In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: Google Books: Cultural History from the Vāyu Purāna

Dhanu (धनु): A unit of measurement of distance, according to the Vāyu Purāṇa (वायु पुराण). The following table gives some idea about their relations to each other:

8 Aṅgulas = Prādeśa (?); 21 Aṅgulas = Ratni; 24 Aṅgulas = Hasta; 2000 Dhanus = Gavyūti;

12 Aṅgulas = Vitasti; 2 Ratnis or 42 Aṅgulas = Kiṣku; 4 hastas = Dhanus; 8000 Dhanus = Yojana.

Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Dhanus (धनुस्) refers to a “bow”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.5.21 (“Description of the Special War”).—Accordingly, as Jalandhara fought with Śiva’s Gaṇas: “[...] Then both of them [=Jalandhara and Vīrabhadra], the most excellent of heroes refulgent like the sun, fought each other with different kinds of weapons and missiles. Vīrabhadra then felled his horses with his arrows. He forcefully cut off his bow (dhanus) and flags too. [...]”.

context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Shilpashastra (iconography)

Source: Google Books: Elements of Hindu iconography

Dhanus is the bow. It has three different shapes. The first is like an arc of a circle, with the ends joined by a string or thong taking the place of the chord. In the second variety, it has three bends, the top and bottom bends being smaller and turned in a direction opposite to that of the middle bend which is the larger one. The third variety has five bends and belongs to a much later period in the evolution of this weapon.

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

1) Dhanus (धनुस्, “bow”) refers to one of the several “attributes” (āyudha) or “accessories” of a detiy commonly seen depicted in Hindu iconography, defined according to texts dealing with śilpa (arts and crafs), known as śilpaśāstras.—Dhanus is the bow. It has three different shapes. The first is like an arc of arc of a circle, with the ends joined by a string or thong taking the place of the chord. In the second variety, it has three bends, the top and bottom bends being smaller and turned in a direction opposite to that of the middle bend which is the larger one. The third variety has five bends.

2) Dhanus (धनुस्) or Dhanurhasta 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., dhanus-hasta] classified into two major groups known as tolirkai (functional and expressive gestures) and elirkai (graceful posture of the hand).

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.

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Source: Wisdom Library: Nāṭya-śāstra

Dhanus (धनुस्, “bow”).—There are four acts related to the (use of the) bow, according to the Nāṭyaśāstra chapter 11.

1. parimārjana (preparing),
2. ādāna (taking an arrow),
3. sandhāna (taking an aim),
4. mokṣaṇa (shooting).

The dhanus (“bow”) should measure should measure eight tālas (unit of measurement) and the distance between the bow and the string at the time of shooting should be 2 hastakas, according to Nāṭyaśāstra chapter 23. In dramatic plays, weapons such as dhanus should be made by experts using proper measurements and given to persons engaged in a fight, angry conflict or siege. It forms a component of āhāryābhinaya (extraneous representation).

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).

Dhanurveda (science of warfare)

Source: Wisdom Library: Dhanurveda

Dhanus (धनुस्) refers to a weapon (“bow”). It is a Sanskrit word defined in the Dhanurveda-saṃhitā, which contains a list of no less than 117 weapons. The Dhanurveda-saṃhitā is said to have been composed by the sage Vasiṣṭha, who in turn transmitted it trough a tradition of sages, which can eventually be traced to Śiva and Brahmā.

Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts (dh)

Dhanus (धनुस्) refers to the “bow” (which is said to be the best of weapons), as discussed in chapter 10 of the Ṛṣirātra section of the Sanatkumārasaṃhitā: an encyclopedic Sanskrit text written in over 3500 verses dealing with a variety of topics such as yoga, temple-building, consecration ceremonies, initiation and dhanurveda (martial arts).—Description of the chapter [śastra-lakṣaṇa]: Sanatkumāra offers to recount the story of how the weapons of the Lord came into being when the gods requested Nārāyaṇa to help them in their encounters with the demons. [...] He also composed a handbook, known as the Dhanurveda, which has been passed down from generation to generation. It tells how to use these weapons, both as astra or as śastra effectively. Of all the weapons, the best is the dhanus-bow—and there are several five-fold classifications of weapons given here, along with the five types of people who may most effectively use them, the five grips most sure to give careful aim, etc. (32-55).

context information

Dhanurveda (धनुर्वेद) refers to the “knowledge of warfare” and, as an upaveda, is associated with the Ṛgveda. It contains instructions on warfare, archery and ancient Indian martial arts, dating back to the 2nd-3rd millennium BCE.

Vastushastra (architecture)

Source: Wisdom Library: Vāstu-śāstra

Dhanus (धनुस्) corresponds with the Sagittarius zodiac sign and refers to the ninth of twelve rāśi (zodiacal sign), according to the Mānasāra. Rāśi is one of the three alternative principles, besides the six āyādiṣaḍvarga, used to constitute the “horoscope” of an architectural or iconographic object. Their application is intended to “verify” the measurements of the architectural and iconographic object against the dictates of astrology that lay out the conditions of auspiciousness.

The particular rāśi (e.g., dhanus) of all architectural and iconographic objects (settlement, building, image) must be calculated and ascertained. This process is based on the principle of the remainder. An arithmetical formula to be used in each case is stipulated, which engages one of the basic dimensions of the object (breadth, length, or perimeter/circumference). All twelve rāśis, except the eighth (vṛścika) are auspicious.

Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions (architecture)

Dhanus (धनुस्) refers to a “bow” (weapon), according to the Piṅgalāmata (verse 10.93-128).— Accordingly, [while describing the pura on a 9-by-9-plan and the 32 padas]—“At Gṛhakṣata one should set up [a storeroom for] bows (dhanus), arrows, swords, and other weapons. At Yama there should be a place for ascetics to achieve contemplation of the self. Singers are stationed at Gandharva. At Bhṛṅga is a hall for the exposition [of the śāstras]. Or one may construct a large maṭha on the four [positions] which are Gṛhakṣata and [Yama, Gandharva and Bhṛṅga]”.

context information

Vastushastra (वास्तुशास्त्र, vāstuśāstra) refers to the ancient Indian science (shastra) of architecture (vastu), dealing with topics such architecture, sculpture, town-building, fort building and various other constructions. Vastu also deals with the philosophy of the architectural relation with the cosmic universe.

Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma)

Source: Pure Bhakti: Arcana-dipika - 3rd Edition

Dhanur (धनुर्) corresponds to “sagittarius” (mid December to mid January) and refers to one of the zodiac signs (rāśī) in the Vedic calendar.—Rāśī refers to the different signs of the zodiac through which the sun travels. For precise dates, please refer to a Vedic calendar. In accordance with the zodiac sign the sun is situated in, one would utter [for example, dhanur-rāśī sthite bhāskare]

context information

Vaishnava (वैष्णव, vaiṣṇava) or vaishnavism (vaiṣṇavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Dhanus (धनुस्) (Cf. Cāpa) refers to “bows”, according to the Ṣaṭsāhasrasaṃhitā, an expansion of the Kubjikāmatatantra: the earliest popular and most authoritative Tantra of the Kubjikā cult.—Accordingly, “[...] O goddess, I will (now) tell you about the god of Kāmarūpa. (His) city is fashioned all around with pillars of sapphire. It has palaces, mansions, arches, banners, goads, and bows [i.e., prāsāda-toraṇa-aṭṭāla-dhvaja-aṅkuśa-dhanus-dhara]. The god holds five arrows and is accompanied by Kāmeśvarī. Without a body and in the form of light, he melts away the entire universe. He is the lord of the fourteen worlds and holds the staff (of authority). Everything, including passion and the rest, takes place impelled by his will. Thus, it is located in the foremost portion, above Mind Beyond Mind. O Pārvatī, one should meditate on it above the Cavity of Brahmā within the End of the Twelve”.

Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions (shaktism)

Dhanus (धनुस्) refers to a “bow”, according to the King Vatsarāja’s Pūjāstuti called the Kāmasiddhistuti (also Vāmakeśvarīstuti), guiding one through the worship of the Goddess Nityā.—Accordingly, “[...] I worship those compassionately-disposed goddesses of red-complexion, the eight powers of the bodiless [love-god Kāmadeva], who have arisen like shadows of the goddess [Nityā Sundarī] and are very difficult to conquer. I venerate those fourteen goddesses, with Sarvasaṃkṣobhaṇī at the fore, to whom [all] fourteen worlds bow. They carry a bow and arrows (bāṇa-dhanus) made of sugarcane. [...]”.

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.

Sports, Arts and Entertainment (wordly enjoyments)

Source: archive.org: Syainika Sastra of Rudradeva with English Translation (art)

Dhanur (धनुर्) refers to “archers” (employed during hunting), according to the Śyainika-śāstra: a Sanskrit treatise dealing with the divisions and benefits of Hunting and Hawking, written by Rājā Rudradeva (or Candradeva) in possibly the 13th century.—Accordingly, “Hunting on horseback (āśvina) represents one of the eight subdivisions of Hunting (mṛgayā). [...] Five or six horsemen are quite enough for hunting rhinoceros. [...] If it turns back, then the horseman relying on the dexterity of his horse should at once run in its front; others should hit it from behind or skilled archers (śreṣṭha-dhanur) should pierce it with arrows on the sides. [...]”.

context information

This section covers the skills and profiencies of the Kalas (“performing arts”) and Shastras (“sciences”) involving ancient Indian traditions of sports, games, arts, entertainment, love-making and other means of wordly enjoyments. Traditionally these topics were dealt with in Sanskrit treatises explaing the philosophy and the justification of enjoying the pleasures of the senses.

Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)

Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts

1) Dhanus (धनुस्) or Dhanurmāsa refers to the months of December-January which is associated with various festivals, as discussed in chapter 27 of the Puruṣottamasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra text consisting of more than 1800 verses devoted to temple-building and the practical concerns of the Pāñcarātra priestly community.—Description of the chapter [saṃvatsarotsava-vidhi]: Bhagavān says that the (liturgical) year starts with the vasanta season. On the first day of this—to satisfy the deity who is guardian of that period—the vasantotsava festival is celebrated (1-3). [...] In “dhanur-māsa”-month [December-January] there are to be special pūjās at dawn all month (46-47a) and in the afternoons of 20 days of this same month are to be the festival observances called adhyayanotsava (47b-50), ‘the recital of sacred texts’.

2) Dhanus (धनुस्) or Dhanusmudrā refers to one of the 37 Mudrās (hand-gestures) described in chapter 7 of the Viṣṇusaṃhitā: a Sanskrit text written in 2600 verses which covers typical Pāñcarātra topics through a narrative dialogue between Aupagāyana and Siddha Sumati.—[Cf. the chapter mudrā-lakṣaṇa].

3) Dhanus (धनुस्) or Dhanusmudrā refers to one of the 81 Mudrās (hand-gestures) described in chapter 2 of the Ṛṣirātra section of the Sanatkumārasaṃhitā: an encyclopedic Sanskrit text written in over 3500 verses dealing with a variety of topics such as yoga, temple-building, consecration ceremonies, initiation and dhanurveda (martial arts).—[Cf. the chapter mudrā-lakṣaṇa].

context information

Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.

General definition (in Hinduism)

Source: archive.org: Vedic index of Names and Subjects

Dhanus (धनुस्, the ‘bow’), frequently mentioned in the Rigveda and later, was the chief weapon of the Vedic Indian. The last act of the funeral rite included the removal of the bow from the right hand of the dead man. The weapon was composed of a stout staff bent into a curved shape (vakra),5 and of a bowstring (Jyā) made of a strip of cowhide6 which joined the ends. The tips of the bow, when the string was fastened, were called Ārtnī. Relaxed when not in actual use, the bow was specially strung up when needed for shooting. The stages of the process are given in detail in the Vājasaneyi-saṃhitā: the stringing (ātan) of the bow, the placing (pratidhā) of the arrow, the bending (āyam) of the bow, and the shooting (as). The arrow was discharged from the ear, and is hence called karṇa-yoni, ‘having the ear as its point of origin’. The making of bows was a regular profession (dhanuṣkāra, dhanuṣkṛt). For the arrow see Iṣu, and for the handguard Hastaghna.

In Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Tibetan Buddhism

Dhanus (धनुस्) is the name of a Rāśi (zodiac sign) mentioned as attending the teachings in the 6th century Mañjuśrīmūlakalpa: one of the largest Kriyā Tantras devoted to Mañjuśrī (the Bodhisattva of wisdom) representing an encyclopedia of knowledge primarily concerned with ritualistic elements in Buddhism. The teachings in this text originate from Mañjuśrī and were taught to and by Buddha Śākyamuni in the presence of a large audience (including Dhanus).

Source: academia.edu: The Structure and Meanings of the Heruka Maṇḍala

Dhanus (धनुस्) refers to a “bow” and represents one of the items held in the left hand of Heruka: one of the main deities of the Herukamaṇḍala described in the 10th century Ḍākārṇava chapter 15. Heruka is positioned in the Lotus (padma) at the center; He is the origin of all heroes; He has 17 faces (with three eyes on each) and 76 arms [holding, for example, dhanus]; He is half black and half green in color; He is dancing on a flaming sun placed on Bhairava and Kālarātrī.

Source: MUNI Arts: Kalachakra and the twenty-five Kulika kings of Shambhala

Dhanus (धनुस्) refers to “bow” and represents one of the attributes of Sumitra or Rigden Shenyenzang refers to one of the Twenty-five Kulikas as well as one of the traditional Shambhala rulers.—His attributes are a bow (Sanskrit: dhanus, cāpa, śarāsana, kodaṇḍa, kārmuka, śārṅga; Tibetan: shu [gshu]) and arrow.

