Ardhacandra, aka: Ardha-candra; 9 Definition(s)

Introduction

Ardhacandra means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, the history of ancient India, Marathi. 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.

Alternative spellings of this word include Ardhachandra.

In Hinduism

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Ardhacandra (अर्धचन्द्र, “crescent moon”) refers to a gesture (āṅgika) made with a ‘single hand’ (asaṃyuta), according to the Nāṭyaśāstra chapter 8. The hands (hasta) form a part of the human body which represents one of the six major limbs (aṅga) used in dramatic performance. With these limbs are made the various gestures (āṅgika), which form a part of the histrionic representation (abhinaya).

One of the Twenty-eight Single Hands (hasta):—Ardha-candra (half-moon): the thumb of the Patāka hand isstretched out. Usage: the moon on the eighth day of the dark fortnight, a hand seizing the throat, a spear, consecrating animage, a platter, origin, waist, anxiety, one’s self, meditation,prayer, touching the limbs, greeting common people.

Note: This hand often replaces the Patāka, e.g., in the Abhaya-mudrā.

According to another book: same definition. This hand originatesfrom the desire of Śiva for ornaments, of which the moonis one. Its sage is Atri, its race Vaiṣya, its colour smoky, itspatron deity Mahādeva. Usage: bangle, wrist, mirror, astonishment, effort, intemperance, entirety, beating time, tying up the hair, supporting the cheek in grief, the ear of an elephant, expelling evil-doers, wiping sweat from the brow, adolescence, ability, moon, greeting common people, consecration, eyebrow, cloth, bow, preëminence, tightening the girdle, making a vessel, the body, movement of the feet, carrying a child, the back, white colour, Vaiṣya caste.

Ardhacandra (अर्धचन्द्र, “crescent moon”).—A type of gesture (āṅgika) made with a single hand (asaṃyuta-hasta);—(Instructions): The fingers and the thumb so bent as to make a curve like a bow.

(Uses): With this should be represented young trees, crescent moon, conch shell, jar (kalaśa), bracelet, forcible opening, exertion, thinness and drinking. With this [very] Ardhacandra hand women should represent girdle, hip waist, face, Tālapatra and earring.

context information

Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (śāstra) of performing arts, (nāṭya, e.g., 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) and poetic works (kavya).

Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy)

Ardhacandrā (अर्धचन्द्रा):—One of the sixty-eight Rasauṣadhi, very powerful drugs known to be useful in alchemical processes related to mercury (rasa), according to Rasaprakāśa-sudhākara (chapter 9).

context information

Rasashastra (रसशास्त्र, rasaśāstra) is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

Shilpashastra (iconography)

Ardhacandra (अर्धचन्द्र) or Ardhacandrahasta refers to “half moon” and represents one of the twenty-four gestures with a single hand, as defined according to texts dealing with śilpa (arts and crafs), known as śilpaśāstras.—Accordingly, pratimā-lakṣaṇa (body postures of the icons) is comprised of hand gestures (hasta, mudrā or kai-amaiti), stances/poses (āsanas) and inflexions of the body (bhaṅgas). There are thirty-two types of hands [viz., ardhacandra-hasta] classified into two major groups known as tolirkai (functional and expressive gestures) and elirkai (graceful posture of the hand).

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.

India history and geogprahy

Ardha-candra.—(SITI), literally, ‘half-moon’; a part of the tiruvāśi; a variety of ornament. (SII 2), the arch of an aureola. Note: ardha-candra is defined in the “Indian epigraphical glossary” as it can be found on ancient inscriptions commonly written in Sanskrit, Prakrit or Dravidian languages.

context information

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

Languages of India and abroad

Marathi-English dictionary

ardhacandra (अर्धचंद्र).—m (S) The moon in her half increase or decrease, half-moon. 2 fig. The hand curved semicircularly, as for the purpose of clutching. 3 A clutch by the neck and push. v dē 4 A semicircular object or appearance gen.

ardhacandra (अर्धचंद्र).—m The half-moon, crescent moon. The hand bent into a semi-circle, for the purpose of seizing or clutching anything. ardhacandra dēṇēṃ To seize by the neck and turn out.

Sanskrit-English dictionary

Ardhacandra (अर्धचन्द्र).—a. crescent-shaped.

-ndraḥ

Ardhacandra is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms ardha and candra (चन्द्र).

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