A | |
|
Achyuta (अच्युत): A synonym of Sri Vishnu. Adi Shankara (आदि शङ्कर): The first Hindu philosopher who consolidated the principles of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy. Aditi (अदिति): A goddess of the sky, consciousness, the past, the future and fertility. Advaita Vedanta (अद्वैत वेदान्त): A school of Hindu philosophy often called a monistic or non-dualistic system which refers to ther belief in indivisibility of the Self (Atman) from the Whole (Brahman).
Amitabha (Buddha) : Our Father in Heaven. The Ancient of Days. In older times in other cultures named Indra and Thor. Amrit (अमृत): Ambrosia, the food of the gods, which makes the partaker immortal. Editor, +Yajn asks please add reference to Amrit Dharani. Ananta (अनन्त): Ananta may be the thousand-headed nāga that issued from Balrāma’s mouth
Artha (अर्थ): Wealth, one of the objects of human life, the others being Dharma, (righteous- ness), Kama (satisfaction of desires), Moksha (spiritual salvation). Arya: ‘Noble or Pious.’ Was also used as another name for ancient vedic bharatas tribe, whose main rival tribe were the Dasas.
Avalokiteshvara : | |
B | |
|
Badarikasram (बद्रीकाश्रम): Badarikasram is a place sacred to Vishnu, near the Ganges in the Himalayas, particularly in Vishnu’s dual form of Nara-Narayana.
Balarāma (बलराम): Also called Baladeva. Elder brother of Lord Krishna and manifestation of Sheshanaga. Balarāma (बलराम): An avatar or incarnation of Adisesha the thousand-hooded serpent on which Lord Mahavishnu reclines in Vaikuntha.
| |
C | |
|
Caste (कास्ट): Portuguese word to describe in a western context the Hindu system of classification of peoples (jāti)
| |
D | |
|
Dāruka (दारुक): Sri Krishna’s charioteer.
Dvaita (द्वैत): A branch of Hindu philosophy, founded by Shri Madhvacharya that advocates dualism and stresses a strict distinction between God and souls. Wayism is akin to
Ganges (गंगा): A holy river in Northern India, believed to be a goddess by Hindus (see Ganges in Hinduism), Equivalent Ganges, The story of the birth of the Ganges was told to Rama and Laxmana by Vishvamitra. Gandharvas (गंधर्व): A class of celestial beings regarded as specialists in music. Garuda (गरुड): It is a large mythical bird or bird-like creature that appears in both Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Gāyatrī (गायत्री): A revered mantra in Hinduism, found in the Yajur Veda. Gītā (गीता): Sometimes referred to as Sri Gita. See Bhagawad Gita Gopa s (गोप): Equivalent, herd-boys Gopāla (गोपाल): Name of Krishna indicating his origin as a god of flocks and herds. Gopīs (गोपी): Gopi is a word of Sanskrit origin meaning ‘cow-herd girls’. Govinda (गोविन्द): One of the epithets of Sri Krishna and Vishnu; it means a cow-keeper and refers to Krishna’s occupation in Gokula, the colony of cowherds. Grihastha (गृहस्थ): In Hinduism. The second of the four phases(Purushartha) of a man, when a person gets married and settles down in life and begets children. Guru (गुरु): Revered preceptor, A spiritual teacher. In contemporary India, the title and term “Guru” is widely used within the general meaning of “wise man”. Guru Pūrṇimā (गुरु पूर्णिमा): The day of full moon, Purnima, in the month of Ashadh of the Hindu calendar is traditionally celebrated by Hindus as Guru Pūrṇimā. On this day, devotees offer puja (worship) to their Guru. H Hari (हरि): Hari is another name of Vishnu or God in Vaishnavism, Smarta or Advaitan Hinduism, and appears as the 650th name in the Vishnu sahasranama. Harivamsa (हरिवंश): Harivamsa is an important work of Sanskrit literature. It is a kind of appendix to the Mahābhārata, that runs to 16,375 verses and focuses specifically on the life of Lord Krishna. Hidimbā (हिडिम्बा): A powerful Asura, who had yellow eyes and a horrible aspect. He was a cannibal, and dwelt in the forest to which the Pandavas retired after the burning of their house. He had a sister named Hidimbi. Sruti and Smriti: Sacred texts of Hinduism mostly written in Sanskrit. Hindu scripture is divided into two categories: Śruti – that which is heard (i.e. revelation) and Smriti – that which is remembered (i.e. tradition, not revelation). Hinduism: A worldwide religious tradition that is based on the Vedas and is the direct descendent of the Vedic religion. It encompasses many religious traditions that widely vary in practice, as well as many diverse sects and philosophies. Hiranyakashipu (हिरण्यकश्यप): Hiranyakashipu was of the Asura-type spiritual beings, and also a King of Dravida whose younger brother, Hiranyaksha was killed by Varaha, one of the avatars of Vishnu. Identical with Shishupāla and Rāvana. Hiranyaksha (हिरण्याक्ष): Hiranyaksha was an Asura of the Daitya race who was killed by Lord Vishnu after he took the Earth to the bottom of the ocean. He had an older brother named Hiranyakashipu. Holikā (होलिका): Holika was a demoness who was killed on the day of Holi. She was the sister of King Hiranyakashipu. The story of Holika’s conflict signifies the triumph of good over evil. Hrishikesha (हृषीकेश): Krishna. | |
I | |
|
Iesous [[Gk.] Jesus : [Latin] Commonly known as Yesu in the east, or Isha, Issa (Lord). The name of the incarnation of the god entitled Avalokiteshvara [Skt], which means the Lord who perceives the sorrows of all sentient beings. The Lord’s incarnation-body was killed in Judea. The Lord retruned as he had promised to be with us in spiritual form. He returned in c.78CE and was instrumental in the schism of Buddhism in Kashmir, and was the founder of Mahayana Buddhism and the Bhakti Tradition in India. Lord Avalokiteshvara is venerated as the Buddha of Compassion, in Chinese known as Guanyin Si Pusa.
