Shayanasana, Śayanāsana, Shayana-asana: 6 definitions

Introduction
In Hinduism
In Buddhism
1. Mahayana
Languages
1. Sanskrit
See also

Introduction:

Shayanasana means something in Buddhism, Pali, 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.

The Sanskrit term Śayanāsana can be transliterated into English as Sayanasana or Shayanasana, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Yoga (school of philosophy)

Source: Wisdom Library: Yoga

Śayanāsana (शयनासन, “relaxing stand”) is a Sanskrit word referring to a type of posture (āsana) used in Yoga. It is composed of the words śayana (resting) and āsana (posture).

context information

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).

Shilpashastra (iconography)

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

Śayanāsana (शयनासन) refers to “putting the icon to rest” which is performed during the purification of divine icons (bimba), as discussed in chapter 16 of the Viṣṇusaṃhitā: a Sanskrit text written in 2600 verses which covers typical Pāñcarātra topics through a narrative dialogue between Aupagāyana and Siddha Sumati.—Description of the chapter [bimba-śuddhi]: [...] Then the icon is clothed and, after requesting that the offerings be acceptable to the Lord, pūjā is commenced by offering Him alāṅkāra, nīrājana, fan, incense, fruits, water for the feet, sandal-paste, etc. (113-120). Finally, after all the Brahmins present have been rewarded for their attendance, the icon is put to rest (śayanāsana), surrounded by certain precious items (121-134a). [...]

Source: Shodhganga: The significance of the mūla-beras (śilpa)

Śayanāsana (शयनासन) refers to the “pose dependent on the reclining pose”, and represents one of the five types of “body poses” (āsana), according to Ganapati Sthapati in his text Ciṟpa Cennūl, as defined according to texts dealing with śilpa (arts and crafs), known as śilpaśāstras.—The pose with one leg hanging and the other leg folded on the seat (pīṭa-sthāna) of the icon is called āsana. The lying pose of the deity with legs and hands stretched on the seat (pīṭa-sthāna) is called śayana.

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.

Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)

Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts

1) Śayanāsana (शयनासन) refers to the “posture and the seat of the Lord (in His sanctuary)”, as discussed in the third chapter of the Agastyasaṃhitā (agastya-brahma-saṃvāda edition), an ancient Pāñcarātra Āgama text dealing with typical Pāñcarātra concepts such as the Vyūhas.—[Cf. the chapter śayanāsana-lakṣaṇa]:—[A number of ślokas at the beginning of this chapter contain serious lapses ; these lines must be considered “lost”.] * * * The narrative picks up at the point where the pīṭha-pedestal in the sanctuary has been made ready. The icon of the Lord, seated and in a particular posture, is there ; icons of Śrī and Bhū also are placed in the sanctuary on either side of the main image, Ādiśeṣa, too, finds a place there as Viṣṇu’s couch.

2) Śayanāsana (शयनासन) refers to “offering a seat for rest”, as discussed in chapter 6 (Kriyākāṇḍa) of the Pārameśvarasaṃhitā: an important Pāñcarātra text of 8700 verses followed closely by the Ranganathaswamy temple at Srirangam—dealing with priestly concerns such as their daily routines, occasional liturgies and expiatory services.—Description of the chapter [bāhya-yāgavidhi]: This chapter turns to overt, liturgical worship. First, the necessary paraphernalia must be collected, purified, and then placed where they will be needed (1-54). [...] This much over, then one offers to the icon of the Lord His śayanāsana (seat for rest) (278-420a).

3) Śayanāsana (शयनासन) refers to one of the “instruments needed for pūjā”, as discussed in chapter 15 of the Śrīpraśnasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra text comprising 5500 Sanskrit verses covering a number of subjects ranging from selecting a temple site through building and furnishing it to sanctifying and maintaining worship in the sacred complex.—Description of the chapter [parivāra-ādi-pūjopakaraṇa-antakalpa]: [...] Turning to the instruments needed for pūjā, various ones are singled out for special descriptive treatment: [e.g., śayanāsana paraphernalia—such as the umbrella (50-51a)] [...]. The yatra-conveyances are also described (58b-60, 63-66a), as well as some musical instruments (66b-67a).

context information

Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Śayanāsana (शयनासन) refers to “bedding” and is mentioned among the “material benefits” granted by the Bodhisattva, according to the Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter XLVI.—Accordingly, “bedding (śayanāsana) consist of beds (khaṭvā), coverlets (chādana), mattresses (mañcaka), curtains (vitāna) and pillows (upadhāna)”.

context information

Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.

Languages of India and abroad

Sanskrit dictionary

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary

1) Śayanāsana (शयनासन):—[from śayana > śaya] n. sleeping and sitting (See [compound])

2) [v.s. ...] ‘sleeping or resting place’, a dwelling, cell, [Buddhist literature]

context information

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.

Relevant text

Search found 15 books and stories containing Shayanasana, Sayana-asana, Śayana-āsana, Śayanāsana, Sayanasana, Shayana-asana; (plurals include: Shayanasanas, asanas, āsanas, Śayanāsanas, Sayanasanas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Chapter 9 - House-decorations and other Equipments < [Volume 3 - House Architecture]

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V. Meritorious actions consisting of material gifts and of teaching < [Part 5 - Establishing beings in the puṇyakriyāvastus]

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Story of the fabulous gifts of Bindu < [Part 2 - Fulfilling the wishes of all beings]

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Guideline 5 - Pantanca Sayanasanam

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Chapter 49 - The Couches and the Cots (Śayana-āsana)

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