Satvika, aka: Sātvika; 5 Definition(s)

Introduction

Satvika means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Marathi. 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

Shilpashastra (iconography)

Sātvika (सात्विक) refers to one of the forty-seven tānas (tone) used in Indian music.—The illustration of Sātvika (as a deity) according to 15th-century Indian art is as follows.—The colour of his body is yellow. His face is similar to the face of a cuckoo. His right hand is in Pravacana-Mudrā, and a viṇā is in his left hand.

The illustrations (of, for example Sātvika) are found scattered throughout ancient Jain manuscripts from Gujarat. The descriptions of these illustrations of this citrāvalī are based on the ślokas of Vācanācārya Gaṇi Sudhākalaśa’s Saṅgītopaniṣatsāroddhāra (14^th century) and Śārṅgadeva’s Saṅgītaratnākara (13^th century).

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.

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Sātvika (सात्विक) or sātvikābhinaya refers to the first of four categories of abhinaya (histrionic representation). Sātvika expresses the understanding and interpretation of various state in relation to sentiment. Abhinaya is the imitation of the thing seen by self or is an expression of sentiment experienced by oneself.

context information

Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (śāstra) of performing arts, (nāṭya, e.g., 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) and poetic works (kavya).

Purana

Sātvika (सात्विक).—A brahmin, who was turned into a Rākṣasa due to a curse after he had entered heaven. His story has been told by sage Śaunaka to Bharata, brother of Śrī Rāma.

It was Bharata, who led the yājñic horse towards the north in connection with the Aśvamedha yajña performed by Śrī Rāma after he was crowned King. The horse, which started on its journey from Ayodhyā reached, after six months, Hemakūṭa on the limits of India. As soon as it got into a beautiful garden it was rendered stationary as though paralysed. All attempts to make the horse move failed. Śatrughna and some soldiers tried to lift the horse by its legs, to no purpose. Hanūmān bound its legs with his tail and pulled, again to no purpose, and surprised at this failure of his he spoke to Śatrughna and others thus. "It was only just now that I pulled out with my tail the Droṇa mountain so very easily; but this small horse does not stir at all. May be, it is all fate." Following Hanūmān’s speech, Śatrughna asked Sumālī the explanation for this state of the matter, but the latter could not find one for it. Then it was decided to find out a maharṣi and ask him for the explanation. The soldiers accompanied by Bharata went in search of a maharṣi, reached Śaunaka’s āśrama and submitted the case to him. (See full article at Story of Sātvika from the Puranic encyclopaedia by Vettam Mani)

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.

Languages of India and abroad

Marathi-English dictionary

sātvika (सात्विक).—a (S) Relating to satvaguṇa q. v.--Pure, honest, true, sincere, good, gentle, benevolent, amiable &c.: also mild, salutiferous, sanative &c.;--as articles of provision or medicine, actions and other points of regimen. 2 That has cream, pith, sap, solid substance; or that has vigor, virtue, spirit, strength, efficacy, active quality. 3 Real, existent, that has entity or real being. 4 That belongs or relates to the Satwika bhava. 5 as s m (bhāva being understood) One of the Bhavas or classes into which (in poetry and the drama) the affections of the mind, or the acts and movements expressing them, are distinguished. This class holds the middle place between the Sthayi and the Wyabhichari bhavas; and consists of those affections or emotions which are viewed as natural, spontaneous, honest, unconstrained, unfeigned &c., and of which the indication or expression lies especially in eight acts or external and corporeal affections; viz. Inability to move whilst the faculties or limbs are unaffected, perspiration, horripilation, inarticulate speech, trembling or tremor, change of color, shedding of tears, and loss of sense, through mental absorption, to every object but that which is the seat of the absorption. See vyabhicāribhāva, sthāyibhāva, & aṣṭabhāva.

sātvika (सात्विक).—a Pure, honest. That has cream. Real.

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