Deity, Deities: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Deity 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
Shilpashastra (iconography)
Iconography of Deities within the Bhairava Tantras.—Deities appear in multiple forms, sometimes manifesting as mantras and at others resembling their Purāṇic forms. The practitioner uses these scriptural depictions of deities to call forth a visualized form that appears on the ritual diagram, the maṇḍala. He then performs sacrificial rites in which he presents the deity ritual offerings and asks for salvation (mokṣa) or worldly enjoyments (bhoga).
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.
General definition (in Hinduism)
Deities are well-represented in Hindu temples which ultimately serve to connect man and the divine and to help the people to develop their spiritual knowledge.—The temple is a place where the devotees can get the environment to connect themselves with their lords. The Hindu temple consists of all the cosmic elements from fire to water, images of nature to deities, Gods remain feminine to masculine, kāma to artha, fleeting sounds and incense smells etc. by which one can celebrate life. Stella Kramrisch, the author of The Hindu Temple also keeps her view point in the same spirit. The Hindu temples are designed for the purpose of making connection between man and the divine and to help the people to develop their spiritual knowledge and truth.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Deity, The, The, Te.
Full-text (+12200): Indra, Brahma, Mantra, Agni, Varuna, Vishnu, Vayu, Surya, Aditya, Grihadevata, Shiva, Skandha, Ishtadevata, Yantra, Devata, Rudra, Darshana, Naivedya, Kubera, Devaka.
Relevant text
Search found 537 books and stories containing Deity, Deities, The deities, The deity; (plurals include: Deities, Deitieses, The deitieses, The deities). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Satapatha-brahmana (by Julius Eggeling)
Kanda XII, adhyaya 1, brahmana 3 < [Twelfth Kanda]
Kanda X, adhyaya 3, brahmana 2 < [Tenth Kanda]
Kanda IV, adhyaya 6, brahmana 3 < [Fourth Kanda]
Mahabharata (English) (by Kisari Mohan Ganguli)
Section LXXXV < [Anusasanika Parva]
Section LXXXIV < [Anusasanika Parva]
Section CCCXXXV < [Mokshadharma Parva]
Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi (by Ganganatha Jha)
Verse 2.189 < [Section XXX - Rules to be observed by the Religious Student]
Verse 2.176 < [Section XXX - Rules to be observed by the Religious Student]
Verse 3.117 < [Section VII - Duties of the Householder]
Kailash: Journal of Himalayan Studies
Part 8 - Laula Guruwa or the First Initiation < [Tharus of Dang: Tharu Religion]
Part 2 - Deities and Ritual Objects Enshrined in the Deity-room < [Tharus of Dang: Tharu Religion]
Part 4.2.6 - Bhwaj (the main marriage ceremony) < [Tharus of Dang: Rites de Passage and Festivals]
Parama Samhita (English translation) (by Krishnaswami Aiyangar)
Chapter 13 - Worship to gain one’s wishes (kāmya-yoga)
Chapter 19 - Installation of the deity in a temple (sthāpana)
Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
The Ritual of the Buddhoṣṇīṣa Vijaya Dhāraṇī Maṇḍala < [Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies 1.2 (2018)]
Shamans, Mediums, and Chinese Buddhism: a Brief Reconnaissance < [Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies 1.2 (2018)]
On the ‘Shintō’ Statues of Matsuo Shrine < [Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies 1.2 (2018)]
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