Shikharahasta, Śikharahasta, Shikhara-hasta: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Shikharahasta 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.
The Sanskrit term Śikharahasta can be transliterated into English as Sikharahasta or Shikharahasta, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Hinduism
Shilpashastra (iconography)
Śikharahasta (शिखरहस्त) or simply Śikhara refers to “bow-hold, crest” and represents one of the twenty-four gestures with a single hand, as defined according to texts dealing with śilpa (arts and crafs), known as śilpaśāstras.—Accordingly, pratimā-lakṣaṇa (body postures of the icons) is comprised of hand gestures (hasta, mudrā or kai-amaiti), stances/poses (āsanas) and inflexions of the body (bhaṅgas). There are thirty-two types of hands [viz., śikharahasta] classified into two major groups known as tolirkai (functional and expressive gestures) and elirkai (graceful posture of the hand).
(Description of Śikhara-hasta): In this posture, the four fingers are held bent into the palm while the thumb is held vertically upward away from them.
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)
Śikharahasta (शिखरहस्त) or simply Śikhara refers to one of the twenty-two Asaṃyuktahastas or “single hand gestures” (in Indian Dramas), 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 hasta-mudrās (lit. “hand-gestures”) are very essential to denote some particular action or state in dancing and these mudrās are formed with the help of hands and fingers. In the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, twenty two kinds of asaṃyuktahastas (“dancing postures made only by single hand”) are mentioned. e.g., śikharahasta.
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).
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Shikhara, Hasta.
Full-text: Raghurama, Ramacandra, Shikhara, Shanaishcara, Prerita, Varuna, Rama, Varahavatara, Balarama, Lakshmana, Simha, Simhagati, Boar, Shrirama, Shriramavatara, Lion.
Relevant text
Search found 5 books and stories containing Shikharahasta, Shikhara-hasta, Śikhara-hasta, Sikhara-hasta, Śikharahasta, Sikharahasta; (plurals include: Shikharahastas, hastas, Śikharahastas, Sikharahastas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Kohala in the Sanskrit textual tradition (Study) (by Padma Sugavanam)
Kohala and Nṛtya (3): The concept of Hasta < [Chapter 2 - Kohala as seen in citations]
Vishnudharmottara Purana (Art and Architecture) (by Bhagyashree Sarma)
2.2. (d): Hand Gestures for Daśāvatāra < [Chapter 3 - Drama and Dance]
1.3. Elements of Drama (e): Gatiprasāra (gait extension) < [Chapter 3 - Drama and Dance]
Gati in Theory and Practice (by Dr. Sujatha Mohan)
Gati in vehicles < [Chapter 3 - Application of gati in Dṛśya-kāvyas]
Dance Traditions of South India < [May-June 1935]
Hastalaksanadipika a critical edition and study (by E. K. Sudha)