Archives Glossary of special terms

sikhara

(also sikaram, Tamil: சிகரம்) top-covering of the vimana, above the griva; the crown; of various shapes such as square, bulbous, octagonal and wagon-roof; Roof of the vimana over the griva, domical or four-sided with a single finial, vaulted with many… Continue Reading →

silpa

art

silpasastras

text providing technical and aesthetic guidance to those empowered to mark arts and crafts

simha

lion

simha-karna

lit. leonine ear, in an attitude of beckoning

simha-mukha

Lion faced

simha-sana

a seating with a lion’s face; four-legged and is rectangular or circular in shape; its four legs are made up of four small lions

simhakarna-mudra

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 icon every day. (cf. Kataka, Kataka-hasta… Continue Reading →

simhamukha clasp

a clasp with simha-mukha

siraschakra

a circular decorative ornament provided behind the head designed like a wheel or lotus (lotus, wheel or simha-mukha forms), for attachment of flower garlands

sirastraka

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

sivapadasekhara

a royal title, lit. bearer of Shiva’s feet on his head

© 2025 The Chola Dynasty — Powered by WordPress

Theme by Anders NorenUp ↑

The Chola Dynasty
General information

My website uses cookies to give you the best possible experience.

Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to my website.

It helps me to understand which sections of the website are the most interesting and useful to you.