Archives Glossary of special terms

vidyadhara

celestial being shown as flying in the air

vihara

Buddhist monastery; in India especially associated with rock-cut halls

Vikrama-chola-ula

procession of Vikrama Chola

vimalasana

Vimalāsana (विमलासन), Hexagonal in shape and is used when offerings are to be made; used as a pitha

vimana

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 →

vimana-devata

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

vina

Vīṇā (वीणा); a lute, a long-necked stringed instrument with globular resonator; A stringed musical instrument, the favourite of Sarasvatī. It consists of a longish hollow cylindrical shaft (cf. vina-danda), with a number of keys on its sides. A string or… Continue Reading →

vina-danda

the hollow shaft of the vina instrument

vinadhara

‘Player of the vina’- Shiva represented holding a vina, denoting his role as divine teacher of music

vira

Vīrā (Sanskrit: वीर) means ‘heroic’; Sitting in heroic posture with the left leg resting upon the right thigh (cf. virasana).

virakkazal

an ornament worn in token of heroic deeds, usually worn high up on the ankle

virasana

Vīrāsana (वीरासन) is the heroic seated posture with one leg on the other (cf. vira)

visarjana

ritual performed by priest at end of worship (puja) to send away the deity after temporary inhabitation of icon

Vishṇu

Vishṇu, the Protector, is one of the important gods of the Hindu pantheon. He is the embodiment of ‘Sattva-guṇa’, the property of mercy and goodness, by which the world is preserved. Vishṇu is a member of the Hindu triad, and… Continue Reading →

vishva-padmasana

also viśva-padmasana; double-petalled lotus pedestal; used as a pitha

vismaya

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.

visvapadma

inverted lotus

visvavajra

Viśvavajra (विश्ववज्र) a double thunderbolt.

vitarka

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.

vitasti

Vitasti (Sanskrit: वितस्ति), span; a unit of measurement of distance; 1 Vitasti = 12 Aṅgulas The table shows the different units of measurement in relation to each other: 8 Paramanu = 1 Rathadhūli, 8 Rathadhuli = 1 Vālāgra, 8 Valagra… Continue Reading →

vivartita

Vivartita (विवर्तित), a type of reclining posture (Sayana); Lying down with the face downwards.

© 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.