context information

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Dhanus (धनुस्) refers to a “bow”, according to Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter 4).—Accordingly, “[Question: Why is the Buddha called Arhat?]—[Answer]: Ara means enemy (ari) and hat means to kill (han). The expression therefore means ‘killer of enemies’. Some stanzas say: ‘The Buddha has patience (kṣānti) as his armor (varman), Energy (vīrya) as his helmet (śīrṣaka), Discipline (śīla) as his great steed (mahāśva), Dhyāna as his bow (dhanus), Wisdom (prajñā) as his arrows (śara). Outwardly, he destroys the army of Māra (mārasena). Inwardly, he destroys the passions (kleśa), his enemies. He is called Arhat. [...]’.

context information

Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Source: OpenEdition books: Vividhatīrthakalpaḥ

Dhanus (धनुस्) refers to a unity of measurement corresponding to 4 hasta (2 m.), and represents a Jaina technical term mentioned in the Vividhatīrthakalpa by Jinaprabhasūri (13th century A.D.): an ancient text devoted to various Jaina holy places (tīrthas).

context information

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

Languages of India and abroad

Pali-English dictionary

Source: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionary

dhanu : (nt.) a bow.

context information

Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravāda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.

Sanskrit dictionary

Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionary

Dhanus (धनुस्).—a. [dhan śabde-asi] Armed with a bow. n.

1) A bow; धनुर्वंशविशुद्धोऽपि निर्गुणः किं करिष्यति (dhanurvaṃśaviśuddho'pi nirguṇaḥ kiṃ kariṣyati) Subhāṣ. धनुष्यमोघं समधत्त बाणम् (dhanuṣyamoghaṃ samadhatta bāṇam) Kumārasambhava 3.66; so इन्द्रधनुः (indradhanuḥ) &c. (At the end of Bahu. comp. dhanus is changed to dhanvan; adhijyadhanvā vicacāra dāvam R.2.8.).

2) A measure of length equal to four hastas; धनुःशतं परीणाहो ग्रामे क्षेत्रान्तरं भवेत् (dhanuḥśataṃ parīṇāho grāme kṣetrāntaraṃ bhavet) Y.2.167; Ms. 8.237.

3) An arc of a circle.

4) The sign Sagittarius of the zodiac.

5) A desert; cf. धन्वन् (dhanvan) -m. Name of Śiva.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Dhanus (धनुस्).—mfn. (-nuḥ-nuḥ-nu) Armed with a bow. mn. (-nuḥ-nu) 1. A. bow. 2. Sagittarius, the sign. m.

(-nuḥ) The piyal tree, (Buchanania latifolia, Rox.) E. dhana to produce, (as grain,) to throw forth, (darts, &c.) Unadi affix usi; also with u affix dhanu, and with ū affix, dhanū.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Benfey Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Dhanus (धनुस्).— i. e. probably han + vant (akin to dhanvan), I. adj. Armed with a bow, Mahābhārata 7, 9536. Ii. n. 1. A bow, [Mānavadharmaśāstra] 3, 160. 2. A measure of length, [Mānavadharmaśāstra] 8, 237. 3. The sign Sagittarius. 4. A desert, [Mānavadharmaśāstra] 7, 70 (cf. dhanvan).

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Cappeller Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Dhanus (धनुस्).—[neuter] bow or a bow’s length (a cert. measure).

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

Dhanur (धनुर्):—[from dhanu] in [compound] for nus.

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

1) Dhanuṣ (धनुष्):—[from dhanu] in [compound] for nus.

2) Dhanus (धनुस्):—[from dhanu] n. (m. [gana] ardharcādi; cf. dhanu) a bow, [Ṛg-veda] etc. etc.

3) [v.s. ...] a measure of length = 4 Hastas or 1/2000 Gavyūti, [Manu-smṛti; Yājñavalkya] etc.

4) [v.s. ...] ([geometry]) an arc or part of a circle

5) [v.s. ...] ([astronomy]) an arc or quadrant for ascertaining the sun’s altitude and zenith-distance

6) [v.s. ...] a fiddlestick

7) [v.s. ...] the sign of the zodiac Sagittarius, [Sūryasiddhānta; Varāha-mihira]

8) [v.s. ...] Buchanania Latifolia, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]

9) [v.s. ...] Name of Śiva, [Mahābhārata vii, 9536] (armed with a bow, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.], or = dhanuḥsvarūpa, [Nīlakaṇṭha])

10) [v.s. ...] a desert, arid land (cf. nur-aur. ga).

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Yates Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Dhanus (धनुस्):—[(nuḥ-nuḥ)] 5. m. n. A bow; Sagittarius. m. The Piyāl tree. a. Armed with a bow.

Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary (S)

Dhanuṣ (धनुष्) in the Sanskrit language is related to the Prakrit word: Dhaṇu.

[Sanskrit to German]

Dhanus 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.

Hindi dictionary

Source: DDSA: A practical Hindi-English dictionary

Dhanush in Hindi refers in English to:—(nm) a bow, an arch..—dhanush (धनुष) is alternatively transliterated as Dhanuṣa.

context information

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