worn on the right leg (high up)

Buddha-charita

Life of Buddha

buddhasramana

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.

catustala

Measurement of images by four tālas

chakra

Wheel of Vishnu; discus; attribute of Vishnu The chakra 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 Law,… Continue Reading →

Chandesha

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.

chandra

Moon

chandrakala

Representation of the crescent moon

channavira

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

chatur-mukha

Shrine or vimana opening on all four sides.

chatura

a dance-pose, with the left foot slightly raised but still touching the ground; lit. clever

chaturam

square section of a pillar (cubique)

chaturvyuha

the four arrays of Vishnu forms: Vāsudeva, Saṅkarshaṇa, Pradyumna and Aniruddha

chauri

fly-whisk

chin-mudra

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 →

chit-sabha

gold-roofed hall housing cult image of Shiva Nataraja at Nataraja temple, Chidambaram

chitra-potika

Corbels with embossed carving or painting of creepers, flowers, etc.

chittirai

mid-April to mid-May in the Tamil calendar

chudamani

a golden ornament worn on the head dress in the middle and at the sides

chutti

a small round ornament for the head dress worn by children

cire-perdue

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)

daitya

Group of demons (Asura’s), similar to the Danava’s. The Daityas are giant, titanic creatures.

Dakshinameru

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

damaru

small, double-ended, hourglass-shaped drum held by Shiva, its sound denoting the primordial creation and destruction of the universe; hand-drum

dana

gift or charitable donation, especially in religious context

danava

demonic creatures; see asura

danda

stick or staff; If it is held by Śiva, it is indicative either of death or of Śiva teaching.

danda-hasta

hand held straight like a stick (cf. kari-hasta and gaja-hasta)

darsana

vision or visualisation

darshan

‘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

dasatala

Measurement of images by ten tālas

deepam

oil lamp

devadana

gift to the gods; gifted temple lands

devakoshtha

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.

dhammilla

a variety of coiffure; smaller version of the headgear made of plaits of hair

dhanapati

a donor

dhanus

a bow

dharma

established belief and practice, law or doctrine

dharmachakra

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 →

dharmachakrapravartana-mudra

hand suggesting the first turning of the wheel of law by Buddha at Sārnāth (cf. dharmachakra)

dhattura

a thorn apple with strong narcotic properties; usually the flower represented

dhattura-flower

a flower with strong narcotic properties

dhoti

cloth over the waist; male skirt (also lungi or veshti)

dhyana

meditation or hands in meditation; The attitude of meditation. In this hand-pose, both hands are placed on the lap, right hand on left, with the fingers fully extended and the palm facing upwards. Also called yoga-mudra or samadhi.

dhyana-mudra

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 →

dhyanasloka

contemplative hymn to mentally picture the iconography of the deity

Digambara

Digambara in Sanskrit means “sky-clad” and refers to the practice of ascetics being naked. See Svetambara

dikpala

guardian of one of the eight directions

dipalakshmi

auspicious lamp-bearer damsel

divya-mandapa

hall supported by between 108 and 1008 pillars

Dravidian

peoples of South India

dvajastambham

temple flag mast (dvajastambham, Tamil: த்வஜஸ்தம்பம்)

dvara

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 →

dvara-sakhas

jambs

dvarapala

guardian-deity at the door or gateway; doorkeeper (dvarapala, Tamil: த்வாரபாலர்)

dvibhanga

duoflex pose

dvitala

Measurement of images by two tālas

ekatala

Measurement of images by one tālas

ekavali

one-stringed big necklace of pearls

eradakam

architectural part of the prastaram (eradakam, Tamil: ஏராதகம்)

gada

mace, stout stick, club of Vishnu; attribute of Vishnu; The gadā represents ‘light’

gaja-hasta

hand held straight like a stick (see also danda-hasta and kari-hasta)

gajjai

an ornament of very small gold or silver bells fastened by strings and worn on the waist or ankles

gala

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 →

gana

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

gandhara

celestial musician

Ganga

the river Ganga (Ganges) personified as a goddess

ganika

courtesan

garbhagriha

(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.

ghana

solid (casting)

ghana-dvara

false door adorned with torana

ghanta

bell

go-mani

a bell tied around the neck of a cow or bull

gomukha

(also gomukham, Tamil: கோமுகம்) gargoyle or channel from which the liquid matter with which the deity was bathed is drained from the garbhagriha.

