In Hinduism

Shilpashastra (iconography)

Source: Shodhganga: Vaisnava Agamas And Visnu Images

Ratnanyāsa (रत्नन्यास) refers to the ceremony of “deposit of precious stones” at the completion of beeswax modeling (madhūcchiṣṭa), as defined in treatises such as the Pāñcarātra, Pādmasaṃhitā and Vaikhānasa-āgamas, extensively dealing with the technical features of temple art, iconography and architecture in Vaishnavism.—The Vaiṣṇava Āgamas insist that the metal icons should be made through a casting process called Madhūcchiṣṭa-kriyā. [...] The finishing work include two important activities—a) deposit of precious stones (ratnanyāsa) and, b) fixing of pedestal (jaṭibandhana). Ratnanyāsa is considered to be very essential for the permanent presence of the divinity in the icon.

context information

Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, śilpaśāstra) represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

Vastushastra (architecture)

Source: Google Books: Consecration Rituals In South Asia

Ratnanyāsa (रत्नन्यास) (lit. “placement of gems”) refers to a ceremonial ritual within the Śaiva tradition involving the placement of a consecration deposit below the pedestal of an iconic image or a liṅga (a representation of the divine). The Ratnanyāsa ritual involves placing precious and semiprecious stones, among other items, below the pedestal, symbolizing the sanctification and empowerment of the deity or object of worship. Ratnanyāsa is one of the earliest consecration rituals described in Sanskrit texts, with mentions dating back to texts like the Bṛhatsaṃhitā from the 6th century and the Guhyasūtra of the Niśvāsatattvasaṃhitā from the late 7th century.

context information

Vastushastra (वास्तुशास्त्र, vāstuśāstra) refers to the ancient Indian science (shastra) of architecture (vastu), dealing with topics such architecture, sculpture, town-building, fort building and various other constructions. Vastu also deals with the philosophy of the architectural relation with the cosmic universe.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Ratna, Nyasa.

Full-text: Shivavari, Argha, Ratnarandhra, Shvabhra, Patra, Arghapatra, Astramantra, Ratnadhara, Devyamata, Nyasamantra, Jatibandhana.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Ratnanyasa, Ratnanyāsa, Ratna-nyasa, Ratna-nyāsa; (plurals include: Ratnanyasas, Ratnanyāsas, nyasas, nyāsas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

The Linga Purana (by J. L. Shastri)

Chapter 47 - Installation of the Liṅga (continued) < [Section 2 - Pūrvabhāga]

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