Vartana, Vartanā: 22 definitions
Introduction:
Vartana means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit, the history of ancient India, Marathi, Hindi. 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.
Alternative spellings of this word include Vartan.
Images (photo gallery)
In Hinduism
Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)
1) Vartanā (वर्तना) or karavartanā refers to the “gesticulating hand” (preceding one’s speech).
2) Vartanā (वर्तना) refers to one of the five characteristics of the hand (upahasta) according to the Nāṭyaśāstra chapter 33. Accordingly, “the four strokes when the right hand falls first and the left hand afterwards, are called Vartanā, because they occur by turns”.
Vartanā (वर्तना) (=hastavartanā) refers to “hand-movements”. The conditions which are responsible for multiplying the varieities of handmovements (called hastavartanā or hastakaraṇa) are tempo (druta, madhya and vilambita), the employment of the hands one after the other, and employing them together or singly.
Vartanā (वर्तना) or Karakaravartanā refers to “movements of the arm”, as discussed in Kallinātha’s commentary on Saṅgistaratnākara of Śārṅgadeva (1953: Vol. IV: p.105).—Kallinātha says that in spite of Śārṅgadeva not having mentioned these, he will describe the vartanās which have been expounded by Kohala. He proceeds to give a quotation of Kohala from the work Saṅgītameru which gives the definitions of twenty four kara-vartanās.
The vartanās mentioned by Kohala are as follows:
- Patāka-vartanā;
- Arāla-vartanā;
- Śukatuṇḍa-vartanā;
- Alapadma-vartanā;
- Khaṭakāmukha-vartanā;
- Makara-vartanā;
- Ūrdhva-vartanā;
- Āviddha-vartanā;
- Recita-vartanā;
- Nitamba-vartanā;
- Keśabandha-vartanā;
- Phāla-vartanikā;
- Kakṣa-vartanikā;
- Uro-vartanikā;
- Khaḍga-vartanikā;
- Padma-vartanā;
- Daṇḍa-vartanā;
- Pallava-vartanā;
- Ardhamaṇḍala-vartanā;
- Ghāta-vartanikā;
- Lalita-vartanikā;
- Valita-vartanā;
- Gātra-vartana;
- Prati-vartanikā;
The Nṛtyādhyāya of Aśokamalla contains descriptions of 25 varieties of kara-vartanās (in contrast to 24 of Kalānidhi). The additional vartanā found here is called ‘Avahittha-vartanā’. The defintions of the vartanās are also slightly different in these works.
In addition to these vartanās another set of seven have also been mentioned. These are—
- Śirasthā-vartanā;
- Tilaka-vartanā;
- Nāgabandha-vartanā;
- Siṃhamukha-vartanā;
- Vaiṣṇavyekā-vartanā;
- Talamukhī-vartanā;
- Kalaśa-vartanā;
Kohala says that in the case of these vartanās, their names themselves make their lakṣaṇa clear and therefore he has mentioned only their names. The definitions of the 24 vartanās also reflect some views of other ancient authorities such as Kīrtidhara and Bhaṭṭataṇḍu, whose names have been mentioned in the same.
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).
Shilpashastra (iconography)
Vartanā (वर्तना) refers to one of the qualities of good painting, according to the Citrasūtra, as mentioned by Uddyotanasūri in his 8th-century Kuvalayamālā (a Prakrit Campū, similar to Kāvya poetry).—[...] In the Citrasūtra, rekhā, varṇa, vartanā and bhūṣaṇa are mentioned as four qualities of a good painting. A motif of a princess of a Citrapata was popular in medieval literature and also found in the Tilakamañjarī.
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.
Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)
Vartana (वर्तन) refers to a “spiral”, according to the Kularatnoddyota, one of the earliest Kubjikā Tantras.—Accordingly, [while describing the gross form of Navātman called Śabdarāśinavātman]: “(Navātman) has a big body and burns intensely, illumining the sky with (his) radiant energy. [...] The middle (part of his body) is marked by a deep navel and the lotus of the navel is a clockwise spiral (dakṣa-vartana). [...]”.
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.
