Square: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Square 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.

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In Hinduism

Vastushastra (architecture)

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

Square-shaped Temples (in ancient Indian architecture) are described in literature such as 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.—Temples like saumudga, nandī, vṛtta, vṛṣa etc. were constructed in circular or round shape. According to Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, the kaṭi i.e., waist part and the mekhalā i.e., the slop of the digvandha type of temple should be made in circular shape. Ānanda type of temple should be constructed in square or circular shape.

Vastushastra book cover
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.

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Yoga (school of philosophy)

Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation by Jason Birch

The Square shape is denoted in the Sanskrit language as Catuṣkoṇa, according to the twelfth-century Vivekamārtaṇḍa 158.—Accordingly, “Having become absorbed in the earth element, which is bright like orpiment and gold, yellow, endowed with the syllable la, presided over by Brahmā, square [in shape] [i.e., catuṣkoṇa] and located in the heart, [the Yogin] should hold his breath and mind in it for two hours. This dhāraṇā on the earth [element] makes [the Yogin] constantly steady and a master of the earth [element]”.

Yoga book cover
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Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as āsanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

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