Crab: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Crab 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.

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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 Crab (animal) is denoted by the Sanskrit term Kulira or Karkaṭa, whereas Karkaṭahasta refers to one of the thirteen Combined-hand Gestures (in Indian Dramas) (known as saṃyuktahastas), 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.—According to the Śabdakalpadruma, karkaṭa means kulira i.e., crab. In karkaṭahasta, fingers are passed between the fingers of both hands together and it makes the shape of a crab. This posture is used while yawning. According to Abhinayadarpaṇa, this karkaṭa-hasta is used to denote coming of a crowd, showing the stomach, filling the conch-shell, twisting limbs, pulling branch etc.

Natyashastra book cover
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).

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Ayurveda (science of life)

Veterinary Medicine (The study and treatment of Animals)

Source: archive.org: The Elephant Lore of the Hindus

The Crab can be denoted by the Sanskrit term Kulīra (whose smell is said to resemble the odor of certain elephants), according to the 15th century Matangalila composed by Nilakantha in 263 Sanskrit verses, dealing with elephantology in ancient  India, focusing on the science of management and treatment of elephants.—[Cf. chapter 8, “on marks of character”]: “12. Delighted with leavings (of food), right easily frightened, having a sour, acrid odor or that of a goat, of bones, or of a crab (kulīra) [śuktāmlabastāsthikulīragandhaḥ], wrathful, treacherous (changeable, ‘easy to be parted’), cowardly, ungrateful, this base elephant is a Śudra (serf) in character”.

Ayurveda book cover
context information

Āyurveda (आयुर्वेद, ayurveda) is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Āyurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

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