Yoga (school of philosophy)
Vartana (वर्तन) refers to the “proceedings (of the universe)” (i.e., “knowing everything that is going on in the universe”), according to the Amanaska Yoga treatise dealing with meditation, absorption, yogic powers and liberation.—Accordingly, as Īśvara says to Vāmadeva: “[...] [Now], I shall define the nature of that highest, mind-free absorption which arises for those devoted to constant practice. [...] This supernormal knowledge [derived] from the five senses consists of his personal experience [as opposed to theoretical knowledge]. By it, the best of Yogins knows of everything that is going on in the universe (viśva-vartana). [...]”.
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 Jainism
Jain philosophy
Vartanā (वर्तना) refers to the “causality in the matter of duration” (representing the euncommon quality of Kāla—time), according to the Jain philosphical principle of Ajīva (not-soul).—Accordingly, the concept of Ajīva comprises substances which are insentient and constitute the physical universe. These substances are five in number [viz., kāla—time]. Kāla (time) is atomic in dimension, and the atoms pervade the whole cosmic space. In the Digambara tradition there is no diversity of opinion regarding the nature of time as a substance. Ācārya Pūjyapāda has explained at length the nature of time in his Sarvārthasiddhi V.39-40. [...] The time (kāla) is also possessed of qualities and modes, both common and uncommon. The uncommon quality is its causality in the matter of duration (vartanā) occurring in things. The quality which it shares with other substances are acetanatva (inanimateness), amūrtatva (formlessness), sūkṣmatva, (subtlety) and agurulaghutva (rhythmic fluctuation). [...]
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General definition (in Jainism)
Vartanā (वर्तना, “duration”).—Vartanā is duration for a period, which means existence for certain period of time. The word ‘duration’ is indicative of kāla. Though kāla cannot bestow status of existence on any substance, even then, the period, for which the substance lasts (exists) denotes the total duration of time in which the existence of the substance persists.
Vartanā (वर्तना) according to the 2nd-century Tattvārthasūtra 5.21.—What is vartanā? Assisting all substances in their continuity of existence through gradual changes without leaving their nature is vartanā.
Vartanā (वर्तना) refers to “assisting substances in their continuity of being through gradual change” which represents the particular attribute of Kāla—time, according to Ācārya Pūjyapāda’s Sarvārthasiddhi which is a commentary on Ācārya Umaswami’s Tattvārthasūtra.—Accordingly, [Verse 5.39 - Classification of time as a substance]: “[...] How is the time (kāla) a substance (dravya)? Because it has the characteristic attributes of a substance. [...] The time (kāla) exhibits permanence based on its internal cause–svanimittaka–because it persists in own nature. Origination and destruction in the time (kāla) are based on external causes–paranimittaka–and also due to internal causes–svanimittaka–in view of the rhythmic rise and fall, ‘agurulaghuguṇa’. Further, the time (kāla) also has two kinds of attributes, general and particular. The particular attribute of the time (kāla) is assisting substances in their continuity of being through gradual changes–vartanā–and the general attributes include lifelessness, without having a form, minuteness and power of maintaining distinction with all other substances. ”.
Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.
India history and geography
Vartanā.—(SITI), perquisites due to an office; periodical presents to be offered to an officer of rank by his subordinates and the people. Cf. vartanī. Note: vartanā is defined in the “Indian epigraphical glossary” as it can be found on ancient inscriptions commonly written in Sanskrit, Prakrit or Dravidian languages.
The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
Languages of India and abroad
Marathi-English dictionary
vartana (वर्तन).—n Behaving. Livelihood. Staying.
Marathi is an Indo-European language having over 70 million native speakers people in (predominantly) Maharashtra India. Marathi, like many other Indo-Aryan languages, evolved from early forms of Prakrit, which itself is a subset of Sanskrit, one of the most ancient languages of the world.
Sanskrit dictionary
Vartana (वर्तन).—a. [vṛt-lyu lyuṭ vā]
1) Abiding, living, staying, being &c.
2) Stationary.
-naḥ A dwarf.
-nī 1 A road, way.
2) Living, life.
3) Pounding, grinding.
4) Sending off, despatching.
5) A spindle.
-nam 1 Living, being.
2) Staying, abiding, residing.
3) Action, movement, mode or manner of living; स्मरसि च तदुपान्तेष्वावयो- र्वर्तनानि (smarasi ca tadupānteṣvāvayo- rvartanāni) Uttararāmacarita 1.26; (the word may here mean 'abode or residence', also).
4) Living on, subsisting (at the end of comp.).
