Alternative spellings of this word include Nanavichitra.

In Hinduism

Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology)

Source: Wisdom Library: Brihat Samhita by Varahamihira

Nānāvicitra (नानाविचित्र) refers to “many different kinds” [?], according to the Bṛhatsaṃhitā (chapter 12), an encyclopedic Sanskrit work written by Varāhamihira mainly focusing on the science of ancient Indian astronomy astronomy (Jyotiṣa).—Accordingly, “The Earth, [+ nānāvicitra ?] by means of her arms, the waves, adorned by the lotus, the swan, the ruddy goose and the water-crow appears to welcome the appearance of Agastya with her offerings of gems, abundant flowers and fruits. The poisonous and hot waters poured down by cloud-covered serpents by order of Indra become pure and fit for use on the reappearance of the star Canopus”.

context information

Jyotisha (ज्योतिष, jyotiṣa or jyotish) refers to ‘astronomy’ or “Vedic astrology” and represents the fifth of the six Vedangas (additional sciences to be studied along with the Vedas). Jyotisha concerns itself with the study and prediction of the movements of celestial bodies, in order to calculate the auspicious time for rituals and ceremonies.

In Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)

Source: MDPI Books: The Ocean of Heroes

Nānāvicitra (नानाविचित्र) refers to “various and wonderful (colors)”, according to the 10th-century Ḍākārṇava-tantra: one of the last Tibetan Tantric scriptures belonging to the Buddhist Saṃvara tradition consisting of 51 chapters.—Accordingly, [while describing the Space Circle (ākāśacakra)]: “Now, the Space Circle outside [this] is like a dark blue lotus [in color]. Sky-going Yoginīs are in the middles of the thirty-six spokes [of the circle], as follows—[...] [They are] eminent mistresses with companies. The colors [of these Yoginīs] are various and wonderful (nānāvicitra). Alternatively, [they have] the circle’s color (dark blue). [...]”.

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.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Vicitra, Nana.

Full-text: Mandala.

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