Saffron: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Saffron means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, biology. 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: Shodhganga: Elements of Art and Architecture in the Trtiyakhanda of the Visnudharmottarapurana (shilpa)

Saffron is denoted by the Sanskrit term Kusumbha and represents one of the various substances used in the process of creating a Canvas, in the ancient Indian art of Painting (citra), 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.—Canvas is a kind of surface on which a painter can draw a picture. In ancient time walls are seen to be plastered with different substances (i.e., “saffron”) and these were prepared for Painting. [...] For the process of plastering on a wall (i.e., kuḍya or bhitti), the painter needs to mix and mingle various ingredients [viz., kusumbha i.e., saffron, ... etc.]. After that, the mixture should be transferred to a touch stone mortar for the process of pounding.

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.

Discover the meaning of saffron in the context of Shilpashastra from relevant books on Exotic India

Biology (plants and animals)

Source: Google Books: CRC World Dictionary (Regional names)

1) Saffron in English is the name of a plant defined with Crocus sativus in various botanical sources. This page contains potential references in Ayurveda, modern medicine, and other folk traditions or local practices It has the synonym Safran officinarum Medik. (among others).

2) Saffron is also identified with Elaeodendron croceum It has the synonym Cassine crocea (Thunb.) Kuntze (etc.).

Example references for further research on medicinal uses or toxicity (see latin names for full list):

· BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2004)
· Gard. Chron. (1879)
· Illustrations of the Botany of the Himalayan Mountains (1834)
· Fl. Ital. (1860)
· Regnum Vegetabile, or ‘a Series of Handbooks for the Use of Plant Taxonomists and Plant Geographers’ (1993)
· Species Plantarum (1753)

If you are looking for specific details regarding Saffron, for example diet and recipes, pregnancy safety, health benefits, extract dosage, chemical composition, side effects, have a look at these references.

Biology book cover
context information

This sections includes definitions from the five kingdoms of living things: Animals, Plants, Fungi, Protists and Monera. It will include both the official binomial nomenclature (scientific names usually in Latin) as well as regional spellings and variants.

Discover the meaning of saffron in the context of Biology from relevant books on Exotic India

See also (Relevant definitions)

Relevant text

Related products

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: