Nidarshana, Nidarśanā, Nidarśana: 21 definitions
Introduction:
Nidarshana means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Hindi. 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.
The Sanskrit terms Nidarśanā and Nidarśana can be transliterated into English as Nidarsana or Nidarshana, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
Alternative spellings of this word include Nidarshan.
Images (photo gallery)
In Hinduism
Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)
Source: Wisdom Library: Nāṭya-śāstraNidarśana (निदर्शन, “counter-argument”) refers to one of the thirty-six “characteristic features” (lakṣaṇa) of perfect ‘poetic compositions’ (kāvyabandha) and ‘dramatic compositions’ (dṛśyakāvya, or simply kāvya). According to the Nāṭyaśāstra chapter 17, these thirty-six lakṣaṇas act as instructions for composing playwrights. The term is used throughout nāṭyaśāstra literature.
Source: Shodhganga: Mankhaka a sanskrit literary genius (natya)Nidarśanā (निदर्शना, “illustration”) refers to a type of Alaṃkāra (figure of speech).—When a possible or, as is sometimes the case, even an impossible connection of things implies a relation of type and prototype, it is Nidarśanā or illustration.
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).
Arthashastra (politics and welfare)
Source: Wisdom Library: ArthaśāstraNidarśana (निदर्शन) refers to “illustration” and is the name of a yukti, or ‘technical division’, according to which the contents of the Arthaśāstra by Cāṇakya are grouped. Cāṇakya (4th-century BCE), aka Kauṭilya, was the chief minister of Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the famous Maurya Empire. (Description): When well-known instances are mentioned for rejecting the contrary view, it is an instance of Unfavourable Precedent (nidarśana, lit. “example”).
Arthashastra (अर्थशास्त्र, arthaśāstra) literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.
Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar)
Source: Wikisource: A dictionary of Sanskrit grammarNidarśana (निदर्शन).—Illustration; cf. पर्याप्तो ह्येकः पुलाकः स्थाल्या निदर्शनाय (paryāpto hyekaḥ pulākaḥ sthālyā nidarśanāya) M.Bh. on I. 4. 23 Vart. 15; cf also इला साल्हा चात्र निदर्शनानि (ilā sālhā cātra nidarśanāni) R. Pr. I. 22.
Vyakarana (व्याकरण, vyākaraṇa) refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.
Kavyashastra (science of poetry)
Source: Shodhganga: The Kavyavilasa of Ciranjiva Bhattacarya (kavyashastra)Nidarśanā (निदर्शना) refers to one of the 93 alaṃkāras (“figures of speech”) mentioned by Cirañjīva Bhaṭṭācārya (fl. 17th century) in his Kāvyavilāsa and is listed as one of the 89 arthālaṃkāras (figure of speech determined by the sense, as opposed to sound).—Nidarśanā is also an important figure of speech treated by Ālaṃkārikas like Bhāmaha (K.A. III/33), Udbhaṭa (K.S.S. V/18), Daṇḍin (II/348-50), Vāmana (IV/320), Mammaṭa (X/97), Ruyyaka (A.S/P. 76), Visvanātha (X/51) and Jagannātha (R.G II/P. 456).
Cirañjīva defines nidarśanā as—“vākyārthayoḥ sadṛśayoraikyārope nidarśanā”.—When the identity between two similar sentences is imposed it is the figure nidarśanā. Jayadeva has given the similar definition. According to Cirañjīva the identity of the two sentences is imposed with the help of words yat and tat. It is to be pointed out here that Ālamkārikas like Mammaṭa, Viśvanātha, Ruyyaka etc. have admitted the presence of bimba-pratibimbabhāva in nidarśanā. But Cirañjīvahas not mentioned and he has defined in the line of Jayadeva.
Example of the nidarśanā-alaṃkāra:—
yo’bhito vasato nātha! bhavataḥ samupāgamaḥ |
madīyabhavane so’yamindorabhūtanirjharaḥ ||“Oh lord! the fact that the arrival of you who live near to my abode is like the flow of nectar from the moon”.
