Umbrella: 4 definitions

Introduction
Image gallery
In Hinduism
In Buddhism
1. Mahayana
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Introduction:

Umbrella means something in Buddhism, Pali, 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.

Images (photo gallery)

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In Hinduism

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

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

1) (Holding an) Umbrella is associated with Kapittha-hasta: one of the twenty-two Single-hand Gestures (in Indian Dramas) (known as asaṃyuktahastas), 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.—In the Śabdakalpadruma, the word kapittha is explained as a kind of tree where kapi i.e., monkey comes due to the greed of fruit. The word kapittha again denotes the fruit called wood apple. [...] This posture is used to denote sacrifice, holding of an umbrella or a garland or rope, dragging and fanning.

2) (Holding an) Umbrella is also associated with Mṛgaśīrṣa-hasta: another one of the twenty-two Single-hand Gestures (in Indian Dramas).—The word mṛgaśīrṣa is the union of two words viz., mṛga and śīrṣa. The word mṛga means deer and śīrṣa means head. So, it can be said that the hand posture which is called mṛgaśīrṣa identifies a posture that looks like the head of a deer. [...] In the Abhinayadarpaṇa, the mṛgaśīrṣa-hasta posture is used to denote various things. This book states that this posture is used to show woman, cheek, wheel, limit, terror, quarrel, attire and to call someone or the beloved, the lute, foot massage, female organ, holding umbrella etc.

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).

Vastushastra (architecture)

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

Umbrella-shaped Temples (in ancient Indian architecture) are denoted by the Sanskrit term Chatra, as 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.—It is quite difficult to say about a definite number of varieties of Hindu temples but in the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa hundred varieties of temples have been enumerated. For example, Umbrella-shaped. These temples are classified according to the particular shape, amount of storeys and other common elements, such as the number of pavilions, doors and roofs. [...] The Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa relates that the temple named Chatra should be constructed in the shape of a Umbrella.

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.

Yoga (school of philosophy)

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

An Umbrella is denoted by the Sanskrit term Ātapatra, according to the Amanaska Yoga treatise dealing with meditation, absorption, yogic powers and liberation.—Accordingly, as Īśvara says to Vāmadeva: “[...] When the thorn that is the mind is dislodged by the natural, no-mind [state], the body becomes loose [and collapses] like a large umbrella (ātapatra) without its pole. When the thorn of mental-faculties has been uprooted, roots and all, by means of the no-mind spade, the sage becomes happy. [...]”.

context information

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).

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions (mahayana)

Umbrellas are used as a material in the performance of a sacred bathing ritual dedicated to Goddess Sarasvatī, according to the seventh chapter of the Suvarṇaprabhāsottamasūtra.—In chapter 7, the Sarasvatīparivarta, the goddess Sarasvatī grants her support to the Dharma preacher through the gift of eloquence, and presents a bathing ritual with enchanted herbs for him and his audience in order to appease all disturbances. It is promised that, invoked by praise, Sarasvatī herself will appear and remove all diseases and difficulties. The ritual instructions prescribe that one should pound herbs and consecrate the powder with mantras at the time of the Puṣya constellation. A maṇḍala should be drawn with cow-dung, flowers should be scattered and gold and silver vessels filled. Four armed men and four well-adorned maidens should be placed there holding pots in their hands, thus accomplishing the protective sealing of the boundaries (sīmābandha). One should use incense, music, umbrellas, flags, banners, mirrors, arrows, spears and dhāraṇī-spells, and in due course bathe behind an image of the Buddha.

context information

Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.

Relevant text

Search found 186 books and stories containing Umbrella; (plurals include: Umbrellas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Chapter 73 - On Umbrellas (chatra-lakṣaṇa)

Chapter 43 - On Indra-dhvaja (Indra’s banner)

Chapter 97 - On the time of fruition of effects (pāka-adhyāya)

+ 19 more chapters / show preview

Appendix 2.2 - Umbrellas < [Appendices]

The use of a chowry (fly-whisk) in ancient India < [Notes]

Choosing a King by divine will < [Notes]

+ 23 more chapters / show preview

Household Articles (e): Umbrella (Chhatri) < [Chapter 4 - Material Culture of the People]

Articles Related to Royal Court < [Chapter 4 - Material Culture of the People]

Coronation of the King < [Chapter 3 - Socio-Religious Life]

+ 5 more chapters / show preview