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Glite Dictionary
vimana

vimana

2 9.9
A tower above a temple or a mythical flying palace in ancient Indian stories
  • noun
  • /vɪˈmɑːnə/
  • Indian
: vimana
  • Many stories from ancient India feature vimanas as celestial vehicles used to navigate the heavens.

So like in India, these flying craft that are found in the Vedic tests are known as vimana.

Examples

  • The gods traveled in their vimanas, flying high above the earth in their mythical palaces.

  • The ancient temple features a tall vimana above its main shrine.

  • Legends speak of a vimana that could soar through the skies like a chariot.

  • Architects studied the intricate carvings on the vimana to learn about historical temple design.

  • The ancient vimana stood majestically atop the temple.

  • Many stories describe the vimana as a flying palace.

  • In ancient texts, a vimana is described as a majestic temple tower that showcases the architectural skills of Indian civilization.

Synonyms

mahal
vsvimana
  • UK
23 7.5

A large, impressive building like a palace often in South Asia

focuses on a tower or on a legendary flying residence
fane
vsvimana
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A temple or holy building from ancient times

is used for a temple tower or a legendary flying royal residence

How Big

palace
391 1.0
vimana
  • Indian
2 9.9
temple
460 3.4
sanctuary
142 4.1
shrine
107 4.1

Surface Forms

vimana singular
vimanas plural

Etymology

Vimana comes from the ancient Indian language Sanskrit and originally meant a grand 'palace' or a special 'vehicle' of the gods. In temples the name came to mean the tall 'tower' above the shrine, and in stories it became a flying palace or chariot, so today Vimana can mean both a temple 'tower' and a mythical flying 'palace'.