Glossary

The words of the tradition, in plain English.

A working reference for the Sanskrit and Hindi terms that recur across these texts, sorted A to Z by their English spelling. 968 terms in all, each with the original in Devanagari and a one-line meaning. On the Hindi pages these same words show their meaning when you touch them; here they are gathered for looking up.

A

aartiआरतीthe worship rite performed by circling a lamp

abhayadanaअभयदानthe pledge given to protect from fear

abhicharaअभिचारa tantric rite performed to destroy an enemy

Abhijitअभिजित्the supremely auspicious midday muhurta

abhijnanaअभिज्ञानrecognition; a token that establishes identity

abhimanaअभिमानpride filled with ego

abhishekaअभिषेकthe rite of bathing with water and the like to bestow a position or worship

abhishtaअभीष्टdesired from the heart

abhyasaअभ्यासthe constant effort of repeatedly bringing the mind back to its goal

abhyasayogaअभ्यासयोगthe path of practice through repeatedly focusing the mind

achamanaआचमनthe purifying act of sipping water thrice while reciting a mantra

achintyaअचिन्त्यthat which is beyond thought and imagination

Achyutaअच्युतthe imperishable Vishnu who never falls from his own nature

adharmaअधर्मthe opposite of dharma, injustice and sin

adhibhautikaआधिभौतिकsuffering caused by creatures such as animals, serpents, and thieves

adhibhutaअधिभूतthe principle of the perishable, changing physical world

adhidaivaअधिदैवthe divine cosmic principle pervading creation

adhidaivikaआधिदैविकsuffering caused by divine forces such as cold, heat, and rain

adhishthanaअधिष्ठानthe true ground on which an illusion stands

adhiyajnaअधियज्ञthe Supreme as the presiding lord of the yajna within the body

adhvaryuअध्वर्युthe chief priest who handles the ritual actions of the yajna

adhyatmaअध्यात्मone's own inner Self dwelling within the being

adhyatmikaआध्यात्मिकsuffering arising from one's own body and mind

Adishaktiआदिशक्तिthe primal power that is the first cause of all creation

Adityaआदित्यthe twelve sun-forms who ride the sun-chariot through each month

advaitaअद्वैतthe philosophy that holds no difference between the individual self and Brahman

agamaआगमthe revealed scriptures of the tantra tradition

agneya-astraआग्नेय-अस्त्रthe weapon of the fire-god; one that rains fire

agneyastraआग्नेयास्त्रa divine weapon that produces fire

agnihotraअग्निहोत्रthe daily rite of offering oblations into the fire morning and evening

agnishtomaअग्निष्टोमa principal Vedic yajna performed with soma

agrajaअग्रजelder brother

agrapujaअग्रपूजाthe honor given first of all in an assembly

ahamkaraअहंकारthe inner sense of I and mine

ahavaniyaआहवनीयthe fire to the east of the sacrificial ground into which oblations are offered

ahimsaअहिंसाnot harming any creature in thought, word, and deed

ahutiआहुतिan offering cast into the fire with a mantra

aindra-astraऐन्द्र-अस्त्रthe weapon of Indra

airavataऐरावतIndra's white king of elephants

aishvaryaऐश्वर्यlordship, splendor, and the power of dominion

ajagavaआजगवthe name of Lord Shiva's bow

ajanmaअजन्माthat which is never born

ajnatavasaअज्ञातवासtime spent hiding one's identity

ajyaआज्यclarified ghee heated for oblation

ajyabhagaआज्यभागthe portion of two fixed ghee oblations in a yajna

akarmaअकर्मthe inner sense of non-doership and desirelessness even while acting

akartaअकर्ताone who, though acting, does not regard himself as the doer

akashvaniआकाशवाणीa bodiless divine voice from the sky

akhyanaआख्यानthe detailed narration of an old tale

aksharaअक्षरthat which never perishes; also a letter of the alphabet

akshataअक्षतunbroken rice offered in worship

akshauhiniअक्षौहिणीthe largest measure of an army, thousands of chariots and elephants and hundreds of thousands of soldiers

amatraअमात्रthe measureless fourth part of Om; the turiya

amatyaअमात्यa minister of the king

ambaraअम्बरthe sky; also cloth

Ambikaअम्बिकाthe Goddess worshipped as Mother

amritaअमृतthe divine nectar that makes one immortal on drinking, sudha

amshaअंशa manifestation arising from a partial form of a deity

anadiअनादिthat which has no beginning

analaअनलfire

Anandavanaआनन्दवनthe ancient name of Kashi

Anangaअनङ्गthe bodiless one; a name of Kamadeva after he was burned to ash

Anantaअनन्तa name of Shesha-naga; Vishnu's boundless tamas-natured form

ananyaअनन्यone whose mind goes nowhere else, single-minded

ananyabhaktiअनन्यभक्तिdevotion fixed on God alone, without any other support

anasaktaअनासक्तfree of attachment to the fruit; unattached

anatmaअनात्मthe Buddhist doctrine that there is no permanent self

andajaअण्डजcreatures born from eggs, such as birds and serpents

anikiniअनीकिनीa tenth part of an akshauhini, a large unit of an army

anilaअनिलwind, air

anishtaअनिष्टan unwanted, evil outcome; harm

anityaअनित्यthat which does not last, ever changing and perishing

ankushaअंकुशa pointed goad for driving an elephant

antahkaranaअन्तःकरणthe inner instrument of mind, intellect, chitta, and ego

antahpuraअन्तःपुरthe inner part of a palace where the queens dwell

antakalaअन्तकालthe final moment of death

antardhanaअन्तर्धानvanishing from sight as one watches

antaryamiअन्तर्यामीGod who dwells within all and knows all

antyeshtiअन्त्येष्टिthe last rites, the rite of cremation

anucharaअनुचरa servant who follows behind

anugrahaअनुग्रहgrace received from elders

anujaअनुजyounger brother

anushthanaअनुष्ठानa religious rite performed according to prescribed procedure

anushtupअनुष्टुपthe well-known Sanskrit meter of four feet of eight syllables each

