Gandharvamantra, Gandharva-mantra: 1 definition

Introduction:

Gandharvamantra 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.

In Hinduism

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

[«previous next»] — Gandharvamantra in Natyashastra glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Nāṭya-śāstra

Gandharvamantra (गन्धर्वमन्त्र).—Before any dramatic performance (nāṭya) takes place, gods and demigods should be worshipped (pūjā) in ceremonies such as the ‘consecration of the mattavāraṇī’. According to the Nāṭyaśāstra 3.40-44 gods and demigods should be worshipped with offerings (e.g. different kinds of foodstuff ) and mantras.

The mantra for Gandharvas to be uttered at the time of making offering, goes as follows:

नारदस्तुम्बरुश्चैव विश्वावसुपुरोगमाः ।
परिगृह्णन्तु मे सर्वे गन्धर्वा बलिमुद्यतम् ॥

nāradastumbaruścaiva viśvāvasupurogamāḥ |
parigṛhṇantu me sarve gandharvā balimudyatam ||

“O Gandharvas, amongst whom Nārada, Tumburu and Viśvāvasu are the foremost, accept this my best offering.”

According to Nāṭyaśāstra 3.96-97, “Offering worship to the gods of the stage is as meritorious as a [Vedic] sacrifice. No dramatic performance should be made without first worshipping the deities presiding over the stage. When worshipped, they (these gods) will bring you worship, and honoured they will bring you honour. Hence one should by all efforts offer pūjā to the gods of the stage.”

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).

Discover the meaning of gandharvamantra in the context of Natyashastra from relevant books on Exotic India

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