5) Livelihood, maintenance, subsistence; तैरेवास्य कलेः कलेवरपुषोव दैनंदिनं वर्तनम् (tairevāsya kaleḥ kalevarapuṣova dainaṃdinaṃ vartanam) Bv.1.13.
6) Turning round, revolving.
7) Rolling on, moving about.
8) Appointing.
9) A means of subsistence, profession, occupation.
1) Conduct, behaviour, proceeding.
11) Wages, salary, hire.
12) Commerce, traffic.
13) A spindle.
14) A globe, ball.
15) Application of; colouring; निहितमलक्तवर्तनाभिताम्रम् (nihitamalaktavartanābhitāmram) Kirātārjunīya 1.42.
16) An oftentold word.
17) Decoction.
Vartanā (वर्तना).—(-veṇī; for Pali see below), (string of) bead(s). Note that veṇī in Pali, and at least veṇikā in Sanskrit, are used in the fig. sense of line, string; Tibetan on Lalitavistara (both times) renders lan bu (or, bur) blas pa, rendered by Fou- caux le tissu d'une tresse; I cannot find blas pa in Tibetan Dictt., but lan bu does indeed seem to mean braid of hair, the normal Sanskrit meaning of veṇī; it may be that Tibetan mistranslated. Occurs twice in Lalitavistara, in the same comparison: 254.13 (tad yathāpi nāma) vartanyā veṇy (read vartanā- veṇy) unnatāvanatā bhavati samaviṣamā, evaṃ me pṛṣṭhīkaṇṭako…; and 256.1 (tad yathā karkaṭakapār- śukā) vāhanaśālāyāṃ vā gopānāsī pārśve (compare 254.9—11) dvipari-(see this!)vartanā veṇīvat (read as one [compound] word) pṛṣṭhīkaṇṭakaḥ. The Mahāvastu parallels clearly had vaṭṭanāvalī, q.v., in accord with the Pali.The Majjhimanikāya (Pali) i.80.15 (compare also 81.12; 245.30) has: (seyyathā) pi nāma vaṭṭanāvaḷī evam eva ssu me piṭṭhikaṇṭako unnatāvanato hoti; commentary ii.50.5, yathā rajjuyā āvuṇitvā katā vaṭṭanāvaḷī vaṭṭanā- naṃ antarantarā ninnā hoti, vaṭṭanaṭṭhānesu unnatā… See also vartita (°tā…veṇī).
Vartana (वर्तन).—i. e. vṛt + ana, I. adj. Staying. Ii. m. A dwarf. Iii. f. nī, and n. 1. Staying, abiding, [Uttara Rāmacarita, 2. ed. Calc., 1862.] 17, 2. 2. A road. 3. Grinding. 4. A ball. Iv. n. 1. Turning. 2. A ball of cotton from which the threads are spun. 3. Occupation, [Pañcatantra] i. [distich] 12. 4. Livelihood, [Hitopadeśa] 114, 2. 5. Appointing, being appointed, [Hitopadeśa] 98, 8. 6. Wages, [Hitopadeśa] i. [distich] 45, M.M. 7. A soldier’s pay, [Hitopadeśa] 98, 10; 99, 18. 8. Colouring, [Kirātārjunīya] 10, 42.
Vartana (वर्तन).—[adjective] causing to move or live (Viṣṇu). [neuter] turning, rolling, moving on, wandering, roaming; staying, abiding in ([locative]); living on ([instrumental]), support of life, earnings, wages; intercourse or commerce with (saha), proceeding with (—°).
1) Vartana (वर्तन):—[from varta] mfn. (also [from] [Causal]) abiding, staying etc. (= vartiṣṇu), [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
2) [v.s. ...] setting in motion, quickening, causing to live or be (also applied to Viṣṇu), [Harivaṃśa; Bhāgavata-purāṇa]
3) [v.s. ...] m. a dwarf, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
4) Vartanā (वर्तना):—[from vartana > varta] f. See under n.