apad-dharmaआपद्-धर्मdharma relaxed in a time of crisis

apanaअपानthe vital air that flows downward

aparaअपराthe lower prakriti made of inert matter

aparigrahaअपरिग्रहthe vow of not hoarding beyond need

Aparnaअपर्णाa name of Parvati, earned by performing tapas after giving up even leaves

apaurusheyaअपौरुषेयnot composed by any human; a characteristic of the Vedas

apavargaअपवर्गanother name for moksha, release from the world

apsaraअप्सराa dancer of heaven

araniअरणिthe wooden sticks rubbed together to kindle the sacrificial fire

aranyaअरण्यforest, wilderness

aranyakaआरण्यकthe Vedic texts studied in the forest

arghyaअर्घ्यthe rite of offering water and the like in reverence

arjavaआर्जवstraightness of mind, speech, and conduct

arpanaअर्पणthe offering of an act or object to God

artaआर्तone who calls out to God while caught in distress

arthaअर्थthe aim of wealth and prosperity among the purusharthas

artharthiअर्थार्थीa devotee who worships out of desire for worldly things

arthashastraअर्थशास्त्रthe science of statecraft and economics

aryaआर्यa respectful word for a noble and cultured person

aryaputraआर्यपुत्रa respectful address used by queens for their husband

arya satyaआर्य सत्यthe Buddha's four noble truths; the doctrine of suffering and its cessation

asaktiआसक्तिthe mind's grip on objects or fruits

asanaआसनthe steady posture for meditation, or a seat

asatअसत्faithless and fruitless action; that which is not sat

ashramaआश्रमbrahmacharya, grihastha, vanaprastha, and sannyasa, the four stages of life

ashruअश्रुtears

ashtakaअष्टकa stotra of eight verses

ashtangika margaअष्टांगिक मार्गBuddhism's eightfold path to the cessation of suffering

ashvaअश्वa horse

ashvamedhaअश्वमेधthe great royal yajna performed by releasing a horse

ashvatthaअश्वत्थthe pipal tree; the world-tree with its roots turned upward

asteyaअस्तेयthe vow of not stealing

astraअस्त्रa divine weapon launched by a mantra

asuraअसुरan enemy of the gods, a being of unrighteous disposition

asurisampadaआसुरीसंपदाthe demonic tendencies that bind one

atirathiअतिरथीa high chariot warrior who fights many warriors alone

atithiअतिथिa revered guest who arrives without an appointed date

atmanआत्माthe eternal, unborn conscious Self beyond the body

attahasaअट्टहासa thundering, terrifying laughter

atyantikaआत्यन्तिकthe jiva's eternal merging into the Supreme through knowledge, moksha

aurasaऔरसone's own son born of one's seed

aurdhvadaihikaऔर्ध्वदैहिकthe funeral rites performed after death

avabhrithaअवभृथthe concluding bath taken when a yajna is completed

Avadhiअवधीthe Awadh language of the Ramcharitmanas

avadhutaअवधूतa supreme renunciate who lives beyond worldly awareness

avadhyaअवध्यone who cannot be killed

avagamanआवागमनthe repeated cycle of birth and death

avahanaआवाहनthe rite of inviting the deity at the start of worship

avajnaअवज्ञाdisrespect, disregard of a command

avaranaआवरणthe seven sheaths of water, fire, and the rest that surround the universe

avatarअवतारGod taking on a body and appearing to protect dharma

avidyaअविद्याthe root ignorance of not recognizing one's true nature

Avimuktaअविमुक्तthat which Shiva never abandons, a name of Kashi

avirbhavaआविर्भावappearing, coming into view

avyaktaअव्यक्तthat which is not yet manifest, the seed-form source

ayanaअयनa period of six months; the sun's northward or southward course

ayurvedaआयुर्वेदthe science of longevity and curing disease, an Upaveda

B

bahushrutaबहुश्रुतone who has heard and studied much, greatly learned

bandhanaबंधनthe binding of the soul by karma and attachment

bandhanaबन्धनthe bondage of birth, death, and karma

Bhadrakaliभद्रकालीthe fierce, battle-waging form of the Goddess

bhagaभगthe six divine qualities: majesty, righteousness, fame, prosperity, knowledge, and dispassion

