Ashtottarashatalinga, Aṣṭottaraśataliṅga, Ashtottara-shata-linga: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Ashtottarashatalinga 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 Aṣṭottaraśataliṅga can be transliterated into English as Astottarasatalinga or Ashtottarashatalinga, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Shilpashastra (iconography)

[«previous next»] — Ashtottarashatalinga in Shilpashastra glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Śilpa-śāstra

Aṣṭottaraśataliṅga (अष्टोत्तरशतलिङ्ग) is a Sanskrit word referring to one of the classes of mānuṣaliṅgas (liṅgas made by human hands), classified in the Śaivāgamas. All the mānuṣaliṅgas are made of three parts (brahmabhāga, or ‘lower part’, viṣṇubhāga, or ‘middle part’ and rudrabhāga, or ‘top-most part’). They are also carved with lines known as brahmasūtras. The word liṅga refers to a symbol used in the worship of Śiva and is used thoughout Śaiva literature, such as the sacred Āgamas.

Source: Google Books: Elements of Hindu iconography

The aṣṭottara-śata-liṅga (अष्टोत्तरशतलिङ्ग) or the 108 miniature liṅgas are required to be carved on the pūjābhāga of the sureḍhya-liṅga. They are produced by cutting four equidistant horizontal deep lines on the surface of the pūjābhāga; at right angles to these and parallel to the axis of the liṅga are to be carved twenty-seven deep lines. The portions of the surface of the main liṅga formed by the intersection of the vertical and horizontal lines are small oblongular blocks, which are later on shaped into the form of the pūjābhāga of the ordinary liṅgas by rounding the sides and the top. Thus are formed a hundred and eight liṅgas (practically half-liṅgas) attached on the back to the main liṅga.

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 ashtottarashatalinga or astottarasatalinga in the context of Shilpashastra from relevant books on Exotic India

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