gopas

cowherd men (cf. gopis)

gopis

cowherd woman (cf. gopas)

gopuram

(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.

govala

posture of the hand hanging down in the manner of the tail of a cow

graiveya

jewelled necklet

grama-devata

village goddess

Grantha

script used in South India for Sanskrit letters that are not part of the Tamil alphabet

griva

(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 →

gunas

qualities, virtues

halahalam

a type of ruby

hamsa

The swan; the divine bird

hamsa-bandhana

swan-frieze

hara

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

harantara

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).

harina-mudra

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.

harmya-dvara

main temple-gateway/gopuram with 5 to 7 storeys

Harsha-charita

Life of Emperor Harsha

hasta

mode of hand suggestive in dance, single asamyuta or double samyuta (cf. mudra)

hasta-svastika

hands crossed

hastisaundika

mode of wearing the lower garment to suggest the contour of the elephant’s trunk

hiranyagarbha

golden womb; source of all creation according to the Rig Veda; name given to a Veda ritual

homa

fire sacrifice

iconometry

rules determining proportions of images and buildings

idal

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)

illupai

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).

jagati

a basement-moulding; lowest level of a temple’s base moulding

jalamaya-stambha

liquid pillar of victory

jambhara

Citron; This is the ‘seed’ of the universe

janghika

loin-cloth

jata

locks of hair of an ascetic; knot of matted hair, especially of Shiva; hallmark of Shiva’s followers (risis)

jata-bhara

heavy mass of locks of hair

jata-makuta

An elaborate coiffure of jatas piled above the head to a crown adorned with jewels or ornamentation.

jata-mandala

outspread circle of locks of hair

jivatma

individual soul

jnana-mudra

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.

jvalakesa

flaming hair

kachcha

Cloth folded to form a pleat

kadalika-karana

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.

Kadamba-Chalukya

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.

kadraveya

a kind of snake; name of certain naga’s (serpent-demons)

kal

the wall (cf. bhitti); part of the pilaster stambham is sometimes square in section, and at other times octagonal (kal, Tamil: கால்)

kalañju

A measure of weight used in weighing precious things like pearl, coral, perfumes, etc., also unit of bullion weight of gold; ancient weight measure.

kalasa

(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 →

kalasam

(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 →

kalyana-mandapa

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)

kambam

Pillar (cf. stambha or stambham)

kampu

a basement-moulding

kanakasabha

golden dance hall (of Natesa at Chidambaram)

Kanappan

Shaivite poet-saint who was a hunter

kanchuk

‘shirt-wearer’, a chamberlain in the royal harem

kandam

a basement-moulding, (kandam, Tamil: காந்தம்)

kankana

wristlet (cf. valaya)

kantha

neck

kantham

(also kan dam; Tamil: க்ண்டம்) Tenon of a bulbous capital; Notice: not to be confused with kandam.

kanthi

a stiff necklace

kanyadana

Sacred ceremony of giving away the bride in marriage

kapala

Literally human skull – used as begging bowl; skull-cap

kapata

cornice

kapota

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)

kapotam

(also kabodam, Tamil: கபோதம்) originally a term applied to the kudu (cf. kudu), but later equated with the cornice by some writers (cf. kapota)

karai

a stiff necklace of large round gold beads strung on metal rather than thread

Karaikkal Ammaiyar

sixth-century female devotee of Shiva, included in canon of poet-saints; famed for renouncing bodily beauty to serve Shiva better

karanas

dance pose; classified and codified dance movements

karanda

basket-like

karanda-makuta

a conical crown of hairstyle in tiers bulgingin horizontal sections – the whole resembling a basket in shape; the tiers are called karandas (cf. karanda)

kari-hasta

hand held straight like a stick (see also danda-hasta and gaja-hasta)

karmara

metalworker

Karna

major character in the Mahabharata epic

karna-kuta

(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.

karna-sala

Miniature ayatasra (oblong) shrine with barrel-vault roof placed at the corner of each tala of a structure, usual in gopura’s.

karna-veshtana

ear-ornament

karnakudu

(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.

kartari

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 →

kartari-hasta

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 →

kartari-mudra

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 →

kartari-mukha

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 →

kasa

a flower

Kasyapa

Vedic sage

kataka

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 →

kataka-hasta

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 →

kataka-mukha

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 →

kati-hasta

This is the pose of ease. The arm hangs loose and the hand is placed on the waist. Also called Katyavalambita.