Bhairavaभैरवthe fierce and terrifying form of Shiva

bhajanभजनa devotional song of God's glory

bhaktaभक्तa worshipper who holds exclusive love for God

bhaktavatsalaभक्तवत्सलone ever affectionate toward devotees (Shiva)

bhaktiभक्तिexclusive love and surrender toward God

bhaktiyogaभक्तियोगthe path of reaching God through love and surrender

bharyaभार्याwife

bhashyaभाष्यa detailed written commentary on a difficult text

bhasmaभस्मash; the form reduced to ash by burning

bhaumavaraभौमवारTuesday

Bhavaniभवानीthe goddess Parvati, mother of the world

bheriभेरीa large drum sounded in war

bhindipalaभिन्दिपालa sling-like weapon thrown to strike

bhoktaभोक्ताthe enjoyer; the experiencing soul

bhringiभृंगीa chief attendant (gana) of Shiva

bhutanathaभूतनाथShiva, lord of the spirits and goblin hosts

bhuvarlokaभुवर्लोकthe mid-region world between the earth and heaven

bija-mantraबीज-मन्त्रa short mantra holding a deity's power in a single syllable

bilvaबिल्वthe bel tree and its fruit, dear to Shiva

Brahmaब्रह्माthe creator god, whose single day spans a thousand yugas

brahmacharyaब्रह्मचर्यthe first stage of life, of self-restraint and gaining knowledge

brahmadandaब्रह्मदण्डBrahma's infallible rod-weapon

brahmaghoshaब्रह्मघोषthe resonant collective chanting of Vedic mantras

brahmalokaब्रह्मलोकthe highest world of Brahma

brahmamuhurtaब्रह्ममुहूर्तthe sacred predawn hour before sunrise

brahmanब्रह्मthe root of all creation, the one formless supreme reality

brahmandaब्रह्माण्डthe spherical universe girded by seven sheaths, like the seed of a wood-apple

brahmanirvanaब्रह्मनिर्वाणthe supreme peace of merging into Brahman

brahmarakshasaब्रह्मराक्षसthe demon-birth taken by a wicked Brahmin after death

brahmarshiब्रह्मर्षिthe highest rishi who has attained Brahman through tapas

brahmashiraब्रह्मशिरa deadly weapon held to be even greater than the Brahmastra

brahmastraब्रह्मास्त्रthe most terrible divine weapon linked to the power of Brahma

brahmatejaब्रह्मतेजthe spiritual radiance born of Brahminhood or austerity

brahmavidyaब्रह्मविद्याthe supreme knowledge by which Brahman is known

brahmayajnaब्रह्मयज्ञthe daily yajna of reciting the Vedas

brahmayogaब्रह्मयोगthe yoga of fixing the mind on the supreme Brahman

Brahminब्राह्मणthe first class among the varnas, who study and perform yajna

brajabhashaब्रजभाषाthe Braj dialect of Krishna-devotional poetry

buddhiबुद्धिthe discerning faculty of the inner instrument that determines

C

chaitanyaचैतन्यpure consciousness that knows and perceives

chakravartiचक्रवर्तीthe universal emperor of the whole earth

chakravyuhaचक्रव्यूहa wheel-like rotating battle array

chalisaचालीसाa hymn of praise composed in forty couplets

chamaraचामरa fly-whisk waved over the king

chamuचमूa large division of an army

chamundaचामुण्डाthe fierce goddess who slew Chanda and Munda

chandalaचाण्डालthe outcaste community considered outside the class order

chandiचण्डीthe fierce form of Durga; a popular name of the Devi Mahatmya

chandikaचण्डिकाthe fierce, wrathful form of the goddess

chandralokaचन्द्रलोकthe heavenly world of those who act with desire, from which one must return

chandrashekharaचन्द्रशेखरShiva, who wears the moon upon his head

chandravanshaचन्द्रवंशthe royal dynasty descended from the moon

characaraचराचरthe moving and the unmoving, all living creation

charamashlokaचरमश्लोकthe final essence verse of the Gita, the pledge of complete surrender

charanaचारणa bard of the heavens; also wandering singers of praise

charanamritaचरणामृतthe water drunk after washing a deity's feet

charuचरुgrain cooked in milk for a yajna

chaturanginiचतुरंगिणीan army of four limbs, elephants, chariots, cavalry, and infantry

chaturbhujaचतुर्भुजfour-armed Vishnu bearing conch, discus, mace, and lotus

chaturthikarmaचतुर्थीकर्मthe rite performed on the fourth day of marriage

chaturyugaचतुर्युगthe four ages Satya, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali together forming one Mahayuga

