Ushtha, Uṣṭha: 4 definitions
Introduction:
Ushtha 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 Uṣṭha can be transliterated into English as Ustha or Ushtha, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Hinduism
Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)
Source: Wisdom Library: Nāṭya-śāstraUṣṭha (उष्ठ) refers to the “lips”. It is one of the parts of the human body with which gestures (āṅgika) are performaned, according to the Nāṭyaśāstra chapter 8. These gestures form a part of the histrionic representation (abhinaya).
There are six different ‘gestures of the lips’ (uṣṭha) defined:
- vivartana (narrowing),
- kampana (trembling),
- visarga (spreading out),
- vinigūhana (concealing),
- sandaṣṭaka (biting),
- samudgaka (contracting).
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).
Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)
Source: Google Books: ManthanabhairavatantramUṣṭha (उष्ठ) [=Uṣṭā?] refers to the “lips”, according to the Kularatnoddyota, one of the earliest Kubjikā Tantras.—Accordingly, “That (was) the subtle, supreme visualization. (Now) listen to the gross one with limbs. O Kaulinī, I will tell you without doubt (what it is) as you (yourself) know it (to be). (The gross form has) five faces, ten arms and, pure, it has a smiling face. The face of the goddess is completely full (of light and joy) and she shines with (her) beautiful teeth and lips [i.e., cārudanta-uṣṭha-bhāṣiṇī]. [...]”.
Shakta (शाक्त, śākta) or Shaktism (śāktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English TranslationUṣṭha (उष्ठ) refers to the “lips”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.3.46 (“The arrival of the bridegroom”).—Accordingly, as Brahmā narrated to Nārada: “[...] In the meantime the servant-maids in the harem of the mountain took Pārvatī out in order to worship the tutelar family deity. [...] With diamond earrings her cheeks appeared brilliant. Her rows of teeth sparkled like diamonds. Red lac applied over her lips (uṣṭha) which were naturally red like Bimba fruits was exquisite. [...]”.
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.
Ayurveda (science of life)
Veterinary Medicine (The study and treatment of Animals)
Source: archive.org: The Elephant Lore of the HindusUṣṭha (उष्ठ) refers to the “lips” (of an elephant), according to the 15th century Mātaṅgalīlā composed by Nīlakaṇṭha in 263 Sanskrit verses, dealing with elephantology in ancient India, focusing on the science of management and treatment of elephants.—[Cf. chapter 2, “on favorable marks”]: “A vehicle for a king is an elephant in whom these six parts are elevated: the two temporal bosses, the two tusks, the withers, and the backbone. 2. An excellent elephant is one who has these seven parts red colored: the two trunk ends, penis, tongue, lip (uṣṭha), anus, and palate. [...]”.
Āyurveda (आयुर्वेद, ayurveda) is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Āyurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Ushthaja, Ushthajanita.
Full-text: Tamroshtha, Bimboshtha, Dantoshtha, Carushtha, Viniguhana, Sandashtaka, Samudgaka, Kanthoshtha, Visarga, Ushthajanita, Ushthaja, Kampana, Vivartana, Upanga, Carudanta, Bhashini, Bhashi.
Relevant text
Search found 4 books and stories containing Ushtha, Uṣṭha, Ustha; (plurals include: Ushthas, Uṣṭhas, Usthas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Agni Purana (by N. Gangadharan)
International Ayurvedic Medical Journal
Critical review of pashanbhinna rasa on ashmari with special reference to urolithiasis < [2024, Issue 07. July]
A management of kitibha kustha (psoriasis) by shodhana chikitsa (therapeutic emesis-vaman) followed by shaman chikitsa (gomutra): a case study < [2021, Issue 1, January]
Natyashastra (English) (by Bharata-muni)
Abhijnana Shakuntala (synthetic study) (by Ramendra Mohan Bose)
Chapter 7 - Saptama-anka (saptamo'nkah) < [Abhijnana Sakuntalam, text and commentary]