Indra (इन्द्र): King of the Gods. God of gods. The chief deity of the Rigveda,. The god of weather and war as well as Lord of Svargaloka in Hinduism. Father in Heaven. Amitabha Buddha. The Ancient of Days. Most powerful spiritual being known to humankind. Founder of Earth as a school for souls. Architect of the RNA/DNA that makes hymans unique from evolutionary predecessors—in that sense the creator of the adam/eve original modern human.
Iravan (इरवन): Arjuna’s son by a Naga princess Ulupi who fell in the battle on the eighth day, fought on the side of the Pandavas, killed by the Rakshasa Alumvusha. Ishvara (ईश्वर): A Hindu philosophical concept of God referring to the Supreme Being which is the lord and the ruler of everything. Hinduism uses the term Ishvara exclusively to refer to the Supreme God in a monotheistic sense. In Wayism the term is used for our Father in Heaven, Indra in Hinduism], also known as Amitabha Buddha. | |
J | |
|
Jambudvīpa (जम्बुद्वीप): The name of the dvipa (“continent”) of the terrestrial world, as envisioned in the cosmologies of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, which is the realm where ordinary human beings live. Its name is said to derive from a Jambu tree. Japa (जप): A spiritual discipline in which a devotee repeats a mantra or the name of God. The repetition can be aloud, just the movement of lips or in the mind. Jātaka (जातक): The Jataka is a voluminous body of folklore and mythic literature, primarily associated with the Theravada Buddhist tradition, as written in the Pali language (from about the 3rd century, C.E.); The story of Rama is told in one of Jātakas. Jatāyū (जटायू): Jatāyū was king of all the eagles-tribes, the son of Aruna and nephew of Garuda. A demi-god who has the form of an (eagle), he tries to rescue Sita from Ravana, when Ravana is on his way to Lanka after kidnapping Sita. His brother was Sampatī. Jesus : See Iesous Jnana (ज्ञान): Knowledge of the eternal and real. Also Gnani. One of the possible Paths toward Yoga, the path of gathering knowledge. | |
K | |
|
Kacha (कच): Grandson of sage Angiras and son of Brihaspati, who went to seek knowledge under Sukracharya as a brahmacharin. Devayani, the preceptor’s lovely daughter, fell in love with him. The Asuras (demons) suspecting him of wanting to steal the secret of reviving the dead, killed him a number of times. But due to Devayani’s love for him, her father brought him back to life every time he was killed. Ultimately the secret was learnt by the devas who then succeeded in defeating the asuras. Kailāsh (कैलास): It is a peak in the Gangdisê mountains, the source of rivers in Asia—the Indus River, the Sutlej River, and the Brahmaputra River—and is considered as a sacred place in five religions—Wayism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bön. The mountain lies near Lake Manasarowar and Lake Rakshastal in Tibet. Kali (कलि): Kali was a demon, the personified spirit of the Fourth yuga who possesses Nala. Kalī Yuga (कली युग): Kalī Yuga (lit. Age of Kali, also known as The Age of Darkness), is one of the four stages of development that the world goes through as part of the cycle of Yugas, as described in Hindu scriptures, the others being Dwapara Yuga, Treta Yuga, and Satya Yuga. Kālī (काली): A dark, black aspect of the mother-goddess Devi whose consort is Shiva. Kalki (कल्कि): In Hinduism, the tenth Avatar of Vishnu who is yet to come and will appear as a man on a horse at the end of Kali Yug. Kāma (काम): Best understood as aesthetics, the definition of Kama involves sensual gratification, sexual fulfillment, pleasure of the senses, love, and the ordinary enjoyments of life regarded as one of the four ends of man (purusharthas). Kāmadeva (कामदेव): Kāmadeva is the Hindu god of love. He is represented as a young and handsome winged man who wields a bow and arrows. Kamboja s (कम्बोज): Enemies of the Kauravas whom Karna had defeated Kāmadhenu (कामधेनु): Kamadhenu was a divine cow believed to be the mother of all cows. Like her child Nandini, she could grant any wish for the true seeker. Kamadhenu provided Vasishta with his needs for the sacrifices. Kamadhenu (kama-dhenu, ‘wish-cow’), was a miraculous cow of plenty who could give her owner whatever he desired. Kampilya (कम्पिल्य): Capital of the Panchala Kingdom ruled by Drupada. Kanyā pūjā (कन्या पूजा):A Hindu custom to worship virgin girls as a symbol of the pure basic creative force. Kapila (कपिल ऋषि): A Vedic sage credited