chaupaiचौपाईa metrical verse of four feet

chetanaचेतनाthe knowing life-force pervading living beings

chhandaछन्दthe rule of meter and rhythm in verse

chhatraछत्रa royal umbrella held over the king's head

chidakashaचिदाकाशthe boundless inner space of consciousness

chintamaniचिन्तामणिa divine gem that fulfills a wish the moment it is thought of

chitiचितिpure consciousness; awareness in its power-form

chittaचित्तthe layer of the mind where memories and impressions reside

chudamaniचूड़ामणिa fine gem worn in the hair knot

D

daityaदैत्यan asura of the lineage of Diti

daivisampadaदैवीसंपदाthe wealth of divine qualities that leads toward liberation

dakshinaदक्षिणाthe gift given to the priest after a religious rite

dakshinagniदक्षिणाग्निthe fire on the southern side of the sacrifice

dakshinayanaदक्षिणायनthe six months of the sun's southward course

damaruडमरूShiva's small two-faced drum

dambhaदंभa show of piety, hypocrisy

danaदानgiving to a worthy recipient without desire for return

danavaदानवan asura of the lineage of Danu

darbhaदर्भanother name for kusha grass

darshanदर्शनdirect experience or the beholding of a divine form

dauhitraदौहित्रa daughter's son, grandson

dayaदयाcompassion and tenderness toward all beings

dehatitaदेहातीतbeyond the body; free of body-identification

dehiदेहीthe soul dwelling in the body, the embodied being

devalayaदेवालयa temple of a deity

devarshiदेवर्षिa rishi counted among the gods, such as Narada

devayajnaदेवयज्ञthe daily rite of offering oblations to the gods in fire

dhanurvedaधनुर्वेदthe science of archery and warfare, an Upaveda

dhanushaधनुषthe bow for shooting arrows

dhanvantariधन्वन्तरिthe physician of the gods, who arose from the churning of the ocean bearing the pot of nectar

dharanaधारणाthe practice of holding the mind fixed on one point

dharmaधर्मthe duty worth upholding and the eternal moral order

dharmajnaधर्मज्ञone who knows the essence of dharma

dharmashastraधर्मशास्त्रa Smriti text expounding rules of conduct

dhritiधृतिpatience, firmness of mind

dhruvaध्रुवthe fixed pole star at the hub of the celestial sphere; Vishnu's third abode

dhvajaध्वजa banner flown high

dhyanaध्यानconcentrating the mind on a single point and holding it within

dhyanayogaध्यानयोगthe path of practice of concentrating the mind and holding it within

digambaraदिगम्बरthe naked Shiva, clad only in the directions

diggajaदिग्गजthe great elephants that uphold the directions

digvijayaदिग्विजयa campaign to conquer the kingdoms of all four directions

dikpalaदिक्पालthe guardian gods of the eight directions

dikshaदीक्षाthe rite of receiving a mantra or vow from a guru

divyadrishtiदिव्यदृष्टिthe power of divine, supernatural sight

divyastraदिव्यास्त्रa mantra-empowered weapon received from the gods

dohaदोहाa two-line metrical couplet

drashtaद्रष्टाthe seer, the conscious principle apart from the seen

drishtantaदृष्टान्तan example given to explain a point

dukulaदुकूलfine silken cloth

dundubhiदुन्दुभिa large kettledrum sounded in war and festivity

duradharshaदुराधर्षone who is hard even to assail

durdharshaदुर्धर्षhard to suppress or defeat

durgatiदुर्गतिa base birth or a hellish fate

durvaदूर्वाthe soft green grass offered in worship

dvaitaद्वैतthe philosophy that holds the self and God to be separate

dvandvaद्वन्द्वopposing pairs such as pleasure and pain, cold and heat

dvandva-yuddhaद्वन्द्व-युद्धa face-to-face duel between two warriors

dvaparaद्वापरthe third of the four ages, the era of the Krishna story

dveshaद्वेषhatred and aversion toward someone

dvijaद्विजone twice-born through the sacraments, usually a Brahmin

dyulokaद्युलोकthe sky or the heavenly realm

dyutaद्यूतa game of dice, gambling

E

ekantaएकांतa secluded and quiet place of solitude

ekarnavaएकार्णवthe one great ocean that submerges all creation at the dissolution

G

gadaगदाVishnu's chief weapon, the mace named Kaumodaki

gajacharmaगजचर्मthe elephant hide that Shiva wears as a garment

ganaगणthe host of Shiva's attendants and servants

ganadhyakshaगणाध्यक्षthe lord of all the ganas

gandharvaगन्धर्वa celestial singer among the demigods

gandharvavedaगान्धर्ववेदthe science of music and song, an Upaveda

gandharva vivahaगान्धर्व विवाहa marriage made by mutual consent

gandivaगाण्डीवthe divine bow of Arjuna

gangadharaगंगाधरShiva, who holds the Ganga in his matted locks

ganthjodगँठजोड़the knot tying the garments of bride and groom together

garhapatyaगार्हपत्यthe householder's daily worshipped domestic sacrificial fire

garudaगरुडVishnu's mount, the king of birds

gatiगतिthe state or path attained by the soul after death

gauriगौरीthe fair-hued goddess Parvati

gayatriगायत्रीa Vedic meter of three feet; also the famous mantra composed in it

ghoshayatraघोषयात्राa royal outing under the pretext of inspecting cattle stations

ghritaघृतghee

giriगिरिa mountain

girijaगिरिजाthe daughter of the mountain king, Parvati

godanaगोदानthe gift of a cow, considered a great merit

gohatyaगोहत्याthe great sin of killing a cow

golokaगोलोकthe supreme divine abode of Sri Krishna

gotraगोत्रthe lineage identity carried down from the rishi tradition

govindaगोविन्दVishnu or Krishna, lord of the cows and the senses

grahapujanaग्रहपूजनthe worship of the planets before an auspicious rite

gridhraगृध्रa vulture

grihasthaगृहस्थthe stage of life of living in a household and fulfilling dharma

guhyakaगुह्यकa class of demigods who serve Kubera

gulmaगुल्मa small detachment of an army

gunaगुणthe three basic qualities of nature, sattva, rajas, and tamas

gunatitaगुणातीतbeyond the three gunas of sattva, rajas, and tamas

gunatrayaगुणत्रयthe set of the three gunas, sattva, rajas, and tamas

guruगुरुthe teacher and guide who imparts knowledge of the Self

gurudakshinaगुरुदक्षिणाthe gift given to the guru on completing one's education

H

halahalaहलाहलthe fierce poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean

haranaहरणto carry off by trickery or force

hariहरिLord Vishnu, who takes away sin and sorrow

haumaiहउमैin Sikh thought, egotism, the sense of I-ness

havanaहवनan oblation into the fire; homa

haviहविthe material offered into the fire, such as ghee and grain

havishyaहविष्यsacred food fit to be offered in a yajna

hiranyagarbhaहिरण्यगर्भthe golden seed-form of creation, the first manifest principle

homaहोमthe act of offering oblations into the fire

hrishikeshaहृषीकेशLord Vishnu, master of the senses

I

ichchha-mrityuइच्छा-मृत्युthe boon of death coming only at one's own will

Ik Onkarइक ओंकारthe one formless Supreme in Sikhism

indriyaइन्द्रियthe powers of knowledge and action, such as seeing and hearing

ishtadevaइष्टदेवthe deity one takes as one's own and worships

ishtiइष्टिa small yajna performed with a particular wish

ishvaraईश्वरthe creator and controller of creation, the supreme Lord

itihasaइतिहासhistorical texts such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata

J

jagadambaजगदम्बाthe mother of the world, the goddess Parvati

jagratजाग्रतthe waking state

jambudvipaजम्बूद्वीपthe central island of the seven, with Sumeru at its center and Bharatavarsha within

jambunadaजाम्बूनदfine gold made from the silt of the Jambu river

janalokaजनलोकthe world above Maharloka, of Sanandana and other sons of Brahma

janardanaजनार्दनVishnu, entreated by beings, who destroys and protects all

janeuजनेऊthe sacred thread of the twice-born, the yajnopavita

jangamaजंगमcreatures able to move about

janmakundaliजन्मकुण्डलीthe chart of the planetary positions at the time of birth

japaजपrepeated remembrance of a mantra or divine name

jarayujaजरायुजcreatures born from the womb, such as humans and animals

jataजटाthe ascetic's long matted lock of hair

jatakarmaजातकर्मthe rite performed at the time of birth

jatamukutaजटामुकुटmatted locks bound up in the shape of a crown

jatharagniजठराग्निthe digestive fire seated in the belly

jatismaraजातिस्मरone who retains the memory of past births

jijnasuजिज्ञासुone who holds a deep desire to know

jitendriyaजितेन्द्रियone who has conquered his senses

jivaजीवconsciousness bound in a body, the soul of a living being

jivanmuktaजीवन्मुक्तone who has become liberated while still in the body

jivatmaजीवात्माthe embodied soul; the individual living being

jnanaज्ञानthe realization of one's true nature, knowledge of reality

jnanakandaज्ञानकाण्डthe portion of the Veda dealing with knowledge of the self

jnanayogaज्ञानयोगthe path of liberation through knowledge of the Self and discernment

jnanendriyaज्ञानेन्द्रियthe five organs of knowledge such as sight and hearing

jnaniज्ञानीone who has known reality, the knower of the Self

jrimbhanastraजृम्भणास्त्रa weapon that induces yawning and stupefying sleep

jyeshthaज्येष्ठthe eldest in age

jyotirlingaज्योतिर्लिंगone of the twelve chief self-manifested radiant lingas of Shiva

jyotishaज्योतिषthe Vedanga of time-reckoning and the planets and stars

jyotishchakraज्योतिष्चक्रthe celestial sphere of planets and stars turning around the pole star

K

kailasaकैलासthe Himalayan abode of Lord Shiva

kaivalyaकैवल्यthe pure state of the self set apart from all, supreme liberation

kalaकलाa measure of time equal to thirty kashthas; a phase of the moon

kalaकालthat power-form of Vishnu that drives creation, preservation, and dissolution; time

kalabhairavaकालभैरवthe guardian of Kashi, Bhairava, the time-form of Shiva

kalachakraकालचक्रthe wheel of time turning through seasons and solstices

kalatitaकालातीतbeyond time, transcending time

kaliकालीthe dark-hued goddess; a childhood name of Parvati

kaliyugaकलियुगthe last of the four ages, the era now underway

kalkiकल्किVishnu's coming avatar who destroys the barbarians at the end of Kali Yuga

kalpaकल्पone day of Brahma, a very long span of creation

kalpavrikshaकल्पवृक्षa heavenly tree that grants everything the moment it is asked

kamaकामintense desire for enjoyment, craving that is never satisfied

kamadhenuकामधेनुthe divine cow that grants every wish

kamandaluकमण्डलुthe water pot of ascetics

kananaकाननa dense forest

kanchukiकञ्चुकीan aged attendant who oversees the inner quarters

kandaकाण्डa large division of a text such as the Ramayana

kanishthaकनिष्ठthe youngest in age

kanyadanaकन्यादानgiving away the bride into the groom's hands in marriage

kapalaकपालa skull or begging bowl held in the hand

karadaकरदa subordinate king who pays tribute to the victor

karmaकर्मaction or duty, and the law that yields its fruit

karmakandaकर्मकाण्डthe portion of scripture dealing with the procedures of yajna and worship