kati-sutra

waist-band

kattu

prismatic section of a pillar; Intervening octagonal or polygonal portion between the bottom ans top squares of a pillar.

katyavalambita

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.

kavacha

metal covering

kayotsarga

Kayotsarga 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.

keshabandha

also keśabandha; a variety of coiffure; hair-style with a binding of flowers or fillets

keyura

an armlet similar to baji-bandha but made of stiff rings

khadga

The kaḍga is a sword. 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 special symbol of Mañjuśrī. With his sword, he destroys ignorance.

khetaka

The kheṭaka is a shield. It represents Dharma, which protects like a shield.

kilivasal

Kerala term used for the nasika (cf. nasika and sukanasika).

kinkini

bells or tinklers on a thread

kinkini-jala

chain of bells

kirita

crown

kirita-makuta

a type of tall crown of metal

kiriti-mukha

(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 →

kirtimukha

(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 →

kodanda

name of the bow held by Rama

kodik-karukku

foliage-decoration (especially over the edges of the sikhara or kodungai)

kodungai

cornice, moulded projection over a tala (kodungai, Tamil: கொடுங்கை)

kolusu

a wristlet or anklet of woven pattern

koshtha

(also goshta) a cell or niche for the deity (cf. sala)

koshtha-panjara

a niche decorated with a curved cage-motif (cf. kumbha-panjara)

koyil

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.

krishnajina

deer skin

ksepana

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.

Kshatriya

one of four castes in Hindu society, kshatriyas are the military and ruling classes

kshudra-mandapa

hall resting on between 4 and 28 pillars

kshudranasika

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.

kucha-bandha

a breast band

kudam

(kudam, Tamil: குடம்) part of the capital of a pillar (cf. stambham)

kudinai-kal

a measure of weight (unknown today) referred to in Chola inscriptions

kudu

‘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 →

kudya-stambha

pilaster shown as relief on wall surface

kulam

(kulam, Tamil: குளம்) a sacred tank or pond

kumbha

(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.

kumbha-panjara

(also kumbha-panjaram, Tamil: கும்பபஞ்சரம்) a vase of foliage crowned by a curved, cage-like pattern, a motif alternating with koshtha-panjara niches

kumbham

(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.

kumudam

(also kumuda, Tamil: குமுதம்) the rounded or angular base moulding of a temple, above the jagati

kunchita

a graceful bend or tilt

kundala

an ear ring; ear-ornament (of various kinds such as makara-, preta-, patra-, ratna-, simha- and naga-)

kuntala

smaller version of the headgear made of plaits of hair

kurmasana

Oval in shape and is made of wood; it has the face and the feet of a tortoise

kuta

(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.

kutam

(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.

kuttu

dance

lalata-bimba

‘Crest figure’; chief decorative motif or figure on the frontal of any entrance or door-lintel, sometimes extending to the overdoor.

lalitasana

relaxed sitting posture with one leg pendant, the other bent at the knee

Lalitavistara

Buddhist sutra that narrates the story of the Buddha, starting with his descent from the Tushita heavens and ending with the First Sermon

lalitha

dance pose; graceful form

lasuna

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.

liksha

unit of measurement

lilakamala

sportive lotus

lingam

(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 →

Lokeshvara

lord of the world

lola

hand dangling at ease

lungi

male skirt (also dhoti or veshti)

madalai

part of the bodigai or bodhika

madhuchchhishtavidhana

lotus-wax mode of casting metal image i.e. (fr.) cire-perdue

madhya-nadi

interspace between walls

madyasthayee

First string sarini producing a middle note on the vina instrument.

maha-gopura

main temple-gateway/gopuram with 7 to 16 storeys (cf. maha-maryada)

maha-mandapa

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.

maha-maryada

main temple-gateway/gopuram with 7 to 16 storeys (cf. maha-gopura)

maha-purusha

great soul

mahanasika

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.

maharaja-lilasana

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 few fingers

maharajalila

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

Maitreya

the future Buddha

makara

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

makara clasp

a clasp with the motif of a makara

makara-chudamani

a golden ornament worn in the centre of the head dress with the makara motif below

makara-kanti

a stiff necklace with a makara motif

makara-kundala

(also makara-kuntala); ear ornament with a makara motif

makara-makuta

makara decoration on a crown

makara-torana

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 →

makarasana

Contrived like a Makara, a seamonster

makuta

crown

mala

looped garland

malasthana

Apex of pillars or pilaster shaft below capital with looped garland (mala) hanging from the padma-bandha.

