Author: Gudrun Buhnemann
Publisher: Indica Books
Year: 2004
Language: English
Pages: 167
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8186569472
Description
This book reproduces line drawings of the pantheon of deities described in chapter 6 of the Pratisthalaksanasarasamuccaya from two 17th century Nepalese manuscripts. Drawing s of the 64 Yoginis according to the Devi-Purana found in an appendix to both manuscripts are also reproduced.
The line drawings from Nepal should prove to be of great importance to the study of Hindu iconography. Comprehensive and almost complete sets of illustrations of pantheons such as this one are rarely found. In addition to the line drawings, this volume reproduces the Sanskrit text of chapter 6 of the printed edition of the Pratisthalaksanasarasamuccaya (published in Kathmandu in 1966), which is not easily accessible.
The Pratisthalaksanasarasamuccaya, also called Laksanasarasamuccaya, Laksanasamgraha and Laksanasamuccaya, is a text of the 11th or 12th century and is attributed to Vairocana. It is a work on the constrution and installation of lingas compiled from various Agamas. The present book discusses its authorship and date, the contents of its individual chapters, and analyses in detail the iconographic features of the deities described in chapter 6.
Contents
PREFACE
1. The Pratisthalaksanasarasamuccaya
1.1 The Pratisthalaksanasarasamuccaya, Its Author and Date
1.2 The Contents of the Pratisthalaksanasarasamuccaya
2. The Line Drawings
2.1 General Remarks
2.2 The Appendix Depicting the Sixty-four Yoginis according to the Devi-
PURANA
2.3 The Iconographic Features of the Deities
2.3.1 Colour
2.3.2 Postures
2.3.3 Hand Gestures
2.3.4 Attributes
2.3.5 Seats/Mounts
2.4 Tables of Specific Features of the Deities
2.4.1 Principles Followed in Preparing the Tables
2.4.2 Table 1: Specific Features of the Deities
2.4.3 Table 2: Specific Features of the Sixty-four Yoginis according to the Davi-Purana as Depicted in the Appendix
BIBLIOGRAPHY AND ABBREVIATIONS
INDEX OF DEITIES’ NAMES