hall of disputation
a vehicle; generally applied to animal mount of various deities; mount on which a deity rides
cross belt
libertine
pertaining to Vishnu
one of four castes in Hindu society, the occupations are consists mainly of agriculture, taking care of cattle, trade and other business pursuits
bridal form
a thunderbolt weapon represented with double trident joined together, associated with Indra
This is symbolic of the Supreme and Eternal Buddha. The wrists are crossed at the chest and hold the vajra and ghanta (thunderbolt and bell).
vajra instrument
unit of measurement
the proboscis of Ganesa turned right instead of the usual left
wristlet (cf. kankana)
a simple wristlet
Vishnu’s garland
a stiff decorated ornament worn on the upper arm
The hand-pose which confers grace or boon. In this gesture of the hand, the palm of the hand with fingers extended downward, is held below the waist, as far as the hand can reach.; see varada, varada-hasta and varada-mudra
a gesture bestowing boon; see vara
a hand lowered; palm forward, fingers pointing downwards; The hand-pose which confers grace or boon. In this gesture of the hand, the palm of the hand with fingers extended downward, is held below the waist, as far as the hand… Continue Reading →
hand-pose conferring a boon; The hand-pose which confers grace or boon. In this gesture of the hand, the palm of the hand with fingers extended downward, is held below the waist, as far as the hand can reach.; see vara
(also vayil) the doors of the monumental entrances of the gopuram is ordinarily twice as hight as it wide. The height is often considerable. The two shutters (flaps of a door) are made of wood and have partitions. (vasal, Tamil:… Continue Reading →
window
boy
(also vasal) the doors of the monumental entrances of the gopuram is ordinarily twice as hight as it wide. The height is often considerable. The two shutters (flaps of a door) are made of wood and have partitions. (vayil, Tamil:… Continue Reading →
‘knowledge’ – sacred Hindu scriptures, regarded by orthodoxy as divine revelation
railing
a single edged spear
a human skull
male skirt (also lungi or dhoti)
prostitute
celestial being shown as flying in the air
Buddhist monastery; in India especially associated with rock-cut halls
procession of Vikrama Chola
Hexagonal in shape and is used when offerings are to be made
The sanctum together with its superstructure (from the upapitam to the stupi); (vimana, Tamil: விமானம்); ‘chariot of the gods’ – main tower of temple, considered to be a divine aerial palace inhabited by the gods; also applied to temple as… Continue Reading →
sculpture of a deity placed in a niche on the outer wall of the garbhagriha or on the upper tala of the vimana
a lute, a long-necked stringed instrument with globular resonator
the hollow shaft of the vina instrument
‘Player of the vina’- Shiva represented holding a vina, denoting his role as divine teacher of music
an ornament worn in token of heroic deeds, usually worn high up on the ankle
hero’s seated pose with one leg on the other
ritual performed by priest at end of worship (puja) to send away the deity after temporary inhabitation of icon
also viśva-padmasana; double-petalled lotus pedestal
This hand-pose is indicative of astonishment and wonder. In the hand-gesture, the fore-arm is lifted and the palm turned inward with the fingers spread out in a circular manner to denote inquiry.
inverted lotus
The mudra of argument. In this hand-pose, the thumb and index finger are joined to make a ring. All the other fingers are extended upwards.
circular
hand gesture of explanation, especially associated with Shiva and his followers
hand-pose in the attitude of teaching or exposition; 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.
Loenine figure
Decorative frieze with vyala’s usually as part of the adhishthana and on top of the entablature of each tala, marking the end of the cross-joists in original timberwork.
Decorative frieze with vyala’s usually as part of the adhishthana and on top of the entablature of each tala, marking the end of the cross-joists in original timberwork.
the great seer who edited the Vedas
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