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Shilpashastra (iconography)

Source: Wisdom Library: Śilpa-śāstra

Bhūtavetāla (भूतवेताल) is a Sanskrit name referring to one of the eight manifestations of Unmatta, who is a form of Bhairava. According to the Rudrayāmala, there are eight main forms of Bhairava who control the eight directions of this universe. Each form (e.g., Unmatta) has a further eight sub-manifestations (e.g., Bhūtavetāla), thus resulting in a total of 64 Bhairavas.

When depicting Bhūtavetāla according to traditional iconographic rules (śilpaśāstra), one should depcit him (and other forms of Unmatta) having a white color and good looks; he should carry in his hands the kuṇḍa, the kheṭaka, the parigha (a kind of club) and bhiṇḍipāla. The word Śilpaśāstra refers to an ancient Hindu science of arts and crafts, dealing with subjects such as painting, sculpture and iconography.

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.

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Bhūtavetāla (भूतवेताल) refers to “ghosts and demons”, according to the Manthānabhairavatantra, a vast sprawling work that belongs to a corpus of Tantric texts concerned with the worship of the goddess Kubjikā.—Accordingly, “[...] His body is adorned on the left (by his consort) and he is adorned with a garland of wild flowers. He wears earrings made of snakes and his sacred thread is Vāsuki. The Lord is adorned with tinkling anklets and sits on a ghost in the lotus posture. He is adorned with the five insignia and a garland of severed heads that hangs from his neck up to his feet. He dances with the bliss of wine and is accompanied by heroes and Bhairavas. Sixty-four Yoginīs and great mothers encompass him. He is endowed with sixty-four energies and adorned with ghosts and demons [i.e., bhūtavetāla-śobhita]. O Śambhu, Bhairava is said to have as his seat (āsana) the Supreme Goddess”.

context information

Shakta (शाक्त, śākta) or Shaktism (śāktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Bhuta, Vetala.

Full-text: Unmatta.

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Search found 1 books and stories containing Bhutavetala, Bhūtavetāla, Bhuta-vetala; (plurals include: Bhutavetalas, Bhūtavetālas, vetalas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Śrī Rādhā Sahasra-nāma Stotra

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