In Hinduism

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram (shaivism)

Kaṭimekhala (कटिमेखल) refers to a “belt for decorating the hips”, according to the Śrīmatottara-tantra, an expansion of the Kubjikāmatatantra: the earliest popular and most authoritative Tantra of the Kubjikā cult. Accordingly, “O goddess, Svacchanda is in the middle, within the abode of the triangle. Very powerful, he has five faces with three times five flaming eyes. [...] He sits on a great lotus and is adorned with a belt on his hips [i.e., kaṭimekhala-maṇḍita]. He is adorned with small bells and a garland of gems. There are anklets on his feet and they are well adorned with necklaces of pearls. He sits on Ananta as a seat and is like heated gold. On Ananta’s seat are seventy billion mantras. He is beautiful, divine, (white) like the stars, snow and the moon.]. [...]”.

context information

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.

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Source: Google Books: Narratives of Icons and Idols in Jain History

Katimekhala refers to “lower wraps”.—Many Shvetambara Jina icons in the meditation pose know as kayotsarga wear elaborate girdles and lower wraps (katimekhala). Most standing Shvetambara icons show the Jina wearing a simple lower warp (dhoti) as would be appropriate for a world-renouncing ascetic. (Standing Digambara icons, of course, clearly indicate the total nudity of the Jina). The elaborate katimekhala is indicative of royalty not of an ascetic. Seated Jina icons never wear such elaborate robes, and indeed most standing icons also depict the simpler more ascetic garb.

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.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Mekhala, Kati.

Full-text: Mekhala, Kati.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Katimekhala, Kaṭimekhala, Kati-mekhala, Kaṭi-mekhala; (plurals include: Katimekhalas, Kaṭimekhalas, mekhalas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Sripura (Archaeological Survey) (by Bikash Chandra Pradhan)

Scultures of Rakta-Lokesvara < [Chapter 3 - Sculptural Programme]

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