Offering: 1 definition

Introduction:

Offering 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) Offering (oblations) is associated with Mukula-hasta: one of the twenty-two Single-hand Gestures (in Indian Dramas) (known as asaṃyuktahastas), 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 Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa suggests that the tips of all fingers of the hand should be joined together to make this posture. When the tips of all fingers are joined together, it makes a shape of a blooming bud. [...] The posture mukula-hasta is formed to show the activities like worshiping of deities and offering oblations. Moreover, to show the lotus flower this hand posture is suggested to be used in dance performance in the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa.

2) Offering flowers (by entering in the stage) is associated with Āyata: one of the “three kinds of Standing Postures for Women”.—Standing postures are determined separately for male and female. In the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa three kinds of standing postures are discussed for women. The āyata posture is used at the time of offering flowers by entering in the stage.

Natyashastra book cover
context information

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).

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