Vishnupraharana, Viṣṇupraharaṇa, Vishnu-praharana: 1 definition

Introduction:

Vishnupraharana 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.

The Sanskrit term Viṣṇupraharaṇa can be transliterated into English as Visnupraharana or Vishnupraharana, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

[«previous next»] — Vishnupraharana in Natyashastra glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Nāṭya-śāstra

Viṣṇupraharaṇa (विष्णुप्रहरण) is the Sanskrit name for a deity (“weapon of Viṣṇu”) to be worshipped during raṅgapūjā, according to the Nāṭyaśāstra 3.1-8. Accordingly, the master of the dramatic art who has been initiated for the purpose shall consecrate the playhouse after he has made obeisance (e.g., to Viṣṇupraharaṇa).

During the ceremony called the ‘consecration of the mattavāraṇī’, gods and demigods should be worshipped with offerings (e.g. different kinds of foodstuff ) and mantras, according to the Nāṭyaśāstra 3.40-44.

The mantra for Rudrapraharaṇa and Viṣṇupraharaṇa:

रुद्रप्रहरणं सर्वं प्रतिगृह्णातु मे बलिम् ।
विष्णुप्रहरणं चैव विष्णुभक्त्या मयोद्यतम् ॥

rudrapraharaṇaṃ sarvaṃ pratigṛhṇātu me balim |
viṣṇupraharaṇaṃ caiva viṣṇubhaktyā mayodyatam ||

“O weapons of Rudra, ye accept my offerings. O weapons of Viṣṇu, ye too accept [things given by me] out of devotion for Viṣṇu.”

According to Nāṭyaśāstra 3.96-97, “Offering worship to the gods of the stage is as meritorious as a [Vedic] sacrifice. No dramatic performance should be made without first worshipping the deities presiding over the stage. When worshipped, they (these gods) will bring you worship, and honoured they will bring you honour. Hence one should by all efforts offer pūjā to the gods of 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).

Discover the meaning of vishnupraharana or visnupraharana in the context of Natyashastra from relevant books on Exotic India

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