karmaphalaकर्मफलthe result or fruit received from action

karmayogaकर्मयोगthe path of remaining free by doing one's duty without desire for its fruit

karmendriyaकर्मेन्द्रियthe five organs of action such as the hands and feet

kartaकर्ताthe doer of action, the sense of 'I am the doer'

karunaकरुणाthe feeling of being moved by others' suffering, compassion

kashiकाशीthe liberation-giving city of Shiva, Varanasi

kashthaकाष्ठाa measure of time equal to fifteen nimeshas

kaushikiकौशिकीthe fair goddess who emerged from Parvati's sheath

kaustubhaकौस्तुभthe divine gem worn on Vishnu's chest, symbol of the pure soul

kavachaकवचrecitation of protective mantras; also armor worn in battle

kavyaकव्यthe oblation offered to the ancestors

kayavyuhaकायव्यूहan array of bodies assumed to exhaust remaining karma

keshavaकेशवVishnu, of beautiful locks, lord even of Brahma and Shiva

khadgaखड्गa sword

khagaखगa bird

khandaखण्डa part or division of a text

khatvangaखट्वांगShiva's weapon in the form of a staff topped with a skull

kinnaraकिन्नरa divine race skilled in song and music

kiratकिरतthe Sikh ideal of earning a livelihood by honest labor

kirtanकीर्तनthe singing of the Lord's name and glories

kohbarकोहबरthe decorated inner chamber of the marriage house

kratuक्रतुa classical name for a yajna

kraunchadvipaक्रौंचद्वीपan island ringed by the ocean of curds

krichchhraकृच्छ्रa penance vow with severe rules

krishnapakshaकृष्णपक्षthe dark fortnight of the waning moon

kritaghnaकृतघ्नone who forgets a kindness done to him

kritarthaकृतार्थblessed, one whose purpose is fulfilled

krittivasaकृत्तिवासाShiva, who wears the hide of the elephant demon Gajasura

kriyamanaक्रियमाणkarma being performed right now

krodhaक्रोधthe surge that rises from thwarted desire, one gate of hell

kshamaक्षमाforbearance, the disposition to forgive a wrong

kshanabhangurक्षणभंगुरperishing in a moment

ksharaक्षरthe perishable and changing world or being

kshatradharmaक्षात्रधर्मthe kshatriya's dharma of war and protection

kshatriyaक्षत्रियthe class charged with protection and governance

kshatriya-dharmaक्षत्रिय-धर्मthe duty of the kshatriya, protecting the people and waging war

kshepaniyaक्षेपणीयa missile weapon hurled to strike

kshetraक्षेत्रthe body, which is known and observed

kshetrajnaक्षेत्रज्ञthe consciousness that knows the body-field from within

kshetrapalaक्षेत्रपालthe deity who guards a place or field

kshirasagaraक्षीरसागरthe ocean of milk, the resting place of Vishnu

kshubdhaक्षुब्धshaken to the core

kumbhakaकुम्भकholding the breath within during pranayama

kundaकुण्डthe pit made for the fire of the havan

kundalaकुण्डलa round ornament worn in the ear

kunjaraकुञ्जरan elephant

kurmaकूर्मVishnu's tortoise avatar who bore Mount Mandara on his back

kushaकुशthe sacred grass spread in worship and yajna

kusumaकुसुमa flower

L

lagnaलग्नthe auspicious moment for a wedding and the birth-time zodiac sign

lakshagrihaलाक्षागृहa house built of lac, made to blaze up in an instant

lakutaलकुटa thick staff or mace-like club

lavaलावाthe roasted grain offered into the wedding fire

layaलयthe dissolving of creation, dissolution

lilaलीलाGod's spontaneous divine play

lobhaलोभthe insatiable craving to hoard wealth

lokalokaलोकालोकthe ring-shaped mountain at the edge of the earth dividing light from darkness

lokapalaलोकपालpresiding deities such as Indra who guard the directions

lokasangrahaलोकसंग्रहthe noble person's continued action for the welfare of the world

M

madaमदthe intoxicating pride of wealth, strength, or position

MadanaमदनKama, the god of love

madhuparkaमधुपर्कthe offering of curd, ghee, and honey given to a guest

madhuryaमाधुर्यsweetness; the tender love-mood of devotion

MadhusudanaमधुसूदनVishnu, slayer of the demon Madhu

madhyahnaमध्याह्नthe time of midday

madhyamaमध्यमाthe subtle mental level of speech

magadhaमागधthe bard who sings a king's praises and lineage

mahabhutaमहाभूतthe five gross elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space