mandala

halo (cf. bha-mandala)

mandalam

territorial division within a kingdom

mandapa

(also mandapam, Tamil: மண்டபம்) open or closed pillared or astylar hall; place of assembly

mangaly-sutra

auspicious string on neck (of females)

mangamalai

a necklace with a motif of mangoes

manigramam

influential guild of medieval merchants in South India

Manikkavachakar

ninth-century Shaivite poet-saint who lived after the sixty-three nayanmar; one of the nalvar (‘Revered Four’)

manimala

string of beads

mankai

Tamil classification of women: a nubile girl twelve to thirteen years old

mantra-japa

chant

matantai

Tamil classification of women: an ingénue fourteen to nineteen years of age

mauktika-jalaka

pearl-festoons

mauli

Sanskrit name for the headgear

mauna

silence

mekhala

broad girdle

Minakshi

goddess enshrined at Madurai; literally ‘fish-eyed one’

mithuna

human figures

moksha

liberation

mriga

deer

mudra

gesture of the hand; hand poses (cf. hasta)

mukappu

the frontal motif of any ornament

mukha-mandapa

First or frontal mandapa of a series at the entrance of a temple, often synonymous with maha-mandapa in earlier temples.

mukha-yama

facade

mula vigraha

deity enshrined in the temple sanctum

mulasthana

inner or most sacred chamber of the temple, the sanctum sanctorum (cf. garbhagriha)

mulavar

the central deity is located near the centre of temple; the mulavar is usually made of stone images in most South Indian temples

munai

the petals of a lotus flower: part of the capital of a pillar (cf. stambham), (munai, Modern Tamil: முனை)

murti

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.

Musalagan

dwarf-like figure signifying ignorance and darkness, upon whom Shiva as Nataraja dances in conquest; Tamil version of Sanskrit term ‘Apasmara’

Muttaraiyar

chieftains and landowners in pre-Chola Tamil Nadu who became Chola feudatories

muvar

‘Revered Three’ Shaivite poet-saints – child saint Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar (cf. nalvar)

muyalaka

the demon under the foot of Nataraja, see also apasmara

nabhi

navel

Nacchiya Tirumoli

Sacred Words of the Lady (Andal)

naga

serpent demi-god living in the netherworld

naga-angada

an angada with the motif of snakes

naga-bandha

(also nagabandham, Tamil: நாகபந்தம்) a pillar-decoration resembling the hood of a snake; a section having a frieze of naga (cf. hamsa-bandhana)

naga-valaya

wristlet with a frieze of nagas

naga-yajnasutra

snakes twisted to form the sacred thread or yajnopavita

nagakucha-bandha

breast band composed of a snake

nagaram

merchant township

nagarattar

merchants

Naishadhiya-carita

Life of Nala, king of Nishadha

nakh-sikh

toe-nail to crest

nalvar

‘Revered Four’ Shaivite poet-saints – the muvar and Manikkavachakar

namaskara

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.

nandi

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 →

nanudal

part of the bodigai or bodhika

nasi

interspace between sala and kuta in the tala of the vimana

nasika

‘Nose’; projected arched opening (window), (cf. alpanasika, kshudranasika, mahanasika and sukanasika). In Kerala temples it is called kilivasal or or parrot-beak entrances.

nataka-salai

dance hall

natya-mandapa

dance hall (cf. nritta-mandapa)

natya-shastra

treatise on drama

navagraha

nine planets

navaranga

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.

navatala

Measurement of images by nine tālas

navavadhu

newly wedded bride

navodha

newly-wed

nayaka

hero

nayanmar

saintly devotee of Shiva; in the singular, the term is ‘nayanar’

nayika

heroine

nayika-bheda

classification of heroines

nida

Miniature apsidal shrine; same as panjara.

nilai

storeys of a gopura; (plural: nilais, Old Tamil: நிலை, Modern Tamil: நிலை)

nilotpalam

a long tubular flower

nirandhara

Devoid of a closed circuit or ambulatory round the cella, the wall of the cella being single and thick (as opposed to sandhara).

