Waist: 2 definitions

Introduction
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In Hinduism
1. Natyashastra
2. Vastushastra
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Introduction:

Waist 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.

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) The Waist refers to one of the major Body Parts with which are associated various gestures and expressions (in Sanskrit Dramas), as conveyed through Āṅgikābhinaya: one of the four divisions of Abhinaya or “ways to convey or represent one’s emotion to others”, according to the Nāṭyaśāstra and 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.—The āṅgikābhinaya includes the histrionic representation of the limbs which is simply known as physical gestures. The aṅgas i.e., major classification of the body parts are six in numbers viz., head, hands, chest, sides, waist and feet.

Five types of Waist movements are accepted in the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa. These are—

prakampitā,
vicchinā,
nivṛttā,
recitā and
udvāhitā.

2) The Waist (of a person) is associated with Ardhacandra-hasta: one of the twenty-two Single-hand Gestures (in Indian Dramas) (known as asaṃyuktahastas), according to the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa.—The posture of ardhacandra-hasta, as stated in the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa is similar with the mayurahasta as found in the Abhinayadarpaṇa. According to the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, the ardhacandra-hasta is used to show growing moon. Moreover, it also identifies a child, a tree named Tāla, the waist part of a person etc. The acting of putting ear-rings is also showed with this hastamudrā.

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)

The Waist part of the Temple (in ancient Indian architecture) is denoted by the Sanskrit term Kaṭi, 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.—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.

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.

Relevant text

Search found 271 books and stories containing Waist, The waist; (plurals include: Waists, The waists). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Waist-band (Kati-sutra) < [Chapter 4 - Material Culture of the People]

Dressing style of commoners < [Chapter 4 - Material Culture of the People]

Waist Ornaments (Introduction) < [Chapter 4 - Material Culture of the People]

+ 18 more chapters / show preview

Images of Dvarapalas < [Chapter 5]

Images of Brahma < [Chapter 5]

Introduction: The Sculpture Art of the Munnur Temples < [Chapter 5]

+ 4 more chapters / show preview

Story 227 - The Gamarala who went to the God-World < [Part III (b) - Stories of the Western Province and Southern India]

Story 12 - The Black Storks’ Girl < [Part I - Stories told by the Cultivating Caste and Vaeddas]

Story 209 - The Story of the Brahmana < [Part III (a) - Stories of the Lower Castes]

+ 25 more chapters / show preview