MahakalaमहाकालShiva, who protects as the form of time at Ujjain

mahakavyaमहाकाव्यa great poem with a vast narrative

mahamayaमहामायाthe great power of the Goddess that enchants the world

mahapatakaमहापातकan extremely grave sin

mahaprajnaमहाप्राज्ञone of very great intellect

mahapralayaमहाप्रलयthe great dissolution of all creation

mahaprasthanaमहाप्रस्थानthe final journey on foot to renounce the world

mahapuranaमहापुराणone of the eighteen principal Puranas beginning with the Brahma Purana

maharathiमहारथीa chariot warrior able to fight thousands of warriors single-handed

maharlokaमहर्लोकthe world above Dhruva, where perfected sages like Bhrigu dwell for a whole kalpa

maharshiमहर्षिa great ascetic and seer among the rishis

mahatमहत्in Samkhya, the first principle arising from nature; cosmic intellect

mahatmyaमहात्म्यthe account of the glory of a deity, holy place, or text

mahattattvaमहत्तत्त्वthe first principle born of the stirring of nature, the intellect-principle

mahavakyaमहावाक्यthe four core statements of wisdom from the Upanishads

mahayugaमहायुगone complete cycle of the four yugas

Maheshvaraमहेश्वरthe great Lord of all beings

mahishaमहिषa buffalo

mahishiमहिषीthe chief queen of a king

maitriमैत्रीthe attitude of friendliness toward all beings

manaमनthe faculty of the inner instrument that wills and doubts

mananaमननdeep reflection on the knowledge one has heard

manasaputraमानसपुत्रa son born from Brahma's mere thought

mandapaमण्डपa canopied pavilion decorated for weddings and the like

Mandarachalaमन्दराचलthe mountain used as a churning rod in the churning of the ocean; the peak that holds up Meru

mangalacharanaमंगलाचरणthe salutation to the divine made at the beginning of a text

Manikarnikaमणिकर्णिकाthe famous great pilgrimage ghat of Kashi

mantraमन्त्रthe sacred word-formula of a deity or principle

mantranaमन्त्रणाsecret counsel, deliberation

Manuमनुthe primordial being who establishes dharma and law in each manvantara

manvantaraमन्वन्तरthe long span of one Manu's reign

maranadharmaमरणधर्माsubject to death; perishable and mortal

marutमरुत्the forty-nine wind gods who aid Indra

masaमासa lunar month; a month

matamahaमातामहthe mother's father, maternal grandfather

matrikaमातृकाthe mother-goddesses manifest as divine powers

Matsyaमत्स्यVishnu's fish incarnation

matulaमातुलmaternal uncle

maunaमौनrestraint of speech, the practice of silence

mayaमायाBrahman's wondrous power that makes the world appear real

medhaमेधाsharp, retentive intellect

mekhalaमेखलाthe munja-grass girdle tied around the waist

Meruमेरुthe golden great mountain standing at the center of Jambudvipa, Sumeru

mimamsaमीमांसाthe philosophy that examines the ritual portion of the Vedas

mithyaमिथ्याthat which appears true but does not endure

mlechchhaम्लेच्छa non-Aryan person outside Vedic conduct

mohaमोहdelusion and attachment born of ignorance

MohiniमोहिनीVishnu's enchanting female form

mokshaमोक्षpermanent release from the bondage of birth and death

mrigacharmaमृगचर्मdeer skin, which was made into a seat and garment

mrigayaमृगयाthe hunting sport of kings

mrityulokaमृत्युलोकthe world of mortal beings, the earth

mrityunjayaमृत्युंजयShiva who conquers death, and his mantra

mudgaraमुद्गरa heavy weapon like a hammer

muhurtaमुहूर्तa span of about 48 minutes; an auspicious moment

muktiमुक्तिrelease from bondage, freedom from birth and death

mumukshuमुमुक्षुa seeker with a deep longing for liberation

muniमुनिan ascetic sage established in silence and contemplation

munjaमूँजthe sacred grass used to make the sacred thread and girdle

musalaमूसलa heavy pestle-shaped weapon

N

nadikaनाडिकाa time measure of fifteen kalas, gauged by a copper water-vessel

nagaनागthe hooded serpent race dwelling in the netherworld

nagapashaनागपाशa binding missile made of serpents

naimittikaनैमित्तिकoccurring occasionally on some occasion; the dissolution at the end of a kalpa when Brahma sleeps

naishthikaनैष्ठिकone who observes lifelong, unwavering celibacy

naivedyaनैवेद्यthe food offered to God

nakshatraनक्षत्रthe twenty-seven star clusters beginning with Ashwini, the stations along the moon's path

