Dwarf: 1 definition
Introduction:
Dwarf means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. 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.
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In Hinduism
Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)
Source: Shodhganga: Elements of Art and Architecture in the Trtiyakhanda of the Visnudharmottarapurana (natya)1) The Dwarf is denoted by the Sanskrit term Vāmana, whereas Vāmanāvatāra refers to one the Daśāvatāra (“ten incarnations”) (of Lord Viṣṇu) to which are assign various hand gestures (in Indian Dramas), according to the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, an ancient Sanskrit text which (being encyclopedic in nature) deals with a variety of cultural topics such as arts, architecture, music, grammar and astronomy.—The word vāmana means dwarf. In the vāmanāvatāra incarnation, lord Viṣṇu holds the form of a dwarf Brahmacārī. The Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa states that—Vāmanāvatāra is identified with oṃ mudrā. In oṃ mudrā the index finger is crocked on the extended left thumb.
2) The Dwarf (movement) is associated with Prakampitā: one of the “five types of waist-movements ” (in Sanskrit Dramas), as conveyed through Āṅgikābhinaya: one of the four divisions of Abhinaya or “ways to convey or represent one’s emotion to others”, according to the Nāṭyaśāstra and the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa.—The āṅgikābhinaya includes the histrionic representation of the limbs which is simply known as physical gestures. The Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa seems to take the word kaṭi in feminine gender and makes the divisions of waist movements in feminine gender. The Prakampitā represents a slightly shaking movement that should be adopted in the walking of hunch backs, dwarfs and persons of short height.
Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with (+50): Dwarf barberry, Dwarf bean, Dwarf bearclaw-poppy, Dwarf bilberry, Dwarf birch, Dwarf blueberry, Dwarf buckeye, Dwarf cassia, Dwarf chempaka, Dwarf chestnut, Dwarf cinquefoil, Dwarf copperleaf, Dwarf coral tree, Dwarf cornel, Dwarf crested iris, Dwarf date palm, Dwarf desert peony, Dwarf elderberry, Dwarf erythrina, Dwarf false indigo.
Full-text (+288): Vamana, Vantha, Hrasva, Khatteraka, Vamanaka, Hrasvanga, Akartana, Vamanavatara, Aditi, Lakuntaka, Dwarf mobola, Dwarf indigobush, Dwarf poinsettia, Dwarf cornel, Dwarf elderberry, Vamanarupin, Dwarf erythrina, Dwarf larkspur, Dwarf sumac, Dwarf kafferboom.
Relevant text
Search found 100 books and stories containing Dwarf; (plurals include: Dwarves). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Harivamsha Purana (by Manmatha Nath Dutt)
Chapter 45 - Vishnu’s Birth As a dwarf < [Book 3 - Bhavishya Parva]
Chapter 46 - Bali Promises to Give Lands to the Dwarf < [Book 3 - Bhavishya Parva]
Chapter 40 - The Beginning of the Dwarf Incarnation: Bali Becomes King < [Book 3 - Bhavishya Parva]
Temples of Munnur (Historical Study) (by R. Muthuraman)
The Casting of Man < [October - December 1977]
Some Guhyas and Ganas < [January – March, 1987]
The Rock-Cut Cave Temples in Trichinopoly < [September-October 1931]
Chaitanya Bhagavata (by Bhumipati Dāsa)
Verse 1.8.15 < [Chapter 8 - The Disappearance of Jagannātha Miśra]
Verse 1.2.172 < [Chapter 2 - The Lord’s Appearance]
Verse 2.3.43 < [Chapter 3 - The Lord Manifests His Varāha Form in the House of Murāri and Meets with Nityānanda]