as one of the founders of the Samkhya school of philosophy. He is prominent in the Bhagavata Purana, which features a theistic version of his Samkhya philosophy. Karma (कर्म): A Sanskrit term that comprises the entire cycle of cause and effect. Karma Yoga (कर्म योग): The practise of disciplining action. Karma yoga focuses on the adherence to duty (dharma) while remaining detached from the reward. It states that one can attain Moksha (salvation) by doing his duties in an unselfish manner. Kārtikeya (कार्तिकेय): Commander of the armies of the devas, A god born out of a magical spark created by Shiva, his father. His brother is Ganesha. Kashyapa (कश्यप): An ancient sage, father of the Devas, Asuras, Nagas and all of humanity. He is married to Aditi, with whom he is the father of Agni and the Savitrs. His second wife, Diti, begot the Daityas. Diti and Aditi were daughters of King Daksha and sisters to Sati, Shiva’s consort. One of Dashratha’s counsellors also. Kaustubha (कौस्तुभ:): is a divine jewel - the most valuable stone “Mani”, which is in the possession of lord Vishnu. Kinnars (किन्नर): A tribe of souls people “with instruments of music under their wings”. Kripa (कृपा): The concept of Divine Grace in Hinduism, especially in Bhakti Yoga. Krishṇa (कृष्ण): The eighth avatar of Vishnu, one of the most worshipped by many Hindus. Krishna is famous for his lecture to Arjuna written in the Bhagavad Gita. Krishna Janmashtami (कृष्ण जन्माष्टमी): A Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, an avatar of Hindu deity Vishnu. Kshatriya (क्षत्रिय): One of the four fundamental colours (Varnas) in Hindu tradition, consisting of the warriors, soldiers and rulers of society. Kshatradharma (क्षात्रधर्म): This is a form of spiritual practice that involves “Protection of the seekers and destruction of the evildoers”. In other words, it is the duty of fighting against evil as told by lord Krishna to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita. Kushan : Editor. Include reference to Jesus’ work in that time and area. Two of Three wise men were associated with areas under Kushan rule. King Gondophares, | |
L | |
|
Lakshmī (लक्ष्मी): Goddess of prosperity, wealth and good fortune. She is the consort of Vishnu and an aspect of Devi. Lankā (लंका): An island city, generally identified with Ceylon, the home of Ravana. | |
M | |
|
Madhu (मधु): The name of Kingdom of Shtrughna. Mahābhārata (महाभारत): One of the two major ancient Sanskrit epics of India, the other being the Ramayana. The Mahabharata is of religious and philosophical importance in India; in particular, the Bhagavad Gita, which is one of its chapters (Bhishmaparva) and a sacred text of Hinduism. Mahādeva (महादेव): Another name of Shiva. Mahāvishnu (महाविष्णु): Lord of the Universe who took human birth in order to wrest his kingdom from Emperor Bali for the salvation of the world. Lord Vishnu also took birth as Rama, son of Dasharatha, to kill Ravana, King of Lanka. Mahendra (महेन्द्र): A King who had attained heaven. Maitreya (मैत्रेय): A sage who visited the court of Dhritarashtra, expressed sorrow at the Pandava’s plight, advised Duryodhana not to injure the Pandavas for his own good. In Buddhism, title of the Buddha of the Future. Many believe that Buddha was the Wayist Lord Yesu, who is now revered as the Buddha of Compassion. Mahāmārga (महामार्ग): The Great Way. Early Sanskrit name of the Wayist movement. Mānasarovar (मानसरोवर): A sacred lake in the Himalayas Mandara (मंदर): The mountain used as a churning stick in Samudra manthan for churning the ocean using Vasuki nāga as rope by gods on one side and asuras on other side.
Mantra (मंत्र): An incantation with words of power. A religious syllable or poem, typically from the Sanskrit language. They are primarily used as spiritual conduits, words and vibrations that instill one-pointed concentration in the devotee. Hindu purposes have included religious ceremonies to accumulate wealth, avoid danger, or eliminate enemies. Mantras are performed through chanting. Manu Smriti (मनुस्मृति): The Manusmriti translated Laws of Manu is regarded as an important work of Hindu law and ancient Indian society. Manu was the forefather of all humans and author of Manu Smriti. Certain historians believe it to have been written down around 200 C.E. under the reign of Pushymitra Shunga of Sangha clan. Mātalī (मातली): Charioteer of Indra who took Arjuna to the kingdom of gods. Matrikas: A group of mother goddesses.
