Breast: 3 definitions

Introduction
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In Hinduism
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Introduction:

Breast 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.

Images (photo gallery)

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In Hinduism

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Source: Shodhganga: Elements of Art and Architecture in the Trtiyakhanda of the Visnudharmottarapurana (natya)

The Breast (of a woman) is associated with Padmakośa-hasta: one of the twenty-two Single-hand Gestures (in Indian Dramas) (known as asaṃyuktahastas), according to the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, an ancient Sanskrit text which (being encyclopedic in nature) deals with a variety of cultural topics such as arts, architecture, music, grammar and astronomy.—The word padmakośa means the calyx of a lotus. [...] The uses of the padmakośa-hasta posture are not mentioned in the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa. But according to the Abhinayadarpaṇa, this posture denotes some round shaped objects like breast of a woman, ball, round shaped cooking pot, egg and bell. The padmakośa posture is also used to show the blowing buds of flowers like marigold, lotus etc. Some kind of fruits like mango and wood apple are also portrayed with his hand posture.

context information

Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

Yoga (school of philosophy)

Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation by Jason Birch

The Breasts (of women) are denoted by the Sanskrit term Kuca, according to the Yogatārāvalī: a short Yoga text of twenty-nine verses presenting Haṭhayoga as the means to Rājayoga (i.e., Samādhi).—Accordingly, while describing the no-mind state: “Let this mind wander into thoughtless Samādhi or into a pair of voluptuous breasts (kuca-kalaśa-yuga) of [women] whose eyes are [as alluring as those of] the spotted black deer. Let it roam among the thoughts of idiots or the thoughts of the wise. The merits and faults produced by thought do not touch me, the king [of Rājayoga]”.

context information

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as āsanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

The Breast is sometimes associated with either (1) Vaṭasiṃha or (2) Virajeśa—both grouped under the Sixteen Siddhas according to the Manthānabhairavatantra, a vast sprawling work that belongs to a corpus of Tantric texts concerned with the worship of the goddess Kubjikā.—These sixteen spiritual teachers represent the disciples of the Nine Nāthas who propagated the Western Transmission noted in the Kubjikā Tantras.—Various texts record the locations of the sixteen Siddhas within the body (called ‘doors’). For example, the Kulakaulinīmata mentions the Nose, whereas the Ṭīkā mentions the Breast and the Kumārikākhaṇḍa mentions Semen as the location of Vaṭasiṃha. While for Virajeśa it is: Mouth, Breast and kuṇḍalinī.

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.

Relevant text

Search found 350 books and stories containing Breast, Breasts; (plurals include: Breasts, Breastses). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Critical review of Stana Sharir, Stanya, and Stana Roga in Ayurveda. < [2024: Volume 13, February issue 3]

A critical compendious study of stana shareer < [2021: Volume 10, February issue 2]

A review on breast cancer < [2015: Volume 4, July issue 7]

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2.1. Upper Garments (n): Breast Cloth < [Chapter 2 - Costumes]

4. Dressing of Women < [Chapter 2 - Costumes]

1. Materials for Garments (d): Grass clothes < [Chapter 2 - Costumes]

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A literary review: stanya (updhatu of rasa) < [2023, Issue 06, June]

Efficacy of vajrakanjika in the management of stanya kshaya – a clinical study < [2018, Issue IV April]

A review of stanyashaya < [2023, Issue 04, April]

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