Iconography: 4 definitions
Introduction:
Iconography 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.
Images (photo gallery)
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In Hinduism
Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)
Iconographies are vital to the Tantric rites of the mantramārga.—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).
Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Iconography refers to one of the topics dealt with in the Puranic literature: a category of ancient Sanskrit texts which gives a huge contribution in the development of Indian literature.—The Vishnudharmottara Purana contains different aspects of knowledge. Along with the narratives, this work bears immense information in various fields of study. [...] The third khanda contains 118 chapters which are dedicated to various contents such as Sanskrit and Prakrit Grammar, Lexicology, Metrics, Poetics, Dance, Drama, Music, Painting, Iconography, Architecture etc.
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)
Iconography existed in ancient India since ancient Vedic time.—According to the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, from the kaliyuga, the necessity of temple as well as practice of image worship had started. The development of Iconography had been continuing in the society of India through the pages of epics and Purāṇas. [...] In the Puranic literature, a great discussion on Iconography can be found. The sixteenth Chapter of Agnipurāṇa deals with Iconography. In the Matsyapurāṇa, ten chapters from 258th to 267th are attributed to Iconography. The Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa also has offered a great discussion on Iconography. Moreover, Śilpaśāstras viz., the Bṛhatsaṃhitā, Mānasāra, Śilparatna, Devatāmurtiprakaraṇa etc. have the discussion on Iconography. Thus it can be assumed that in later period the practice of image worship came forward and still the practice of image worship is prevailing in Indian society.
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.
Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)
Iconography refers to one of the principal topics of the Pāñcarātra division of the Vaiṣṇava Āgamas.—The almighty Hari, out of compassion for mankind in general, felt that the Vedas and Śāstras could not be easily grasped and practised by people belonging the diverse communities and cadres, whose potential and comprehension would vary vastly. Hence, he promulgated the Pāñcarātra doctrine [teaching for example iconography] which is the essence of the Vedas, in a simplified form.
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Full-text (+2870): Vishnu, Vamana, Vayu, Agni, Indra, Kubera, Varuna, Yama, Ketu, Hayashirsha, Rahu, Narasimha, Varaha, Surya, Padma, Khadga, Lakshmi, Brahma, Asana, Shukra.
Relevant text
Search found 139 books and stories containing Iconography; (plurals include: Iconographies). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Lute, Sword, Snake, and Parasol—The Formation of the Standard... < [Volume 14, Issue 6 (2023)]
Continuity and Discontinuity in 17th- and 18th-Century Ecclesiastical... < [Volume 9, Issue 9 (2018)]
Hereditary Ecclesiae and Domestic Ecclesiolae in Medieval Ragusa (Dubrovnik) < [Volume 11, Issue 1 (2020)]
On the use of Human remains in Tibetan ritual objects (by Ayesha Fuentes)
Kāpālika implements in the formalization of Buddhist Mahāyoga Tantra < [Chapter 2 - The use of skulls and bone ornaments]
Charnel materials in the Saṃvara tradition < [Chapter 2 - The use of skulls and bone ornaments]
“pha dam pa sangs rgyas” in the iconography of Tibetan Siddhas < [Chapter 3 - “rKang gling” in the iconography of “gcod”]
Educational Illustration of the Historical City, Education Citizenship, and... < [Volume 13, Issue 10 (2021)]
New Challenges for Historic Gardens’ Restoration < [Volume 12, Issue 23 (2020)]
Social Museography and Sustainable Historical Heritage < [Volume 14, Issue 11 (2022)]
Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
The Arhats and Their Legacy in the Visual Arts of East Asia < [Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies 1.2 (2018)]
The Transmission of the Four-Pointed Cape Motif < [Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies 5.1 (2022)]
Li, Yuhang. Becoming Guanyin < [Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies 4.1 (2021)]
Lakulisha-Pashupata (Philosophy and Practice) (by Geetika Kaw Kher)
Brief History of Saivism with a Focus on Pasupati Aspect < [Chapter 1 - The Historical Context]
Evidence of Ajivika cult in Kashmir < [Chapter 2 - Spread and Transition]
Archives of Social Sciences of Religions
Des mises en « martyrs » contestées < [Volume 181 (2018)]
Freethinking and Revolutionary Symbolism in the Third Republic < [Volume 66-1 (1988)]
Death Comes with a Bonus: Unexpected Surprises Await < [Volume 153 (2011)]