Vamanavatara, aka: Vāmanāvatāra, Vamana-avatara; 2 Definition(s)
Introduction
Vamanavatara 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.
In Hinduism
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Vāmanāvatāra (वामनावतार) refers to the “dwarf incarnation” of Viṣṇu.—The Taittirīya Saṃhitā, the Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa, and the Aitareya Brāhmaṇa, speaking of the Asuras who agreed to give to the defeated gods as much of the earth as Viṣṇu—a dwarf—could lie on, and of Viṣṇu who increased his size and got the whole earth for the gods.
Source: archive.org: Nilamata Purana: a cultural and literary study
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.
Shilpashastra (iconography)
Vāmanāvatāra (वामनावतार) or Vāmana is one of the daśāvatāra (ten incarnations) of Viṣṇu, is found depicted at the Kallazhagar Temple in Madurai, which represents a sacred place for the worship of Viṣṇu.—[in Vāmanāvatāra,] Viṣṇu is the form of a Brahmin dwarf carrying an umbrella in his left hand and a vase in his right hand is seen in this avatāra. Both his legs are turned to the right.
Source: Shodhganga: The significance of the mūla-beras (śilpa)
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.
Relevant definitions
Search found 304 related definition(s) that might help you understand this better. Below you will find the 15 most relevant articles:
| Vamana | Vāmana (वामन) or Vāmanāvatāra refers to one the “ten incarnations of Lord Viṣṇu”, as defined ac... | |
| Avatara | Avatāra (अवतार).—n. (-raṃ) 1. Descent, especially of a deity from heaven; the appearance of any... | |
| Dashavatara | Daśāvatāra (दशावतार).—m. (-raḥ) A name of Vishnu. E. daśa ten, and avatāra descent; the deity o... | |
| Matsyavatara | Matsyāvatāra (मत्स्यावतार) or Matsya is one of the daśāvatāra (ten incarnations) of Viṣṇu, is f... | |
| Ankavatara | Aṅkāvatāra (अङ्कावतार).—when an act, hinted by persons at the end of the preceding act, is brou... | |
| Narasimhavatara | Narasiṃhāvatāra (नरसिंहावतार) or Narasiṃha is one of the daśāvatāra (ten incarnations) of Viṣṇu... | |
| Amshavatara | Aṃśāvatāra (अंशावतार).—The incarnation of God on earth is called avatāra. When the incarnation ... | |
| Lilavatara | Līlāvatāra (लीलावतार).—m. (-raḥ) The descent of Vishnu on the earth for amusement. | |
| Vamanapurana | Vāmanapurāṇa (वामनपुराण).—One of the eighteen Purāṇas. (See under Purāṇa). | |
| Kurmavatara | Kūrmāvatāra (कूर्मावतार) or Kūrma is one of the daśāvatāra (ten incarnations) of Viṣṇu, is foun... | |
| Varahavatara | Varāhāvatāra (वराहावतार) or Varāha is one of the daśāvatāra (ten incarnations) of Viṣṇu, is fou... | |
| Krishnavatara | Kṛṣṇāvatāra (कृष्णावतार) or Kṛṣṇa is one of the daśāvatāra (ten incarnations) of Viṣṇu, is foun... | |
| Arcavatara | Arcāvatāra refers to the “simple and easy method to attain the blessings from the Lord” as expl... | |
| Purnavatara | Pūrṇāvatāra (पूर्णावतार).—Name of the fourth, seventh and eighth incarnations of Viṣṇu. Derivab... | |
| Devavatara | Devāvatāra (देवावतार).—m., n. of a place, = Sāṃkāśya, q.v.: °raḥ Mvy 4103; °re Māy 105 (the Chi... |
Relevant text
Search found 3 books and stories containing Vamanavatara, Vāmanāvatāra, Vamana-avatara, Vāmana-avatāra; (plurals include: Vamanavataras, Vāmanāvatāras, avataras, avatāras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Sri Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (by Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī)
Verse 3.2.83 < [Part 2 - Affection and Service (dāsya-rasa)]
The Vishnu Purana (by Horace Hayman Wilson)