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

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

a lute, a long-necked stringed instrument with globular resonator

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

virakkazal

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

virasana

hero’s seated pose with one leg on the other

visarjana

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

visvapadma

inverted lotus

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