Mayasura (मयासुर): Maya (मय), or Mayasura was a great ancient king of the Asura, Daitya and Rakshasa races upon earth. He was also the chief architect of the peoples of the netherworlds. While our Father in Heaven perfected modern human DNA to better suit incarnations for the purpose of attending the School here on Earth, Mayasura worked on Daitya and Rakshasa races. Medhavi (मेधवी): Son of Sage Baladhi who desired that his son should live as long as a certain mountain lasted. Filled with conceit, Medhavi angered Dhanushaksha who killed him by taking on the form of a bull and butting the mountain until it was broken to pieces.[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[1] Menakā (मेनका): Menakā is considered one of the most beautiful of the heavenly Apsaras. She was sent by Indra, the king of the Devas, to break the severe penance undertaken by Vishwamitra. Meru (मेरु): An ancient mountain and mythical centre of the universe on which was situated the city of Brahma. Becoming jealous of Meru, the Vindya began to grow very high obstructing the sun, the moon and the planets. Agastya whom the Vindhya mountain respected asked it to stop growing until he crossed it on his way to the south and returned to the north again. But he did not return at all, having settled in the south. Moksha (मोक्ष): Refers to liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth. In higher Hindu philosophy, it is seen as a transcendence of phenomenal being, of any sense of consciousness of time, space, and causation (karma). N Nāga (नाग): Nāga is the Sanskrit and Pāli word for a minor deity taking the form of a very large snake, found in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. The use of the term nāga is often ambiguous, as the word may also refer, in similar contexts, to one of several human tribes known as or nicknamed “Nāgas”; to elephants; and to ordinary snakes, particularly the King Cobra and the Indian Cobra, the latter of which is still called nāg (नाग) in Hindi and other languages of India. Nāgas (नाग): Nāgas were a group who spread throughout India during the period of the epic Mahabharata. The demi-god tribe called Suparnas (in which Garuda belonged) were arch-rivals of the Nagas. The well known Nagas are Ananta, Vasuki, Takshaka, Karkotaka and Airavata. Nāga panchami (नाग पंचमी): The festival of Nāga panchami is celebrated in Hindus to pay respect to Nāgas. The five Nāgas worshipped on Nāga panchami are Ananta, Vāsuki, Taxak, Karkotaka and Pingala. Nahusha (नहुष): One of many malicious myths started by adversaries to cause discord among people of The Way. This is a story of a mighty king who was made king of the gods because Indra, Father in Heaven, had disappeared because of his murder of Vritra through sin and deceit. Naivedhya (नैवेध्य): Food or eatables prepared as offerings to God, prior to the oblation. (See also: Prasad) Nandi (नंदि): Nandi is the white bull which Shiva rides, and the leader of the Ganas. The white color of the bull symbolizes purity and justice. Nandinī (नन्दिनी): Vasishtha’s divinely beautiful cow, child of Kamadhenu. Nārada (नारद): Narada is the Hindu divine sage, who is an enduring chanter of the names Hari and Narayana which other names for Vishnu, considered to be the supreme God by Vaishnavites and many other Hindus. He is regarded the Manasputra of Brahma as he was born of his thoughts. He is regarded as the Triloka sanchaari, the ultimate nomad, who roams the three lokas of Swargaloka, Mrityuloka and Patalloka to find out about the life and welfare of people. Narishyanta (नरिष्यन्त): Narishyanta was son of Vaivasvata Manu and belongs to solar race of Kshatriyas. Narmadā (नर्मदा): The Nerbudda river, one of the most important sacred rivers, originating from Amarkantak is believed to have descended from the sky by the order of Lord Shiva. The personified river is variously represented as being daughter of a Rishi named Mekala (from whom she is called Mekala and Mekala-kanya), as a daughter of the moon, as a ‘mind-born daughter’ of the Somapas, and as sister of the Nagas. It was she who brought Purukutsa to the aid of the Nagas against the Gandharvas, and the grateful snake-gods made her name a charm against the venom of snakes. Navaratri (नवरात्रि): A Hindu festival of worship and dance. The word Navaratri literally means nine nights in Sanskrit. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti/Devi are worshipped. Nirvāṇa (निर्वाण): Literally “extinction” and/or “extinguishing”, is the culmination of the yogi’s pursuit of liberation. Hinduism uses the word nirvana to describe the state of moksha, roughly equivalent to heaven. Nishāda (निषाध): The Nishāda peoples were indigenous tribes inhabiting ancient India. | |
O | |
|
Aum, as the Word of God, the energy that flows from the Unnameable, the Source, flows through all and animates the building blocks of all of the Universe. Prana is part of the Aum. | |
P | |
|
Paramhamsa (परमहंस): The supreme swan. Pārvatī (पार्वती): Goddess of love, the consort of Shiva and mother of Ganesha, Rukmini prayed to her for saving her from the cruel Shishupala king of Chedi, as she had set her heart on marrying Krishna. Pāśupatāstra (पाशुपतास्त्र): Pāśupatāstra is the irresistible and most destructive personal weapon of Shiva discharged by the mind, eyes, words or a bow. Patanjali (yoga teacher) : Patanjali (Sanskrit grammarian) : Pitāmaha (पितामह): Literally grandfather, which however carried no imputation of senile infirmity but denotes the status of the pater familias. Prana : Prajāpatī (प्रजापित): Prajāpatīs are a group (or one) of creation gods, children of Brahma, including Daksha. Prasad (प्रसाद): Food or other offerings, considered to be sanctified, after being presented to God. (See also: Naivedhya) Prayāg (प्रयाग): The holy place at Allahabad where Ganges and Yamuna meet. Puṇdarikaksha (पुण्डरिक्ष ): Krishna, the lotus-eyed one. Purāṇa (पुराण): Purana meaning “ancient” or “old” is the name of a genre (or a group of related genres) of Indian written literature (as distinct from oral literature). Its general themes are history, tradition and religion. It is usually written in the form of stories related by one person to another. Purushārtha (पुरुषार्थ): The four chief aims of human life. Arranged from lowest to highest, these goals are: sensual pleasures (kama), worldly status and security (artha), personal righteousness and social morality (dharma), and liberation from the cycle of reincarnation (moksha).
