Prasvara, Prasvāra: 5 definitions
Introduction:
Prasvara 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
Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)
Prasvāra (प्रस्वार) refers to one of the thirty-three alaṃkāras (embellishments), according to the Nāṭyaśāstra chapter 29. These alaṃkāras, or, ‘embellishments of song’, depend upon the four types of varṇas, which refers to a specific order of musical notes (svara). They are attached to the songs of seven forms, although not generally used in the dhruvās.
According to the Nāṭyaśāstra, “prasvāra is when in a kalā, a note ascend gradually by one note”.
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).
Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar)
Prasvāra (प्रस्वार).—A word or utterance in three matras or moras; cf. स ओमिति प्रस्वरति त्रिमात्रः प्रस्वारः स्थाने स भवत्युदात्तः (sa omiti prasvarati trimātraḥ prasvāraḥ sthāne sa bhavatyudāttaḥ) R. Pr. XV.3 whereon Uvvata remarks त्रिमात्रः प्रस्वारः । (trimātraḥ prasvāraḥ |) See the word ओंकार (oṃkāra)
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.
Languages of India and abroad
Sanskrit dictionary
Prasvāra (प्रस्वार).—Ved. An epithet of the sacred syllable om (repeated at the beginning of a Pāṭha or lesson).
Derivable forms: prasvāraḥ (प्रस्वारः).
1) Prasvāra (प्रस्वार):—[=pra-√svāra] a See pra- √svṛ.
2) [=pra-svāra] [from pra-svṛ] b m. the prolated syllable Om (repeated by a religious teacher at the beginning of a lesson), [ib.]
Prasvāra (प्रस्वार):—(von svar mit pra) m. Bez. des om, mit dem der Lehrer seinen Unterricht beginnt, [Prātiśākhya zum Ṛgveda 15, 3.]
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Full-text: Prathamasvara, Pratisvara, Pracayasvara, Udgita, Alamkara.
Relevant text
Search found 2 books and stories containing Prasvara, Prasvāra, Pra-svara, Pra-svāra; (plurals include: Prasvaras, Prasvāras, svaras, svāras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Natyashastra (English) (by Bharata-muni)
Arts in the Puranas (study) (by Meena Devadatta Jeste)
5. Music in the Vayu Purana < [Chapter 1 - Music in the Puranas]