In Hinduism

Shilpashastra (iconography)

Source: Shodhganga: The significance of the mūla-beras (śilpa)

Dhanurhasta (धनुर्हस्त) or simply Dhanus refers to “bow-hold” and represents one of the twenty-four gestures with a single hand, as defined according to texts dealing with śilpa (arts and crafs), known as śilpaśāstras.—Accordingly, pratimā-lakṣaṇa (body postures of the icons) is comprised of hand gestures (hasta, mudrā or kai-amaiti), stances/poses (āsanas) and inflexions of the body (bhaṅgas). There are thirty-two types of hands [viz., dhanurhasta] classified into two major groups known as tolirkai (functional and expressive gestures) and elirkai (graceful posture of the hand).

(Description of Dhanus-hasta): The middle and ring fingers are placed over the bow, with the palm turned inward. The forefinger and little fingers are raised gracefully above. The thumb is bent forward until its tip rests on the bow.

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

Dhanuhastā (धनुहस्ता) refers to “she who holds a bow” and is used to describe Kṣemakārī—one of the nine attendants of Goddess Tvaritā, according to the Agnipurāṇa, the Tantrarāja verse 14.15-16 and the Kulakaulinīmata verse 3.82-88.—Accordingly, “[...] Huṃkārī (She who makes the sound Huṃ) has a club and is black. 8) Kṣemakārī (Forgiving One) is fierce at first (but then becomes gracious). She is naked, has three eyes and three nets. She rises up holding the earth and is intent (protsantī) on devouring the universe. 9) Pheṭkārī holds a bow [i.e., dhanuhastā]. She is Kaulikā and is placed in the middle. [...]”.

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.

Languages of India and abroad

Sanskrit dictionary

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Dhanuhastā (धनुहस्ता):—[=dhanu-hastā] [from dhanu] f. Name of a being attendant on Devī, [Horace H. Wilson]

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Dhanurhasta (धनुर्हस्त):—[=dhanur-hasta] [from dhanur > dhanu] mfn. bow in hand, having a bow, [Horace H. Wilson]

[Sanskrit to German]

Dhanuhasta in German

context information

Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Dhanus, Dhanu, Hasta, Tanu.

Full-text: Dhanus, Rama, Pattabhirama, Shrirama.

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Search found 1 books and stories containing Dhanuhasta, Dhanurhasta, Dhanu-hasta, Dhanuhastā, Dhanur-hasta, Dhanu-hastā, Dhanus-hasta, Dhanus-hastā, Dhanu-hastā; (plurals include: Dhanuhastas, Dhanurhastas, hastas, Dhanuhastās, hastās). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

The Linga Purana (by J. L. Shastri)

Chapter 21 - Eulogy of Lord Śiva < [Section 1 - Uttarabhāga]

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