Pressing: 2 definitions

Introduction
Image gallery
In Hinduism
1. Purana
2. Natyashastra
See also

Introduction:

Pressing 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.

Images (photo gallery)

In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: Shodhganga: Elements of Art and Architecture in the Trtiyakhanda of the Visnudharmottarapurana

Pressing the hair was traditionally practiced by professional barbers, as part of the “sixty four kinds of Art”, according to the Kamasutra of Vatsyayana.—Cf the Sanskrit “utsādane saṃvāhane keśamardane ca kauśalam” which refers to “proficiency in pressing, shampooing and dressing hair.”.—Indian tradition, basically includes sixty four Art forms are acknowledged. The history of Indian Art covers approximately five thousand years which presents a rich and almost continuous record. The references of sixty four kinds of Kala (कला, kalā) are found in the Bhagavatapurana, Shaiva-Tantras, Kamasutra of Vatsyayana etc.

context information

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.

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Source: Shodhganga: Elements of Art and Architecture in the Trtiyakhanda of the Visnudharmottarapurana (natya)

1) The Pressing (of breast) is associated with the Pārśvakṛta variety of Sandaṃśahasta: one of the twenty-two Single-hand Gestures (in Indian Dramas) (known as asaṃyuktahastas), according to the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, an ancient Sanskrit text which (being encyclopedic in nature) deals with a variety of cultural topics such as arts, architecture, music, grammar and astronomy.—The word sandaṃśa means kaṅkamukha i.e., a pair of tong. Tong is a kind of tool which is used to hold something. [...] The Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa speaks of three kinds this form viz., agraja, mukhaja and pārśvakṛta and it gives detailed discussion of the usages of each one clearly. There are many uses of pārśvakṛta-sandaṃśa-hasta type viz., colouring of picture, pressing of breast, showing of head etc.

2) (The act of) Pressing is also associated with Niṣedhahasta: one of the thirteen Combined-hand Gestures (known as saṃyuktahastas).—The word niṣedha means prohibition. In the niṣedha posture mukula hand covers the kapittha hand and this posture is used in reducing, throwing and pressing.

context information

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).

Relevant text

Search found 152 books and stories containing Pressing; (plurals include: Pressings). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Kāṇḍa IV, adhyāya 5, brāhmaṇa 9 < [Fourth Kāṇḍa]

Kāṇḍa XII, adhyāya 8, brāhmaṇa 2 < [Twelfth Kāṇḍa]

Kāṇḍa IV, adhyāya 1, brāhmaṇa 1 < [Fourth Kāṇḍa]

+ 61 more chapters / show preview

Praśna 15, Kaṇḍikā 5

Praśna 13, Kaṇḍikā 12

Praśna 13, Kaṇḍikā 10

+ 51 more chapters / show preview

Somasaṃsthā (3): Ukthya < [Chapter 3 - The Somayāga]

Part 5.4: Mid-day soma pressing (mādhyandina-savana) < [Chapter 4 - The Agniṣṭoma Ritual]

Chapter 5 - Summary and Conclusion

+ 21 more chapters / show preview