5) Vartana (वर्तन):—[from varta] n. the act of turning or rolling or rolling on or moving forward or about (trans. and intrans.), [Nirukta, by Yāska; Kātyāyana-śrauta-sūtra; Bhāgavata-purāṇa; Caraka] etc. (also f(ā). , [Haravijaya])
6) [v.s. ...] n. twisting (a rope), [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
7) [v.s. ...] staying, abiding in ([locative case]), [Uttararāma-carita]
8) [v.s. ...] living on ([instrumental case]), livelihood, subsistence, occupation, earnings, wages, [Kāvya literature; Rājataraṅgiṇī; Kathāsaritsāgara; Hitopadeśa]
9) [v.s. ...] commerce, intercourse with (saha), [Kāmandakīya-nītisāra]
10) [v.s. ...] proceeding, conduct, behaviour, [Sāhitya-darpaṇa]
11) [v.s. ...] (ifc.) application of [Kirātārjunīya]
12) [v.s. ...] a distaff or spindle, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
13) [v.s. ...] a globe or ball, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
14) [v.s. ...] an often told word, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
15) [v.s. ...] a place where a horse rolls, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
16) [v.s. ...] decoction, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
17) Vārtana (वार्तन):—[from vārtaka] mfn. = vartanīṣu bhavaḥ, [Pāṇini 4-2, 125 [Scholiast or Commentator]]
Vartana (वर्तन):—(von vart simpl. und caus.)
1) oxyt. nom. ag. [Pāṇini’s acht Bücher 3, 2, 149, Scholiast] a) = vartiṣṇu [Amarakoṣa 3, 1, 29.] [Medinīkoṣa Nalopākhyāna 123. fg.] — b) in Bewegung setzend, Leben verleihend: Viṣṇu [Harivaṃśa 10416.] eṣa dainaṃdinaḥ sargo brāhmastrailokyavartanaḥ [Bhāgavatapurāṇa 3, 11, 25.] —
2) m. Zwerg [Medinīkoṣa] —
3) f. ī a) = vartana n. [Trikāṇḍaśeṣa 3, 3, 263.] [Hemacandra’s Anekārthasaṃgraha] = jīvana [Medinīkoṣa] — b) = vartani Weg, Pfad [UJJVAL.] zu [Uṇādisūtra 2, 107.] [Amarakoṣa 2, 1, 16.] [Trikāṇḍaśeṣa 3, 3, 263.] [Hemacandra’s Anekārthasaṃgraha 3, 411.] [Medinīkoṣa Nalopākhyāna 123. y. 50.] [Halāyudha 2, 105.] [Śabdaratnāvalī im Śabdakalpadruma] — c) das Zerreiben, Mahlen (= peṣaṇa) [Śabdaratnāvalī im Śabdakalpadruma] das Absenden (preṣaṇa) [Medinīkoṣa] — d) Spinnwirtel (tarkupīṭha) [Trikāṇḍaśeṣa 2, 10, 10. 3, 3, 263.] [Hemacandra’s Anekārthasaṃgraha] [Medinīkoṣa Nalopākhyāna 123. fg.] Spinnrocken (tūlanālā) [Medinīkoṣa] —
4) n. nom. act. [DHĀTUP. 18, 19.] a) das Sichdrehen, Rollen [Yāska’s Nirukta 13, 12.] — b) das Drehen: rajju [Pāṇini’s acht Bücher 8, 3, 89, Scholiast] — c) das Fortrollen, Fortbewegen [Kātyāyana’s Śrautasūtrāṇi 8, 4, 2.] [Suśruta 1, 25, 15.] — d) das Umherschweifen, Umhergehen: gṛhamaṇḍalavartanaiḥ Rundgang im Hause (einer Hausfrau) [Bhāgavatapurāṇa 7, 11, 26. 11, 11, 39.] niyamya sarvendriyabāhyavartanam [6, 16, 33.] — e) das Verweilen, Aufenthalt: tadupānteṣvāvayorvartanam [UTTARAR. 12, 9 (17, 2).] — f) das Leben von (instr.), Unterhaltung des Lebens: avaśiṣṭhenānnena [Mārkāṇḍeyapurāṇa 50, 71.] pakvānnakṛta [Kathāsaritsāgara 27, 90.] Lebensunterhalt, Erwerb [Amarakoṣa 2, 9, 1.] [Medinīkoṣa] [Spr. 718.] [Kullūka] zu [Manu’s Gesetzbuch 3, 152.] [Hitopadeśa 98, 8. 114, 2.] [Pañcatantra ed. orn. 6, 11.] loka das Mittel, wodurch die Welt besteht (u. d. W. ungenau wiedergegeben) [Kathāsaritsāgara 64, 42.] Lohn [Hitopadeśa I, 40. 98, 10. 99, 18.] — g) Verkehr, Umgang: asadbhiḥ saha [KĀM. NĪTIS. 14, 44.] — h) das Verfahren, Benehmen: nītiḥ śāstreṇa vartanam [Sāhityadarpana 489.] alaktaka das Verfahren mit Lack so v. a. das Färben mit Lack [Kirātārjunīya 10, 42.] — i) Spinnwirtel; Spinnrocken [Medinīkoṣa]
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Vārtana (वार्तन):—adj. = vartanīṣu bhavaḥ [Pāṇini’s acht Bücher 4, 2, 125, Scholiast]
Vartana (वर्तन) in the Sanskrit language is related to the Prakrit word: Vaṭṭāvaṇa.
Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.
Hindi dictionary
Vartana (वर्तन) [Also spelled vartan]:—(nm) refraction; turning; (a) revolution, grinding.
...
Kannada-English dictionary
Vartana (ವರ್ತನ):—
1) [adjective] abiding; staying.
2) [adjective] settled; established.
3) [adjective] turning or rolling.
4) [adjective] appointing, nominating or selecting for a post.
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Vartana (ವರ್ತನ):—
1) [noun] a moving forward.
2) [noun] the way a person behaves or acts; conduct; manners; behaviour; deportment.
3) [noun] righteous, just, upright, virtuous manner.
4) [noun] the quality that makes a thing useful or suitable for a given purpose; advantage; usefulness.
5) [noun] the buying and selling of commodities and services; commerce; trade.
6) [noun] one’s work, occupation or profession.
7) [noun] the act or an instance of recurring; reoccurrence, return, repetition, etc.; recurrence.
8) [noun] the act of rotating or revolving.
9) [noun] the act of appointing a person for some post, office, etc.; appointment.
Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.
Nepali dictionary
Vartana (वर्तन):—n. 1. living; being; 2. staying; abiding; residing; 3. action; moment; mode or manner of living; 4. livelihood; proceeding; 6. turning; revolving; 7. state of being stationary;
Nepali is the primary language of the Nepalese people counting almost 20 million native speakers. The country of Nepal is situated in the Himalaya mountain range to the north of India.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Vartanabharana, Vartanabharana, Vartanabhava, Vartanadana, Vartanaka, Vartanaksha, Vartanamka, Vartanarthin, Vartanasvastika, Vartanata, Vartanaviniyoga.
Full-text (+141): Pravartana, Anuvartana, Parivartana, Apavartana, Avartana, Upavartana, Nivartana, Udvartana, Paravartana, Vivartana, Ativartana, Paryavartana, Nirvartana, Samvartana, Prativartana, Lokavartana, Recitavartana, Urdhva, Shirshavartana, Shukatundavartana.
Relevant text
Search found 40 books and stories containing Vartana, Vartanā, Vārtana, Vartaa, Vartanas; (plurals include: Vartanas, Vartanās, Vārtanas, Vartaas, Vartanases). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Kohala in the Sanskrit textual tradition (Study) (by Padma Sugavanam)
Kohala and Nṛtya (4): The concept of Vartanā < [Chapter 2 - Kohala as seen in citations]
Part 15 - Citations of Kohala in the Kalānidhi < [Chapter 3 - Kohala as seen in citations—an analysis]
Part 17 - Citations of Kohala in the Nṛtyādhyāya < [Chapter 3 - Kohala as seen in citations—an analysis]
Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary) (by Vijay K. Jain)
Verse 5.22 - The functions of time (kāla) < [Chapter 5 - The Non-living Substances]
Verse 5.40 - The extent of the conventional time (vyavahāra-kāla) < [Chapter 5 - The Non-living Substances]
Verse 5.39 - Classification of time as a substance < [Chapter 5 - The Non-living Substances]
Manasollasa (study of Arts and Sciences) (by Mahadev Narayanrao Joshi)
2. Art in Citra or Painting < [Chapter 4 - Fine arts in Manasollassa]
Padma Purana (by N.A. Deshpande)
Chapter 32 - A Gift of Land is the Best < [Section 6 - Uttara-Khaṇḍa (Concluding Section)]
Agni Purana (by N. Gangadharan)
Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary) (by D. N. Shukla)