Introduction

Alternative spellings of this word include Panchacharya.

In Hinduism

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Source: Shodhganga: Temple management in the Āgamas

Pañcācārya (पञ्चाचार्य) refer to members of the dance troupe employed in Śiva temples.—Performance of śuddhanṛtta or classical dance by Rudrakanyā accompanied by Pañcācārya is known as saukhyakarma. This is recommended to be performed as part of nityotsava, sthāpana, prokṣana, prāyaścitta, adbhutaśānti, utsava, snapana, māsapūjā, homakarma, dhvajārohaṇa and other kāmya-karma.

The Pañcācāryas are Nartaka, Mardaka, Gāyaka, Vāṃśika and Mauravika. All those who have bhāvanā, who know music and dance, play musical instruments, and understand nāṭyarasa are said to be śivabhaktas. Highest among them are those who know the science of dance, proficient in dancing and also in counting mātrā. They are called nartaka. Those proficient in mallavidyā and also in dance and aṅgalakṣaṇa are known as mardaka. Those who know the seven svaras and the science of music are known as gāyaka. Those who play the flute, with the nuances of udātta and so on are vāṃśika. Those who play the murava are called Mauravika.

The Rudrakanyā and the Pañcācārya should also undergo dīkṣā by the Ācārya. They are honoured with new clothes and ornaments and also given bhṛti or wages to “their heart’s content”.

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.

India history and geogprahy

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Indian Epigraphical Glossary

Pañca-acārya.—(SITI), a temple priest. Note: pañca-acārya is defined in the “Indian epigraphical glossary” as it can be found on ancient inscriptions commonly written in Sanskrit, Prakrit or Dravidian languages.

context information

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Panca, Acarya.

Full-text: Mauravika, Gayaka, Vamshika, Mardaka, Nartaka, Shivabhakta, Rudrakanya.

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