Ayudha, aka: Āyudha; 8 Definition(s)

Introduction

Ayudha means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Buddhism, Pali, 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.

In Hinduism

Vastushastra (architecture)

Ayudha generally translates to weapons; but, in shilpa-sastra, the term indicates whatever objects the idol holds in his or her hands. The Ayudhas delineate the nature, character and functions associated with the idol. In a way of speaking, they are the symbols of a symbolism. For instance, Saraswathi holds in her hands a book symbolizing the Vedas and learning; a Kamandala (a water jug) symbolizing smruthi, vedanga and shastras; a rosary symbolizing the cyclical nature of time; and the musical instrument veena symbolizing music and her benevolent nature.

All these objects are not weapons in the conventional sense, but the shilpa employs those as symbols to expand and depict and interpret the nature of the idol and its meaning. Each of these Ayudhas signifies a certain aspect or it stands for a concept. For instance, the mirror signifies a clear mind and awareness; the flag signifies victory or celebration; the Ankusha (goad) signifies exercising control over senses and baser instincts, Damaru in the hands of shiva signifies creation and origin of sound and learning; and, the scepter signifies authority and rule of law.

context information

Vastushastra (वास्तुशास्त्र, vāstuśāstra) refers to the ancient Indian science (shastra) of architecture (vastu), dealing with topics such architecture, sculpture, town-building, fort building and various other constructions. Vastu also deals with the philosophy of the architectural relation with the cosmic universe.

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Āyudha (आयुध).—Weapons of war, enumerated and described.^*

• * Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa IV. 22. 10-14; Matsya-purāṇa 129. 35; 149. 7-8; 173. 5, 12, 29, etc.

context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Shilpashastra (iconography)

Āyudha (आयुध) refers to the “attributes” or “accessories” of a detiy, as defined in the texts dealing with śilpa (arts and crafs), known as śilpaśāstras.—The technical terms of the attributes (āyudha) relate to the objects which the images of Hindu gods and goddesses are shown as bearing in their hands, such as weapons, musical instruments, animals, and birds. The attributes (āyudha) also relate to the various attitudes in which the hands of images are shown and the postures which the bodies of the images are made to assume. The attributes include the costume, ornaments and head gear in which they are represented. The śilpa texts have classified the various accessories under the broad heading of āyudha or karuvi (implement), including even flowers, animals, and musical instruments.

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.

Languages of India and abroad

Pali-English dictionary

āyudha : (nt.) weapon.

Āyudha, is the Vedic form of the common Pāli form āvudha weapon, and occurs only spuriously at D. I, 9 (v. l. āvudha). (Page 106)

context information

Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravāda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.

Marathi-English dictionary

āyudha (आयुध).—n (S) A weapon. 2 Laxly. An implement or a tool.

āyudha (आयुध).—n A weapon; a tool.

Sanskrit-English dictionary

Ayudha (अयुध).—A non-combatant.

Derivable forms: ayudhaḥ (अयुधः).

--- OR ---

Āyudha (आयुध).—[āyudh-ghañarthe ka]

1) A weapon, shield &c.; it is of 3 kinds (1) प्रहरण (praharaṇa), e. g. a sword; (2) हस्तमुक्त (hastamukta), e. g. a disc; (3) यन्त्रमुक्त (yantramukta), e. g. an arrow; आयुधानामहं वज्रम् (āyudhānāmahaṃ vajram) Bg.1.28. न मे त्वदन्येन विसोढमायुधम् (na me tvadanyena visoḍhamāyudham) R.3.63. An implement; वशाया यज्ञ आयुधम् (vaśāyā yajña āyudham) Av.1.1.18.

2) A vessel (Ved.).

-dham 1 Gold used for ornaments.

2) (pl.) Water (Ved.).

Derivable forms: āyudhaḥ (आयुधः), āyudham (आयुधम्).

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