Shikhipatra, Śikhipatra, Shikhin-patra: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Shikhipatra 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 Śikhipatra can be transliterated into English as Sikhipatra or Shikhipatra, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Source: Wisdom Library: Nāṭya-śāstra

Śikhipatra (शिखिपत्र) refers to a type of ornament (ābharaṇa) for the ears (karṇa) to be worn by females, according to Nāṭyaśāstra chapter 23. Śikhipatra is composed of the Sanskrit words śikhi (peacock) and patra (feather). It is also known by the name Śikhāpatra. Such ornaments for females should be used in cases of human females and celestial beings (gods and goddesses).

Ābharaṇa (‘ornaments’, eg., śikhipatra) is a category of alaṃkāra, or “decorations”, which in turn is a category of nepathya, or “costumes and make-up”, the perfection of which forms the main concern of the Āhāryābhinaya, or “extraneous representation”, a critical component for a successful dramatic play.

Natyashastra book cover
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).

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Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology)

[«previous next»] — Shikhipatra in Jyotisha glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Brihat Samhita by Varahamihira

Śikhipatra (शिखिपत्र) refers to a “peacock’s plume”, according to the Bṛhatsaṃhitā (chapter 3), an encyclopedic Sanskrit work written by Varāhamihira mainly focusing on the science of ancient Indian astronomy astronomy (Jyotiṣa).—Accordingly, “If the solar disc should be crossed by the rainbow the princes of the land will be at war with one another. If in winter the disc be clear there will be immediate rain. If in Varṣā the colour of the sun be that of the flower Śirīṣa [i.e., śirīṣapuṣpa] there will be immediate rain; if the colour be that of the peacock’s plume [i.e., śikhipatra-nibha] there will be no rain for twelve years to come”.

Jyotisha book cover
context information

Jyotisha (ज्योतिष, jyotiṣa or jyotish) refers to ‘astronomy’ or “Vedic astrology” and represents the fifth of the six Vedangas (additional sciences to be studied along with the Vedas). Jyotisha concerns itself with the study and prediction of the movements of celestial bodies, in order to calculate the auspicious time for rituals and ceremonies.

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