Cosmetics, Costumes and Ornaments in Ancient India
by Remadevi. O. | 2009 | 54,177 words
This page relates ‘Head Ornaments (a): Kirita’ of the study on cosmetics, costumes and ornaments of ancient India based on Sanskrit sources. Chapter one deals with cosmetics and methods of enhancing beauty; Chapter two deals with costumes, garments and dresses; Chapter three deals with ornaments for humans and animals. Each chapter deals with their respective materials, types, preparation and trade, as prevalent in ancient Indian society.
2.1. Head Ornaments (a): Kirīṭa
By the term Kirīṭa lordship and sovereignty is implied. Hence, the word is used in connection with kings, courtiers and deities. It has a cone shape with a round base and worn on the scalp. Kirīṭa, composed of flowers as well as precious metals and studded with precious gems is seen.
In Vālmīki-rāmāyaṇa, in the context of describing Rāma’s coronation it is stated -
[...].[1]
An epithet of Arjuna is Kirīṭin. The reason for calling thus is described in Mahābhārata.[2]
Bhāgavatapurāṇa portrays lord Viṣṇu by wearing a Kirīṭa of Vaiḍūrya[3].
It is stated in Nāṭyaśāstra that Kirīṭa is worn by characters of higher category[4].
Bhāsa and Kālidāsa frequently talk about Kirīṭa, made of flowers as well as gold with settings of gems[5].
We get evidence for such Kirīṭa from Amarakośa[6], Mudrārākṣasa[7] , Śiśupālavadha[8] and Ūrubhaṅga (Ūrubhaṅga)[9]
Images of the different manifestations of Śiva are exhibited wearing Kirīṭa. In Sakalādhikāra[10], Hariharārdhamūrti is depicted as wearing Kirīṭa. Kirīṭa is displayed in the images of female deities also.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Journal of the Oriental Research Institute (JORI), p.434
[2]:
Ibid
[3]:
X.3.10
[4]:
XXI.6-20
[5]:
Avimāraka, IV.19; Raghuvaṃśa, IV.78,VI.19; Vikramorvaśīya, IV.67
[6]:
2.6.102
[7]:
II.15
[8]:
I.46
[9]:
I.13, 17
[10]:
p.19