In Hinduism

Shilpashastra (iconography)

Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts (shilpa)

Lohajāpratimānirmāṇatālavibhāga (लोहजाप्रतिमानिर्माणतालविभाग) (lit. “concerning the various measurements for metal images”) is the name of chapter 18 (Kriyāpāda) of the Padmasaṃhitā: the most widely followed of Saṃhitā covering the entire range of concerns of Pāñcarātra doctrine and practice (i.e., the four-fold formulation of subject matter—jñāna, yoga, kriyā and caryā) consisting of roughly 9000 verses.—Description of the chapter [lohajāpratimānirmāṇatālavibhāga]: Bhagavān says He will treat now of the images used for special purposes in temples [karmārcā]. There are six varieties of arcā-images classified according to their functional uses—karmārcā (the specific case to be distinguished from the general type-names), utsavārcā, balyarcā, snānārcā, tīrthārcā, svāpottānārcā (1-3). Occasionally only one metal, movable image [ekabera] will be used in a temple; its description and measurements are given (4-9a). Then the details regarding various metal icons, when more than one is in use in a temple, are given. [It should be noted that if the main image (dhruvabera) is depicted lying down, all the movable icons should also show this same position with the exception of the utsavārcā—and this should always be shown either standing or seated]. Other details are given concerning the pīṭha-pedestals, the various postures, the groupings with consorts, the dimensions of the prabhā-arch (9b-33). Then instructions are given for casting metal images: making the wax image, mixing the metals, mending flaws, etc. (34-46a). After this, there are instructions for how an image is to be painted on cloth and walls (46b-51a). The chapter closes with an account of what measurements are to be adopted for making images (51b-68a).

context information

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.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Lohajapratimanirmana.

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Full-text: Lohajapratima, Lohaja, Lohajapratimanirmana.

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