Notes: In this verse on account of their pleasant and impossible nature two meanings—that is the arrival of the hero and the flow of nectar are identified with the use of two words ‘yat’ and ‘tat’. The impossible nature of two meanings is clear. The arrival of the hero was not possible due to want of time as he was with the other lady. Similarly the flow of nectar is not possible as it can be enjoyed by the gods only. So on account of the identity of two meanings, this is an example of nidarśanā. It is to be pointed out here that Bhāmaha (III/32), Vāmana (430) have admitted nidarśanā (bodhananidarśa is the name given by them) and the basis of possible relation between the meanings. It is Udbhaṭa who has stated for the first time the other type of nidarśanā based on impossible relation of the meanings (asambhavadvastusambandhah). Mammaṭa has admitted only the second type. Viśvanātha has concentrated on both the types. From the illustration of Cirañjīva it appears that he has concentrated upon the nidarśanā based on impossible relation—(asambhavadvastusambandhaḥ)
Source: Shodhganga: Bhismacaritam a critical studyNidarśanā (निदर्शना, “illustration”) refers to one of the various Alaṅkāras (‘figures of speech’) classified as Artha (‘sense’), as employed in the Bhīṣmacarita (Bhishma Charitra) which is a mahākāvya (‘epic poem’) written by Hari Narayan Dikshit.—Some examples of ‘nidarśanā-alaṅkāra are also found in this poem. With the help of this figure of speech, the poet has aptly presented in IX.20 the exact use of illustration. Here by way of illustrating the reality of the world that there is no union between earth and sky, Dāśarāja has aptly consolidated his daughter Satyavatī. The other examples are I.8, I.51, II.9, XV.2, etc.
Kavyashastra (काव्यशास्त्र, kāvyaśāstra) refers to the ancient Indian tradition of poetry (kavya). Canonical literature (shastra) of the includes encyclopedic manuals dealing with prosody, rhetoric and various other guidelines serving to teach the poet how to compose literature.
Ayurveda (science of life)
Source: gurumukhi.ru: Ayurveda glossary of termsNidarśana (निदर्शन):—[nidarśanam] An Illustrative statements which explains a subject matter with the help of an example understandable to common man
Āyurveda (आयुर्वेद, ayurveda) is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Āyurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English TranslationNidarśana (निदर्शन) refers to an “example” (i.e., to cite an argument as an example), according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.3.8.—Accordingly, Nārada said to Himavat:—“[..] In a majestic person a defect does not produce misery. It may well cause misery in a non-majestic person. Sun, fire and Gaṅgā may be cited as examples [i.e., nidarśana]. Hence you give your daughter in marriage to Śiva. That will be a wise step. Lord Śiva who is the sole lord, unchanging and without any aberration is worthy of being resorted to. By performing penance, Śiva can be propitiated quickly and He will accept her undoubtedly. [...]”.
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.
Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)
Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram (shaivism)Nidarśana (निदर्शन) refers to the “explanation (of a particular tradition)”, according to verse 12.1 of the Netratantra of Kṣemarāja: a Śaiva text from the 9th century in which Śiva (Bhairava) teaches Pārvatī topics such as metaphysics, cosmology, and soteriology.—Kaulism as a whole is said to be a darśana even when it appears, as it did in the first phase of its development, embedded in the Śaiva Tantras as an option or a modality (kulaprakriyā or kulācāra) contrasted with the Tantric (tantraprakriyā or tantrācāra). In the Netratantra, for example, we find a chapter dedicated to ‘an explanation of the Kula tradition’ (kulāmnāya-nidarśana). Kṣemarāja explains that this is the kulāmnāyadarśana the essential feature of which, as presented in this brief chapter of the Netratantra, is the worship of the eight Mothers.
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.
Languages of India and abroad
Sanskrit dictionary
Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionaryNidarśana (निदर्शन).—&c. See under निदृश् (nidṛś).
Derivable forms: nidarśanam (निदर्शनम्).
See also (synonyms): nidarśaka.
--- OR ---
Nidarśana (निदर्शन).—a.
1) Pointing, showing.
2) Proclaiming, declaring announcing.
3) Teaching.
-nam 1 View, insight, looking into, sight, vision; शुद्धात्मा ब्राह्मणो रात्रौ निदर्शनमपश्यत (śuddhātmā brāhmaṇo rātrau nidarśanamapaśyata) Mahābhārata (Bombay) 12.217.14.
2) Pointing to, showing.
3) Proof, evidence; बलिना सह योद्धव्यमिति नास्ति निदर्शनम् (balinā saha yoddhavyamiti nāsti nidarśanam) Pañcatantra (Bombay) 3.23.
4) An instance, example, illustration; ननु प्रभुरेव निदर्शनम् (nanu prabhureva nidarśanam) Ś.2; निदर्शनसाराणां लघुर्बहुतृणं नरः (nidarśanasārāṇāṃ laghurbahutṛṇaṃ naraḥ) Śiśupālavadha 2.5; R.8.45; जनकस्य नृपेन्द्रस्य तपसः सन्निदर्शनम् (janakasya nṛpendrasya tapasaḥ sannidarśanam) Pratimā 4.14.