nityavinoda

a royal title, lit. perennial entertainment

nritta-mandapa

hall of dance (cf. natya-mandapa)

nritta-murti

dancing form

nupura

anklet

nyasa

putting down

oma

Basal pitha of pillar or pilaster

pada

Pillar (cf. stambha or stambham)

pada-svastika

crossed legs

padadi-kesha

foot-first to hair

padakkam

a pendant inlaid with jewels

padal petra sthalam

literally ‘temple sung of’ (in the saints’ poems); sacred sites of hallowed antiquity

padapitham

(also padapitha); foot-stool

padasara

an ornament worn below the ankle designed to lie loose on the foot; jewel for the feet

padma

Lotus; capital member (doucine) below the phalaka (abacus), shaped like a lotus with petals (also padmam, Tamil: பத்மம்).

padma-bandha

(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

padma-bandham

(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

padma-nidhi

dwarf attendant of Kubera holding a lotus in his hand

padmam

Lotus; capital member (doucine) below the phalaka (abacus), shaped like a lotus with petals (also padma, Tamil: பத்மம்).

padmapitham

(also padmapitha); a pedestal with a motif in the form of an inverted lotus

padmasana

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 padma-pitham)

padukai

wooden sandal

paksha-sutra

side line

palagai

abacus or tailloir; (palagai, Tamil: பலகை) part of the capital of a pillar (cf. stambham)

Palavettaraiyar

chieftains and landowners in pre-Chola Tamil Nadu who became Chola feudatories

pali

Capital member, same as padma, but without scalloped petals.

panchara

(also panjara or panjaram, Tamil: பஞ்சரம்) ‘Nest’, a cage-like decorative motif for a niche or base, attique: a small pavilion (cf. panjara); Miniature apsidal shrine; same as nida.

panchatala

Measurement of images by five tālas

panigrahana

the ceremony of giving a bride away in marriage

panjara

(also panjaram, Tamil: பஞ்சரம்) ‘Nest’, a cage-like decorative motif for a niche or base, attique: a small pavilion (cf. panchara); Miniature apsidal shrine; same as nida.

Parakesari

Chola monarchs alternately took the title Rajakesari (King-lion) or Parakesari (Supreme lion). Also known as Rajakesarivarman or Parakesarivarman.

Parakesarivarman

Chola monarchs alternately took the title Rajakesari (King-lion) or Parakesari (Supreme lion). Also known as Rajakesarivarman or Parakesarivarman.

paramanu

unit of measurement

paramatma

the Absolute

parasu

an axe

parinirvana

the passing away of the Buddha

parivara

subsidiary deities in shrines called parivaralaya’s or parivara.

parivara-deity

tutelary deity (cf. parivara-devatas)

parivara-devatas

Also called avarana-devatas, or subsidiary deities in shrines called parivaralaya’s or parivara.

parivaradevatagriham

on of the sub-shrines round the main shrine, housing subordinate deities (cf. ashta-parivaradevatagriham)

parivaralaya

(also parivara) on of the sub-shrines round the main shrine, housing subordinate deities (cf. ashta-parivaralaya)

parsva-devata

sculpture of a deity placed in a niche on the outer wall of the garbhagriha or on the upper tala of the vimana

paryanka-bandha

legs bound in a strap for so they stay easily kept in a yogic meditation pose (cf. yoga-patta)

paryankasana

seated pose with legs locked over seat

pasa

a small noose

Pasanahu-cariu

Life of Parshvanatha (Sridhara)

pataka

flag

patal perra talam

‘place sung by the saints’ – temple or holy place celebrated in hymn by poet-saints

patli

close fitting bangles often formed by one or more continuous spiral

patra

The Buddhist monks carry a pātra or bowl which is used for begging alms. The Indian tradition has it that when the Buddha completed four weeks of Buddha-hood, Tapussa and Bhallika, two merchants of Ukkula in Orissa, were warned by… Continue Reading →

patra-kundala

ear-ornament in the form of a leaf-scroll inserted in the ear lobe

patra-patta

leaf strip decoration of coiffure

patrakuta

leaf decoration on crown

patta

Plain or decorated bands occupying the median face of the corbel, as if binding the rolls of taranga mouldings of the corbel.

pattai

The two prismatic parts of the pillar with facets (pattai, Tamil: பட்டை).

pattigai

a basement-moulding

pattika

Projected top slab of the platform or adhishthana in line with the vertical norm or manasutra – a major moulding of considerable thickness.

pavilion

Pavilion with ornaments, pillars and kudu

pediment

triangular part crowning the front of a building

perilampen

Tamil classification of women: a woman thirty-two to forty years old

Periya Puranam

‘Great Sacred Text’ compiled by Sekkilar; the hagiographic account of the lives of the sixty-three nayanmar, or the Shiva poet-saints

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