Yellow: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Yellow 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.

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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 Yellow (colour) is denoted by the Sanskrit word Pīta and is associated with Adbhuta or the “wonderful sentiment”, which represents one of the nine kinds of Rasa (“soul of Drama”), according to 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.—According to the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, Adbhuta is the sentiment that arises from wonder. Vismaya is the sthāyibhāva of adbhuta-rasa. Pīta i.e., yellow is the colour and Brahma is the god of this sentiment. The Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa states that adbhutarasa arises from vīrarasa.

2) The Yellow color is associated with Catura-hasta: one of the twenty-two Single-hand Gestures (in Indian Dramas) (known as asaṃyuktahastas).—According to the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, some colours are pointed with the catura hand gesture. When the hand is raised in catura posture, it denotes white colour. When the hand moves in circular way and in semi-circular motion in caturahasta, it denotes yellow and red colour respectively. In compacted form it shows blue colour. When the hand is kept in normal position with caturahasta, it denotes black and the other remaining colours.

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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Shilpashastra (iconography)

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

1) Yellow (colour) is denoted by the Sanskrit term Pīta and represents one of the five primary colours in the ancient Indian tradition of Painting (citra), according to 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. In the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, five colours are regarded as the primary ones, e.g., Yellow (pīta). Mixing of colours is a great technique used by the artists to make numerous shades of colours. A painter can create hundreds or thousands of colours by amalgamating the primary ones.

2) The Yellow color is associated with various deites.—In the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, the attire, accessories, weapons, carrier, different colours etc. of the idols of different deities are projected which are taken for discussion here. It is clear that the book offers a great field of knowledge regarding the nuances of Indian art of Image making [e.g., the various colours for garments] during 10th–11th century A.D.

Yellow colour of Viṣṇu’s garments.—The colour of the idol of Viṣṇu should be as the colour of water loaded cloud and the garment should be yellow. But the Bṛhatsaṃhitā suggests that the complexion of the image of Viṣṇu should be as dark as atasī flower i.e., common flax which is light blue in colour.

Yellow colour of Varuṇa’s garments.—The idol of Varuṇa should be adorned with white cloths. On the other hand, the Kāśyapaśilpa as well as the Śilparatna accepts yellow colour for the dress of Varuṇa. According to the Ṛgveda, Varuṇa should wear the golden armour on his shinning attire.

Yellow colour of Nāsatya’s garments.—The body complexion of the statue of Aśvins is like the colour of lotus leaf which is very dark green in colour. But According to the Śilparatna, the complexion of Nāsatyas should be of the colour of the pomegranate. In the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, it is suggested that the garments of Nāsatyas should have the colour of lotus leaf where as the Śilparatna suggests the yellow colour in this regard.[

Shilpashastra book cover
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.

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