Ardhacitra, Ardha-citra: 4 definitions
Introduction:
Ardhacitra 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.
Alternative spellings of this word include Ardhachitra.
In Hinduism
Shilpashastra (iconography)
Ardhacitra (अर्धचित्र) or Citrārdha refers to a “high relief sculpture” and represents a classification of Hindu images, as defined in the texts dealing with śilpa (arts and crafs), known as śilpaśāstras.—There is another classification of images into three kinds—chitra (depiction of a painting-two dimensional), chitrārdha/ardha-chitra (high relief sculpture) and chitrabhāsa (relief sculpture). Chitrārdha is an image in which half the body is not seen. It is to be done with mineral colours. It is known bhittyādaulagna-bhāvenāpy-ardhaṃ (when half of its being is attached to a wall or the surface).
Ardhacitra (अर्धचित्र) refers to “relief metal icons”, as defined in treatises such as the Pāñcarātra, Pādmasaṃhitā and Vaikhānasa-āgamas, extensively dealing with the technical features of temple art, iconography and architecture in Vaishnavism.—The Vaiṣṇava Āgamas insist that the metal icons should be made through a casting process called Madhūcchiṣṭa-kriyā. Re-iteration of this process in every place in the Agamic texts dealing with metal icons shows that there are other possible processes for metal casting. Prohibition of relief metal icons (ardhacitra) is an important aspect in the Vaiṣṇava Āgamas. Probably the casting of relief icons is by the moulding way (plate moulding). Hollow icons (antaḥsuṣira) are generally created by attaching two relief icons of one-side moulding. This is al o prohibited in the Vaiṣṇava Āgamas.
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.
Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)
1) Ardhacitra (अर्धचित्र) refers to one of the three types of icons, according to the eleventh chapter of the Kapiñjalasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra work consisting of 1550 verses dealing with a variety of topics such as worship in a temple, choosing an Ācārya, architecture, town-planning and iconography. Description of the chapter [pratimālakṣaṇa]:—The chapter opens with a description of how and from where to collect the materials-metal, stone, clay, gems or wood-that are permissible for use in constructing the kautukabera-icon (2-10a), [...]. Icons are classifiable into three categories “citra,” “ardhacitra,” and “citrābhāsa” (67b-68a). Icons are (further?) classified into those representing human forms, divine forms. etc., and according to varṇa (68b-70).
2) Ardhacitra (अर्धचित्र) or Ardhacitraka refers to “pictures and carvings”, as discussed in chapter 17 of the Viṣvaksenasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra text comprising 2800 Sanskrit verses dealing with theological matters, image-worship, iconography (relating to pratimā-icons) and the construction of temples.—Description of the chapter [jaṅgama-sthāpana]: [...] As for portable icons that reveal a posture different from that of the main icon, certain rules are to be observed in regard to the appropriatenes of the posture of the portable icon in relation to the posture of the main mūlabera-icon (9-13). So also are there specific, modified routines for sanctifying and depositing other types of secondary icons as well as pictures and carvings etc. (citrābhāsa-ardhacitraka)—for use in worship (14-53).
Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.
Languages of India and abroad
Sanskrit dictionary
Ardhacitra (अर्धचित्र).—a. Half-transparent; A kind of marble; अर्धाङ्गदृश्यमानं च तदर्धचित्रमिति स्मृतम् (ardhāṅgadṛśyamānaṃ ca tadardhacitramiti smṛtam) Māna.51.1.
Ardhacitra is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms ardha and citra (चित्र).
Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Ardha, The, The, Ardhacitra, Citra, Te.
Starts with: Ardhacitraka.
Full-text: Citrardha, Ardhacitraka, Antahsushira, Citrabhasa, Madhucchishta, Citra, Pratimalakshana.
Relevant text
Search found 4 books and stories containing Ardhacitra, Ardha-citra, The ardhacitra; (plurals include: Ardhacitras, citras, The ardhacitras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Manasara (English translation) (by Prasanna Kumar Acharya)
Chapter 51 - The Triad (trimūrti: Brahmā, Viṣṇu, and Maheśa/Śiva)
Chapter 56 - The Buddhist images (bauddha-lakṣaṇa)
Part 5 - General survey (summary of contents) < [Preface]
Manasollasa (study of Arts and Sciences) (by Mahadev Narayanrao Joshi)
1. Origin of art in India < [Chapter 4 - Fine arts in Manasollassa]
Arts in the Puranas (study) (by Meena Devadatta Jeste)
3. Origin of the art of Painting < [Chapter 5 - Painting in the Puranas]
Mural painting in Kerala (Study) (by K. I. Treesa)
2. Introduction to Chitrasutra (the art of painting) < [Chapter 2 - Visnudharmottarapurana—An Analysis]