| |
Q | |
|
| |
R | |
|
Rādhā (राधा): Rādhā is one of the gopis (cow-herding girls) of the forest of Vrindavan, Krishna plays with her during his upbringing as a young boy; The other Radha is the wife of the charioteer Adhiratha, who found an abandoned new-born boy, whom he named Karna. Rāhu (राहु): Rahu is a snake that swallows the sun or the moon causing eclipses. Rahu is one of the navagrahas. Raibhya (रैभ्य): A sage whose hermitage was situated on the banks of the Ganges, near Rishikesh. From here, the area was named Rishikesh. Rishikesh : Hrishiskesh, a place, which gets its name from Lord Vishnu appearing to Raibhya, from there the name Hrishikesh. The Pandavas during their wanderings visited this ghat. This ghat was considetred very holy throughout history. Bharata, son of Dasharatha bathed here. Indra was cleansed of his sin of killing Vritra unfairly by bathing in this ghat. Sanatkumar attained enlightenment here. Aditi, mother of the gods, prayed here to be blessed with a son. Rā́kṣasaḥ (रा॑क्षस): A rakshasa alternately, raksasa or rakshas is a demon or unrighteous spirit, in Hinduism. Rāma (राम): The Seventh Avatara of Vishnu. The life and heroic deeds of Rama are written in the Sanskrit epic, The Ramayana. Rāmāyaṇa (रामायण): Part of the Hindu smriti, written by Valmiki. This epic of 24,000 verses in seven kandas (chapters or books) tells of a Raghuvamsa prince, Rama of Ayodhya, whose wife Sita is abducted by the rakshasa Ravana. Rāma-navamī (राम नवमी): A Hindu festival, celebrating of the birth of Lord Rama. The day falls on the Navami, ninth day of the Chaitra month of Hindu lunar year in ‘Shukla paksha’. Rambhā (रम्भा): A well-known apsara in the court of Indra, Sukhavati, Ratī (रती): Ratī is the goddess of passion and lust, and a daughter of Daksha. She married Kamadeva, the God of love. Rāvaṇa (रावण): King of Lanka who abducted Sita, the wife of Ramachandra. Ravana is depicted in art with up to ten heads, signifying that he had knowledge spanning all the ten directions. Ṝgveda (ऋग्वेद): The Rigveda is a collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns counted as the holiest of the four religious texts of Hindus, known as the Vedas. Ṛta (ऋतं): Vedic principle of natural order believed to regulate and coordinate the operation of the universe on the natural, moral and sacrificial levels. Ṛṣi (ऋषि): Rishi, also known as Mantradraṣṭa (“seer of the Mantras”) and Vedavaktāra (“chanter of the Vedas”) is a seer who “heard” (cf. śruti) the hymns of the Vedas. A rishi is regarded as a combination of a patriarch, a priest, a preceptor, an author of Vedic hymns, a sage, a saint, an ascetic, a prophet and a hermit into a single person. Rudra (रुद्र): A Rigvedic god of the storm, the hunt, death, Nature and the Wind. Rudra is an early form of Shiva and a name of Shiva in the Shiva sahasranama. Rudra nritya (रुद्र नृत्य): Shiva’s cosmic dance of destruction. Raghu- A boy who lives on a street S Shachī (शची): Wife of Indra. She was also known as Indrani. Sadhana (साधना): Spiritual exercise by a Sadhu or a Sadhaka to attain moksha, which is liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara), or a particular goal such as blessing from a deity. Sairandhri (सैरंध्री): A maid servant or female attendant employed in royal female apartments. Śakra (सक्र): Śakra is identified with the Vedic deity Indra. Śakra is sometimes named as one of the twelve Ādityas. Samādhi (समाधि): A term used in yogic meditation. Samadhi is also the Hindi word for a structure commemorating the dead. Sāmkhya (सांख्य): A school of philosophy emphasising a dualism between Purusha and Prakrti, propounded by sage Kapila. Wayism has some affinities with Samkya but is not in full accord. Samsara (संसार): Means wandering, The three worlds constitute Samsara. Refers to the concept of reincarnation or rebirth. Samudra manthan (समुद्र मन्थन): Samudra manthan or The churning of the ocean of milk is one of the most famous episodes in the Puranas and