Phaniphana, Phaṇiphaṇa, Phani-phana: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Phaniphana 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.
In Hinduism
Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology)
Source: Wisdom Library: Brihat Samhita by VarahamihiraPhaṇiphaṇa (फणिफण) refers to the “hoods of serpents”, 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 mighty ocean whose waters were swallowed by Agastya, exhibited gems that eclipsed the splendour of the crowns of the Devas [...] There were also seen, moving to and fro, whales, pearl oysters and conch shells, and the sea altogether looked like a summer lake with its moving waves, water lilies and swans. [...] Its huge white waves looked like clouds; its gems looked like stars; its crystals looked like the Moon; and its long bright serpents bearing gems in their hoods [i.e., phaṇiphaṇa-upala] looked like comets and thus the whole sea looked like the sky”.
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.
Sports, Arts and Entertainment (wordly enjoyments)
Source: archive.org: Syainika Sastra of Rudradeva with English Translation (art)Phaṇiphaṇa (फणिफण) refers to the “hood of a snake”, according to the Śyainika-śāstra: a Sanskrit treatise dealing with the divisions and benefits of Hunting and Hawking, written by Rājā Rudradeva (or Candradeva) in possibly the 13th century.—Accordingly, [while discussing the yellow-eyed division of hawks]: “Of these birds, if the head is like the hood of a snake (phaṇiphaṇa-ākāra), and if the neck is long, the wings wide and the chest broad, it is the best of its kind”.
This section covers the skills and profiencies of the Kalas (“performing arts”) and Shastras (“sciences”) involving ancient Indian traditions of sports, games, arts, entertainment, love-making and other means of wordly enjoyments. Traditionally these topics were dealt with in Sanskrit treatises explaing the philosophy and the justification of enjoying the pleasures of the senses.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Phana, Phani.
Full-text: Phana, Phani, Upala, Shikhigraha.
Relevant text
Search found 1 books and stories containing Phaniphana, Phaṇiphaṇa, Phaṇi-phaṇa, Phani-phana; (plurals include: Phaniphanas, Phaṇiphaṇas, phaṇas, phanas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4 (by Vihari-Lala Mitra)
Chapter XLVII - The first step towards liberation < [Book VII - Nirvana prakarana part 2 (nirvana prakarana)]