5) Injunction.
6) Authority, text.
7) A scheme, system.
8) A precept, scriptural authority, an injunction.
9) The third member of an Indian syllogism (usually called udāharaṇa q. v.).
-nā A figure of speech (in Rhetoric) thus defined:-निदर्शना । अभवन्वस्तुसंबन्ध उपमापरिकल्पकः (nidarśanā | abhavanvastusaṃbandha upamāparikalpakaḥ) K. P.1; e. g. R.1.2.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Edgerton Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit DictionaryNidarśana (निदर्शन).—(nt.) exhibition (of skill or powers); compare darśana (2) in same sense: paścime nidarśane bāṇā vidhyanti Mahāvastu ii.75.20.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English DictionaryNidarśana (निदर्शन).—n.
(-naṃ) 1. An example or illustration. 2. Injunction, precept. 3. Tenour, purport. 4. Authority, text. 5. A sign. 6. A scheme. 7. View. 8. Evidence. E. ni fully or certainly, darśana showing, or ni + dṛśa lyuṭ .
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Benfey Sanskrit-English DictionaryNidarśana (निदर्शन).—i. e. ni-dṛś + ana, I. adj., f. nī. 1. Showing, [Bhāgavata-Purāṇa, (ed. Burnouf.)] 2, 5, 1. 2. Announcing, [Harivaṃśa, (ed. Calc.)] 12815. 3. Teaching, [Bhāgavata-Purāṇa, (ed. Burnouf.)] 5, 18, 33. Ii. n. 1. Seeing, sight, Mahābhārata 9, 62. 2. Evidence, [Mānavadharmaśāstra] 11, 45. 3. Example, 9, 20; Mahābhārata 8, 1882. 4. Foreboding, [Harivaṃśa, (ed. Calc.)] 9885. 5. Prognostic, Mahābhārata 5, 1235. 6. Symptom, 12, 11718.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Cappeller Sanskrit-English DictionaryNidarśana (निदर्शन).—[feminine] ī pointing at, proclaiming, teaching (—°). [feminine] ā a cert. comparison ([rhetorie]); [neuter] pointing or looking at, evidence, example, symptom, omen, nārtham for instance.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary1) Nidarśana (निदर्शन):—[=ni-darśana] [from ni-dṛś] mf(ī)n. pointing to, showing, indicating, announcing, proclaiming, teaching, [Harivaṃśa; Bhāgavata-purāṇa]
2) [v.s. ...] suiting, pleasing (sarva-loka-nid; [varia lectio] ka-nidarśin and -vidarśin), [Rāmāyaṇa ii, 108, 18]
3) Nidarśanā (निदर्शना):—[=ni-darśanā] [from ni-darśana > ni-dṛś] f. a [particular] form of a simile or comparison (e.g. [Raghuvaṃśa i, 2]), [Kāvyaprakāśa; Sāhitya-darpaṇa] etc.
4) Nidarśana (निदर्शन):—[=ni-darśana] [from ni-dṛś] n. seeing, view, appearance, sight, vision (cf. svapna-nid), [Mahābhārata; Suśruta] etc.
5) [v.s. ...] pointing to, showing, indicating, [Manu-smṛti; Mahābhārata]
6) [v.s. ...] proof, evidence, [Pañcatantra]
7) [v.s. ...] n. instance, example, illustration, [???; Manu-smṛti; Mahābhārata; Kāvya literature] etc. (-tva n., [Naiṣadha-carita]; nārtham ind. for instance, [Mahābhārata])
8) [v.s. ...] n. refutation of a stated argument, [Sāhitya-darpaṇa]
9) [v.s. ...] Name of the third member of a complete syllogism (= udāharaṇa), [Monier-Williams’ Sanskrit-English Dictionary]
10) [v.s. ...] n. a prognostic, sign, mark, omen, [Mahābhārata; Harivaṃśa; Suśruta] (ifc. f(ā). , showing, betraying, [Rāmāyaṇa])
11) [v.s. ...] n. a scheme, system, [Suśruta]
12) [v.s. ...] injunction, precept, ordinance, authority, text, [Horace H. Wilson]
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Yates Sanskrit-English DictionaryNidarśana (निदर्शन):—[ni-darśana] (naṃ) 1. n. An example, pattern; precept; text.
Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary (S)Nidarśana (निदर्शन) in the Sanskrit language is related to the Prakrit word: Ṇidaṃsaṇa.
[Sanskrit to German]
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 dictionaryNidarśana (निदर्शन) [Also spelled nidarshan]:—(nm) illustration, exemplification; example, type; hence ~[ka] (nm).
...
Kannada-English dictionary
Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpusNidarśana (ನಿದರ್ಶನ):—
1) [noun] something selected to show the similarity or likeness in some respect or all respects with another; an example.
2) [noun] one of a numer of things taken to show the character of the whole.
3) [noun] a previous instance quoted, considered for its similarity with the present or a subsequent one.
4) [noun] the act of showing.
5) [noun] that which is seen at one instance.
6) [noun] a thing happening supposed to foretell a future event.
7) [noun] attention; consideration.
8) [noun] (rhet.) a figure of speech in which an example is quoted to make the meaning clear or more vivid.
Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Darshana, Ni.
Starts with: Nidarshanalamkara, Nidarshanartham, Nidarshanasa Yenem, Nidarshanatva.
Ends with: Amnayanidarshana, Anidarshana, Asanidarshana, Deshyanidarshana, Kavyaprakashanidarshana, Paninidarshana, Sanidarshana, Shrutinidarshana, Svapnanidarshana, Vinidarshana.
Full-text (+16): Shrutinidarshana, Nidarshanatva, Nidarshin, Nidarsha, Nidarshanalamkara, Nidarshanartham, Nidamsana, Svapnanidarshana, Kavyaprakashanidarshana, Svapnanidarshaniya, Nidarshan, Dipika, Nirupana, Nidarshaka, Murccha, Nidrish, Nidarshanasa Yenem, Nidarshanim, Nishamana, Nitaricanam.
Relevant text
Search found 25 books and stories containing Nidarshana, Nidarśanā, Nidarśana, Nidarsana, Ni-darshana, Ni-darśana, Ni-darsana, Ni-darśanā; (plurals include: Nidarshanas, Nidarśanās, Nidarśanas, Nidarsanas, darshanas, darśanas, darsanas, darśanās). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Alamkaras mentioned by Vamana (by Pratim Bhattacharya)
19: Definition of Nidarśanā Alaṃkāra < [Chapter 4 - Arthālaṃkāras mentioned by Vāmana]
1: Vāmana’s scheme of Alaṃkāras < [Chapter 3 - Śabdālaṃkāras mentioned by Vāmana]
1-2: The number of Alaṃkāras (poetic figures) mentioned < [Chapter 5 - A Comparative study of the different alaṃkāras mentioned by Vāmana]
Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana (by Gaurapada Dāsa)
Text 10.71 < [Chapter 10 - Ornaments of Meaning]
Text 10.66 [Nidarśanā] < [Chapter 10 - Ornaments of Meaning]
Text 10.70 < [Chapter 10 - Ornaments of Meaning]
Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali (by Ganganatha Jha)
Text 116 < [Chapter 6a - On Qualities]
Text 118 < [Chapter 6a - On Qualities]
Text 113 < [Chapter 6a - On Qualities]
Anumana in Indian Philosophy (by Sangita Chakravarty)
(C). Avayavas of Anumāna (Indian syllogism) < [Chapter 2 - Treatment of Anumāna in Nyāya-Vaiśeṣika Philosophy]
(B). Divisions of Anumāna (in Sāṃkhya-Yoga Philosophy) < [Chapter 3 - Treatment of Anumāna in Sāṃkhya-Yoga Philosophy]
The backdrop of the Srikanthacarita and the Mankhakosa (by Dhrubajit Sarma)
Part 5s - Alaṃkāra (19): Nidarśanā or illustration < [Chapter III - Literary Assessment Of The Śrīkaṇṭhacarita]
Part 1 - Rīti or the style < [Chapter III - Literary Assessment Of The Śrīkaṇṭhacarita]
Mudrarakshasa (literary study) (by Antara Chakravarty)
3.12. Use of Nidarśanā-alaṃkāra < [Chapter 3 - Use of Alaṃkāras in Mudrārākṣasa]
3.4a. Arthālaṃkāras (Alaṃkāras that depend upon the meanings of words) < [Chapter 3 - Use of Alaṃkāras in Mudrārākṣasa]
3.26. Use of Aprastutapraśaṃsā-alaṃkāra < [Chapter 3 - Use of Alaṃkāras in Mudrārākṣasa]