Ayyappan: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Ayyappan means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, the history of ancient India. 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
Shilpashastra (iconography)
Source: Shodhganga: The significance of the mūla-beras (śilpa)Ayyappan is the name of a deity depicted at the Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram, one of the most sacred places for the worship of the Goddess (Devī).— Ayyappan is represented as seated with the left leg folded and the right leg hanging loose. In dance it is called aindra-maṇḍala in araimandi (the basic stance of half sitting with knees apart). In iconography, it is called vīrāsana. The right hand holds kapittha and the left hand is placed on the left knee in dolā. In iconographic terms, the right hand is said to be in kaṭaka-hasta and the left hand in dolā hasta or nidrā-hasta also. The consorts of Ayyappan, Pūrna and Puṣkalā, are found to the right and the left of Ayyappan. Elephant and deer are also found in front of Ayyappan. Pūrna’s left hand holds kapittha/kaṭaka and the right hand is in dolā. Puṣkalā holds kapittha/kaṭaka in her right hand and the left hand is dolā-hasta.
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 geography
Source: Yale Journal of Music & Religion: Ritual Music in Contemporary Brahmanical Tantric Temples of KeralaAyyappan is the name of a deity worshipped in 13th century Kerala.—During this period, three rulers emerged as the most powerful: the Kōlatiri of Kōḷattunāṭu, the Sāmūtiri of Calicut (Ēṛanāṭu), and the Tiruvadi of Vēnāṭu. They worshipped fierce deities associated with warfare, such as Bhadrakālī, the Sapta Mātṛkas, Vēṭṭaykkorumakan, and Ayyappan; built new temples; and patronized priestly non-Brahmanical groups who maintained the ritual activities. Royal support facilitated the spread of the cults of these gods among warriors and other groups.
The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, 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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Ayyappana.
Full-text: Vettaykkorumakan, Bhadrakali, Saptamatrika, Tiruvadi, Kolatiri, Samutiri, Shabarimala, Tirayattam, Kshetra.
Relevant text
Search found 4 books and stories containing Ayyappan; (plurals include: Ayyappans). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Puranic encyclopaedia (by Vettam Mani)
Pallava period (Social and Cultural History) (by S. Krishnamurthy)
Buddhism during the Pallava period < [Chapter 3 - Socio-Religious Life]
Elephantology and its Ancient Sanskrit Sources (by Geetha N.)
Sanskrit sources of Kerala history (by Suma Parappattoli)
11. Sri Narayana Vijayam of Balarama Panickar < [Chapter 3 - Historical Details from Mahakavyas]
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