In Hinduism

Shilpashastra (iconography)

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

Deivānai is the common name used for Devasena, the wife of Murukan. She is also called Devayāni. She is of bright colour and her riding animal is the elephant.

Deivānai is depicted in various temples:

The Nellaiappar Temple at Tirunelveli, [Śiva temple].—To the left of Subrahmaṇya, there is a small sanctum for Deivānai, who is represented standing with the right hand in kaṭaka (in iconographic form) which is called kapittha in Bharatanatyam. She is in samapāda-sthānaka and samabhaṅga pose.

The Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram, [Devī or Goddess temple].—Valli and Deivānai, the consorts of Murukan, are found on the either sides of Murukan. Both these female images are found in atibhaṅga and sama-śiras (looking straight with heads at equal level).

The Subramanya Swamy Temple (or Subramaṇya Svāmi Temple) in Thiruparankundram or Parankundram (Paraṅkuṉṟam), [Murugan temple].—As the devotee moves in the same direction, the utsava-sannidhi of Subrahmaṇya and Deivānai is seen. Both of them are seen in standing pose.

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)

Full-text: Valli, Subrahmaṇya, Muthukumara, Murugan, Thiruparankundram, Shanmukha, Nellai Murugan.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Deivanai, Deivānai; (plurals include: Deivanais, Deivānais). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Temples of Munnur (Historical Study) (by R. Muthuraman)

Sri Sivasubrahamanya Shrine < [Chapter 4]

show preview