Yawning: 1 definition

Introduction:

Yawning 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

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

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

1) Yawning (expression) is associated with Udvāhita: one of the “seven movements of the chest” (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. There are five kinds of chest movements accepted by the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa as well as the Nāṭyaśāstra. In the udvāhita movement, the chest position is kept slightly upward to show normal breathing and also yawning.

2) Yawning is also associated with Karkaṭahasta: one of the thirteen Combined-hand Gestures (in Indian Dramas) (known as saṃyuktahastas).—According to the Śabdakalpadruma, karkaṭa means kulira i.e., crab. In karkaṭahasta, fingers are passed between the fingers of both hands together and it makes the shape of a crab. This posture is used while yawning. According to Abhinayadarpaṇa, this karkaṭa-hasta is used to denote coming of a crowd, showing the stomach, filling the conch-shell, twisting limbs, pulling branch etc.

Natyashastra book cover
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).

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