is celebrated in a major way every twelve years in the festival known as Kumbha Mela. Sanyāsin (सन्यासिन): One who has renounced the world and its concerns. Saraswati (सरस्वती): Saraswati is the first of the three great goddesses of Hinduism, the other two being Lakshmi and Durga. Saraswati is the consort of Lord Brahmā, the Creator. Satī (सती): One of name of Dākshāyani, Dākshāyani is the consort of Shiva. Other names for Dākshāyani include Gaurī, Umā, Aparnā, Lalithā, Sivakāmini etc. Sati is also the term for the immolation of a widow on her husband’s pyre in Hinduism. Shakti (शक्ती): An aspect of Devi and a personification of God as the Divine Mother who represents the active, dynamic principles of feminine power. Shaktism (शाक्तं): Lit., “doctrine of power” or “doctrine of the Goddess” is a denomination of Hinduism that focuses worship upon Shakti or Devi – the Hindu Divine Mother – as the absolute, ultimate Godhead. It is, along with Shaivism and Vaisnavism, one of the three primary schools of Hinduism. Shankara (शंकर): A name of Shiva; A great magician, friend of Chand Sagar. Shaivism (शैव धर्म): Shaivism names the oldest of the four sects of Hinduism. Followers of Shaivism, called “Shaivas”, and also “Saivas” or “Saivites”, revere Shiva as the Supreme Being. Shikhandi (शिखण्डी): Daughter-son of Drupada, A girl turned man, warrior on the Pandava side. He had been born in an earlier lifetime as a woman named Amba, who was rejected by Bhishma for marriage. Shiva (शिव): Shiva is a form of Ishvara or God in the later Vedic scriptures of Hinduism. Shiva is the supreme God in Shaivism, one of the major branches of Hinduism practiced in India. Shri (श्री): Another name of Lakshmi, a goddess, the delight of Vishnu. Shri Krishna (श्री कृष्ण): See Krishna. Shudra (शुद्र): One of the four castes in Hindu tradition, consisting of artisans, cleaners and labourers. Shukracharya (शुक्राचार्य): Shukracharya was a guru in Hindu mythology. Known as the guru of the Asuras, he is also associated with the planet Shukra (Venus) which is named after him. He was born as the son of Rishi Brighu and his wife Ushana. Sindhu (सिन्धु): The Indus River, Urdu دریائے سندھ; Tibetan: Sengge Chu (‘Lion River’); Persian: Hindu; Greek: Sinthos; Pashto: Abaseen (“The Father of Rivers”); Mehran (an older name) is the longest and most important river in Pakistan. Originating in the Tibetan plateau in the vicinity of Lake Manasarovar. Sloka (श्लोक): A verse of lines in Sanskrit, typically recited as a prayer. Smarta (स्मर्त): A Hindu denomination, which follows Advaita philosophy and considers that all gods are manifestations of Ishvar. Śruti (श्रुति): A canon of Hindu scriptures. Shruti is believed to have no author; rather a divine recording of the “cosmic sounds of truth”, heard by rishis. Soma (सोम): A ritual drink of importance among Hindus. It is frequently mentioned in the Rigveda, which contains many hymns praising its energizing or intoxicating qualities. Somadutta (सोमदत्त): One of the suitors to Devaki’s hand. A kinsman of the Kauravas. Sudarshana Chakra (सुदर्शन चक्र): Sudarshan Chakra is a spinning disc like weapon with very sharp edge, which is one of the weapons in the Hindu God Vishnu’s hands. Sukanyā (सुकन्या): Meaning - Fair-maid, The wife of Chyavana whom the Ashvins beheld at her bath, bare of any garment. Surabhi (सुरभि): The wish-bestowing cow that came first from the sea in the process of churning of the Ocean by gods and daityas. Sūrya (सूर्य): A solar deity who is one of the three main Vedic Gods. Sushruta Samhita (सुश्रुतसंहिता): Suśruta Saṃhitā is a Sanskrit redaction text on all of the major concepts of ayurvedic medicine with innovative chapters on surgery, attributed to Sushruta, likely a historical sage physician of the 6th century BCE. Sūtra (सूत्र): Sūtra refers to an aphorism or a collection of such aphorisms in the form of a book or text. ‘Sutras’ form a school of Vedic study, related to and somewhat later than the Upanishads.
