Chakravaka

An aquatic bird resembling geese or swans that recurs in Buddhist and Hindu iconography. In Buddhism, it appears in representations of the Bhavachakra (the Wheel of Life), whereas in Hinduism, the bird symbolises constancy and conjugality. It is also the name of a raga (series of musical notes) in Carnatic music. From the Sanskrit word chakravaka, meaning ‘ruddy duck’.

More Definitions

Urna

One of the thirty-two lakshanas within Buddhist iconography, the urna is depicted as a dot or a circular curl of…

Roundel

An intricately carved, round decorative medallion typically featured on pillars and ceilings. They are often carved into niches on window…

Vrishabha-Kunjara

A composite artistic motif, which depicts an elephant and a bull with a common head. It derives its name from…

Chandesanugrahamurti

A benevolent form (anugrahamurti) of the Hindu deity Shiva, in which he is depicted bestowing his blessings upon his devotee,…

Trishul

A trident used as one of the principal symbols of Hinduism, and to a lesser extent by some Buddhist sects.…

Guldasta

A motif depicting flowers in a vase, popularly found in textiles such as Banarasi saris and Himroo. It is also…

trefoil

A symmetrical three-lobed motif in art and architecture, resembling a three-petalled flower, or a leaf with three leaflets typical to…

Svastikasana

A yogic asana (pose) in Hatha yoga, where the body is seated in a cross-legged position. It is the first…