Significance of Nimesha
Nimesha is a multifaceted concept referenced in various texts. In Purana, it signifies a unit of time, with 15 Nimeshas equating to one Kashtha, and it represents a short duration, where a Truti is a smaller fraction. Natyashastra identifies Nimesha as musical intervals, while Ayurveda describes it as the involuntary wrinkling of eyelids and the time taken for eyelid closure. Additionally, Vyakarana and Dharmashastra associate Nimesha with winking duration and distinct letter pronunciation, demonstrating its significance across disciplines.
In German: Nimesha; In Finnish: Nimesha; In Spanish: Nimesha; In Dutch: Nimesja
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Nimesha'
Nimesha in Hinduism signifies a brief unit of time, akin to the duration of a light wink or utterance, and serves as a foundational measure in music and temporal calculations, reflecting both natural and physiological aspects.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The natural winking of the Eye-lashes, which accompanies every opening of the eye; also, the time taken in the distinct utterance of one letter-sound.[1] (2) The time taken for a natural wink of the eyelashes or the distinct pronouncing of one letter-sound.[2]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) Constant wrinkling of the eye-lids thought to be caused by deranged Vayu within the controlling nerves.[3]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) A unit of time defined as the interval for closing the eyelids in the measurement of time.[4]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) Intervals in music, with five Nimeshas constituting one Matra.[5]
The concept of Nimesha in local and regional sources
Nimesha is a unit of time defined in the Padarthadharmasangraha, symbolizing the motion of an eyelash, with 790 nimeshas equating to 1 kala, illustrating its significance in temporal measurements.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is a unit of time, and its relation to other units is given in the text, with 790 nimeshas equaling 1 kala.[6] (2) The nimesha is a unit of time, included in the Padarthadharmasangraha's list, without a conversion ratio, and is also defined as the motion of an eyelash.[7]