Swayamvara (स्वयंवर): Meaning - Own-choice, Swayamvara, in ancient India, was a practice of choosing a life partner, among a list of suitors by a girl of marriageable age. Tārā (तारा): See Tara (Devi) Tāragam (तारगम): Tāragam is the name of forest, where dwelt ten thousand heretical rishis, who taught that the universe is eternal, that souls have no lord and that performance of works alone suffices for the attainment of salvation. Shiva taught them lesson and they became his followers. This legend is associated with Shiva’s dance. Tandava (ताण्डव): Shiva’s cosmic dance. Tantra (तंत्र): The esoteric Hindu traditions of rituals and yoga. Tantra can be summarised as a family of voluntary rituals modeled on those of the Vedas, together with their attendant texts and lineages. Wayist tantra is unique among the tantras. Tarpana or Tarpan (तर्पण ): Sacrament, a death rite, also performed during the Pitru Paksha. Tilottamā (तिलोत्तमा): Tilottama was an Apsara. She is reputed to have been created by Vishwakarma from Tila seeds. She was responsible for bringing out the mutual destruction of the Asuras Sunda and Upasunda. Tulsī Dās (तुलसीदास): Goswami Tulsidas (1532–1623) was a Hindu poet and philosopher, translator of the epics into vernacular. Tulsidas wrote twelve books and is considered by some the greatest and most famous of Hindi poets. U Uchchaihshravas: Uchchaihsravas was the white horse of Indra, produced at the churning of the ocean. It is fed on ambrosia, and is held to be the king of horses. Udayana: Udayana was a prince of the Lunar race, and son of Sahasranika, who is the hero of a popular story. He was king of Vatsa, and is commonly called Vatsaraja. His capital was Kausambi. Also a name of Agastya. Uddalaka: A great sage and the teacher of Vedanta. Ujjayini (उज्जयिनि) or Ujjain (उज्जैन): is an ancient city of central India, in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh near which the ancient throne of Vikramaditya was discovered, one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus, where the Kumbh Mela is held every twelve years. It is also home to Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines to the god Shiva. Umadevī (उमादेवी): Wife of Shiva. Unchhavritti (उन्छवृत्ती): The life of a mendicant, begging his food. Upanishad (उपनिषद्): Part of the Hindu Śruti scriptures which primarily discuss meditation and philosophy, seen as religious instructions by most schools of Hinduism. Urvasī (उर्वसी): An apsara in Indra’s court, whose amorous overtures Arjuna declined. Life as spiritual beings are more intersting than sitting signing hymns, it seems. Ushanas (उशना): Ushanas were appointed as priests of asuras, who knew the science of bringing to life.
Vaishya (वैश्य): One of the four fundamental varnas (colours) in Hindu tradition comprising merchants, artisans, and landowners. Vanaprastha (वानप्रस्थ): The third stage of the dvija’s life, when he is required to relinquish worldly responsibilities to his heirs and retires to the woods with his wife for an anchorite’s life. A person who is living in the forest as a hermit after giving up material desires. Varṇa (वर्ण): Means - colour, Varna refers to the four naturally existing classes of society as given in the Hindu scriptures: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra. Varuṇa (वरुण): A god of the sky, of rain and of the celestial ocean, as well as a god of law and of the underworld. Varuṇī (वरुणी): The goddess of wine. Vashiṣtha (वशिष्ठ): Vasishtha was chief of the seven venerated sages (or Saptarishi) and the Rajaguru of the Suryavamsha. He was the manasaputra of Brahma. He had in his possession the divine cow Kamadhenu, and Nandini her child, who could grant anything to their owners. Arundhati was his wife. Vayu (वायु): In mythology, The god of air and wind who is also father of Bhima and Hanuman. In Pneumatherapy, an attitude in the energies of the soul. These attiudes have bearing on wellness of the soul, body and mind. Veda (वेद): Collectively refers to a corpus of ancient Indo-Aryan religious literature that are considered by adherents of Hinduism to be revealed knowledge. Many Hindus believe the Vedas existed since the beginning of creation. Veda Vyasa (वेद व्यास): Vyasa, author of the Mahabharata. Vindhyas (विन्ध्य): Vindhyas is a range of hills in central India, which geographically separates the Indian subcontinent into northern India (the Indo-Gangetic plain) and Southern India. Vīrabhadra (वीरभद्र): Vīrabhadra was a demon that sprang from Shiva’s lock of hair. Shiva burnt with anger when not invited in a sacrifice by Daksha and his wife Sati released the inward consuming fire and fell dead at Daksha’s feet. Shiva burned with anger, and tore from his head a lock of hair, glowing with energy, and cast upon the earth. The terrible demon Vīrabhadra sprang from it. On the direction of Shiva, Virabhadra appeared with Shiva’s ganas in the midst of Daksha’s assembly like a storm wind and broke the sacrificial vessels, polluted the offerings, insulted the priests and finally cut off Daksha’s head. Virochana (विरोचन): An asura, son of Prahlada, and father of Bali. He is also called Drisana. When the earth was milked, Virochana acted as the calf of the Asuras. Vishnu (विष्णु): A form of God, to whom many Hindus pray. For Vaishnavas, He is the only Ultimate Reality or God. In Trimurti belief, He is the second aspect of God in the Trimurti (also called the Hindu Trinity), along with Brahma and Shiva. Known as the Preserver, He is most famously identified with His Avatars, especially Krishna and Rama. In the 2nd century Avalokiteshvara became identified with Vishnu and Vaishnavite iconography of later centuries adopted features of the 33 Avalokiteshvara forms. Sometimes one can discern the difference between Vishnu and Avalokiteshvara only by whether there is an Amitabha Buddha or a half moon in the crown. Vishvakarmā (विश्वकर्मा): Vishwakarma is the presiding deity of all craftsmen and architects. he is the divine craftsman of the whole universe, and the official builder of all the gods’ palaces. Vishwakarma is also the designer of all the flying chariots of the gods, and all their weapons. Viśvamitra (विश्वामित्र): Brahmarishi Visvamitra or Vishvamitra was one of the most venerated rishi or sages of since ancient times in India. He was originally a Kshatriya but by austerities earned the title of Brahmarishi. He is also credited as the author of most of Mandala 3 of the Rigveda, including the Gayatri Mantra. Viswarupa (विस्वरुप): All-pervading, all-including form sometimes seen at self-realization. See the description in the Bhagavad Gita chapter eleven. Vrishnis, (वृषणि): The descendant of Vrishni, son of Madhu, whose ancestor was the eldest son of Yadu. Krsna belonged to this branch of the Lunar race. The people of Dwaraka were known as the Vrishnis. Tribals of this race were devoted to the Pandavas. Vritra (वृत्र): Means “the enveloper”. Vritra, was an Asura and also a serpent or dragon, the personification of drought and enemy of Indra. Vritra was also known in the Vedas as Ahi (“snake”), cognate with Azhi Dahaka of Zoroastrian mythology and he is said to have had three heads. He was son of Twashta who was defeated by Indra’s weapons Vajrayudha. He was born out of his father’s sacrificial flames and became Indra’s mortal enemy. Vyasa (व्यास): Compiler of the Vedas, son of sage Parasara. Y Yadu (यदु): A prince of the lunar dynasty; Yadu is the name of one of the five Aryan clans mentioned in the Rig Veda. His descendants are called Yadavas. The epic Mahabharata and Puranas refer to Yadu as the eldest son of mythological king Yayati. Yaduvamsis: Those of the clan of Yadu. Yajnignna (यज्ञ): A Vedic ritual of sacrifice performed to please the Devas, or sometimes to the Supreme Spirit Brahman. Often it involves a fire, which represents the god Agni, in the centre of the stage and items are offered into the fire. Yakṣa (यक्ष): Yaksha or Yakkha (Pāli) is the name of a broad class of nature-souls or minor soul deities who appear in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. The feminine form of the word is yakṣī or yakṣiṇī (Pāli: yakkhī or yakkhinī). Subjects of Kubera, the god of wealth. Yama (यम): Yama, also known as Yamarāja (यमराज) is the lord of death, first recorded in the Vedas. God of dharma, whose son was Yudhishthira. It is he whose questions Yudhishthira answered correctly whereupon his dead brothers were brought back to life on the banks of the enchanted pool. Yamas: A yama (Sanskrit), literally translates as a “restraint”, a rule or code of conduct for living virtuously. Yamuna (जमुना): A river (also spelled Jamuna), joining with the Ganges. Literally meaning “twins” in Sanskrit, as it runs parallel to the Ganges, its name is mentioned at many places in the Rig Veda, written during the Vedic period ca between 1700–1100 BCE, and also in the later Atharvaveda, and the Brahmanas including Aitareya Brahmana and Shatapatha Brahmana. Yoga (योग): Spiritual practices performed primarily as a means to enlightenment (or bodhi). Traditionally, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Raja Yoga are considered the four main yogas. In the West, yoga has become associated with the asanas (postures) of Hatha Yoga, popular as fitness exercises. Yoga Sutra (योग सूत्र): One of the six darshanas of Hindu or Vedic schools and, alongside the Bhagavad Gita and Hatha Yoga Pradipika, are a milestone in the history of Yoga. Editor, plse mention Patanjali. Yogi (योगी): One who practices yoga, These designations are mostly reserved for advanced practitioners. The word “yoga” itself—from the Sanskrit root yuj (“to yoke”) —is generally translated as “union” or “integration” and may be understood as union with the Divine, or integration of body, mind, and spirit. Yuga (युग): In Hindu philosophy (and in the teachings of Surat Shabd Yoga) the cycle of creation is divided into four yugas (ages or eras). Yuga Dharma (युगधर्म): One aspect of Dharma, as understood by Hindus. Yuga dharma is an aspect of dharma that is valid for a Yuga,. The other aspect of dharma is Sanatan Dharma, dharma which is valid for eternity.
| |