celestial being shown as flying in the air
Buddhist monastery; in India especially associated with rock-cut halls
procession of Vikrama Chola
Vimalāsana (विमलासन), Hexagonal in shape and is used when offerings are to be made; used as a pitha
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
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. vīṇā-daṇḍa), with a number of keys on its sides. A string or… Continue Reading →
the hollow shaft of the vīṇā instrument
‘Player of the vīṇā’- Śiva represented holding a vīṇā, denoting his role as divine teacher of music
Vīrā (Sanskrit: वीर) means ‘heroic’; Sitting in heroic posture with the left leg resting upon the right thigh (cf. vīrāsana).
an ornament worn in token of heroic deeds, usually worn high up on the ankle
Vīrāsana (वीरासन) is the heroic seated posture with one leg on the other (cf. vīra)
ritual performed by priest at end of worship (puja) to send away the deity after temporary inhabitation of icon
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 →
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; also represents the surprise
also viśva-padmāsana; double-petalled lotus pedestal; used as a pitha
inverted lotus
Viśvavajra (विश्ववज्र) a double thunderbolt.
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 (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 →
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