Adhamottama, Adhama-uttama: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Adhamottama means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Shilpashastra (iconography)

Source: Wisdom Library: Śilpa-śāstra

Adhamottama (अधमोत्तम) is a Sanskrit technical term, referring to a classification of pīṭhas, used in the construction of liṅgas. To obtain the measurement of the side of the adhamottama type of pīṭha, divide the total length of the liṅga into 24 equal parts (sometimes 32 parts), and take 18 parts for the length of the side. The word liṅga refers to a symbol used in the worship of Śiva and is used thoughout Śaiva literature, such as the sacred Āgamas.

Shilpashastra book cover
context information

Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, śilpaśāstra) represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

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In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

[«previous next»] — Adhamottama in Jainism glossary
Source: The University of Sydney: A study of the Twelve Reflections

Adhamottama (अधमोत्तम) refers to the “lowest and highest” (modes of existence), according to the 11th century Jñānārṇava, a treatise on Jain Yoga in roughly 2200 Sanskrit verses composed by Śubhacandra.—Accordingly, “Alas! Having joined with the lowest and highest modes [of existence] (adhamottama-paryāya) in the period of [a life] time, this cycle of rebirth deceives the multitude of sentient beings. A god becomes [filled] with lamenting, a dog ascends to heaven, a Brāhman might become discernible in substance [as a dog] or an insect or even a low outcaste”.

Synonyms: Jaghanyottama.

General definition book cover
context information

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

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See also (Relevant definitions)

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