nam-simranनाम-सिमरनthe constant remembrance and repetition of the Lord's name

nandiनन्दीShiva's chief attendant and mount in the form of a bull

narakaनरकthe nether realm under Yama where sinners undergo punishment

NarayanaनारायणLord Vishnu, who reclines upon the waters

narayanastraनारायणास्त्रVishnu's infallible divine weapon

navagrahaनवग्रहthe nine planets: the sun, moon, Mars, and the rest

navaratraनवरात्रthe festival of the nine nights of the Goddess

netiनेतीthe rope for turning the churning stick

neti-netiनेति-नेतिthe method of seeking truth by saying not this, not that

nididhyasanaनिदिध्यासनremaining absorbed in that truth after reflection

nigrahaनिग्रहrestraint, holding in check

nilakanthaनीलकण्ठShiva, blue-throated from drinking poison

nimeshaनिमेषthe time it takes to blink an eye

nimittaनिमित्तthe occasion through which a thing happens, the immediate cause

nirakaraनिराकारBrahman devoid of form and shape

nirbhauनिर्भउan attribute of God in the Sikh Mul Mantar: without fear

nirbhayataनिर्भयताthe complete absence of fear, a fearless state of mind

nirgunaनिर्गुणGod's nature beyond form and qualities

nirjharaनिर्झरa waterfall tumbling from a mountain

niruktaनिरुक्तthe Vedanga of the etymology of words

nirvairuनिरवैरुan attribute of God in the Sikh Mul Mantar: without enmity

nirvanaनिर्वाणextinction, absorption into supreme peace

nirvikalpaनिर्विकल्पthe samadhi in which no stir of thought remains

nishacharaनिशाचरa demon who roams by night

nishadaनिषादa hunter-boatman tribe living by rivers and forests

nishkamaनिष्कामfree from desire for the fruit of action

nishkantakaनिष्कण्टकfree of thorns, that is of obstacles; unobstructed

nishkartaनिष्कर्ताthe sense of non-doership, that I am not the doer

nishnataनिष्णातfully expert in a discipline

nishthaनिष्ठाfirm and unwavering devotion to a path or ideal

nitiनीतिstatecraft and prudent conduct

nityaनित्यthat which ever endures, timeless and imperishable

nityakarmaनित्यकर्मthe obligatory religious duties to be performed daily

nivrittiनिवृत्तिthe path of turning toward liberation by renouncing the fruits of action

niyogaनियोगthe ancient scriptural practice of obtaining offspring in a sonless house

nyagrodhaन्यग्रोधthe banyan tree

nyasaन्यासthe rite of installing divine power into the limbs by uttering mantras

O

om tat satॐ तत् सत्the threefold name of Brahman, the beginning of every auspicious act

P

padyaपाद्यthe water given to wash a guest's feet

pakhandaपाखण्डa sham of religion, a false doctrine opposed to the Vedas

pallavaपल्लवa new, tender leaf

panchabhutaपंचभूतearth, water, fire, air, and ether, these five great elements

panchagniपञ्चाग्निthe austerity performed seated amid fires on all sides with the sun above

panchakoshaपञ्चकोशthe five sheaths that cover the self

panchaksharaपंचाक्षरShiva's five-syllable mantra, Namah Shivaya

panchalakshanaपञ्चलक्षणthe five essential subjects of a Purana

panchamritaपञ्चामृतthe sacred mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar

panchamukhaपञ्चमुखthe five-faced form of Sadashiva

panigrahanaपाणिग्रहणthe groom taking the bride's hand in marriage

papaपापan evil deed and its inauspicious fruit

paraपराthe higher Prakriti in the form of the conscious living being

parabrahmanपरब्रह्मthe supreme Brahman, attributeless and changeless

paradharmaपरधर्मanother's dharma, which is not fit to adopt

paramadhamaपरमधामGod's eternal abode, from which one does not return

paramagatiपरमगतिthe highest goal, the attainment of the supreme abode

paramarthaपरमार्थthe highest, imperishable reality; the true purpose

paramatmaपरमात्माthe supreme conscious God, the ground of all

parameshvaraपरमेश्वरthe supreme God, master of all

parardhaपरार्धhalf of Brahma's hundred-year lifespan, an immense measure of time

parashuपरशुa battle-axe

paratparaपरात्परthat which is beyond even the highest

parayanaपारायणorderly recitation of a text from beginning to end

parighaपरिघa heavy iron weapon like a mace

parijataपारिजातthe fragrant divine tree of heaven, brought forth from the churning of the ocean

parikhaपरिखाa defensive moat dug around a city or fort

parnakutiपर्णकुटीa small hut thatched with leaves

parshadaपार्षदan attendant of a god or king, a member of the retinue

parthivaपार्थिवmade of clay for worship (a linga or image)

parvaपर्वa large division of a text such as the Mahabharata

pashaपाशa snaring noose

pashupataपाशुपतa severe vow connected with Shiva and his infallible weapon

pashupatastraपाशुपतास्त्रShiva's all-destroying, invincible divine weapon

pashupatiपशुपतिShiva, lord of all beings who are like bound animals

pashutvaपशुत्वthe bound animal-nature of the living being, from which Shiva grants release

pashyantiपश्यन्तीthe subtler, seeing level of speech

patalaपातालthe seven nether realms below the earth, where nagas and demons dwell

pativrataपतिव्रताa virtuous woman devoted solely to her husband

pattabhishekaपट्टाभिषेकthe anointment ceremony of enthroning on the royal seat

pattiपत्तिthe smallest unit of an army, one chariot-elephant and a few soldiers

paurushaपौरुषone's own effort and strength

payasaपायसkheer, sweet grain cooked in milk

phalashrutiफलश्रुतिthe final portion that states the fruit of the recitation

pinakaपिनाकthe bow of Lord Shiva

pindaपिण्डthe ball of food offered to the ancestors in a shraddha

pishachaपिशाचa fearsome flesh-eating ghoul

pitamahaपितामहfather's father, grandfather

pitambaraपीताम्बरyellow silk cloth, the garment of Vishnu and Krishna

pitriपितृa departed ancestor to whom water and food are offered

plakshadvipaप्लक्षद्वीपthe island beyond Jambudvipa, surrounded by the ocean of sugarcane juice

Prabhasaप्रभासthe sacred coastal region of Somnath

pradakshinaप्रदक्षिणाcircumambulating a deity with reverence

pradhanaप्रधानthe equilibrium of sattva, rajas, and tamas, primordial nature; the ultimate cause of the world

pradoshaप्रदोषthe twilight hour auspicious for the worship of Shiva

praharaप्रहरan eighth part of day and night, about 3 hours

prahrishtaप्रहृष्टblossoming with joy

prajapatiप्रजापतिthe title of the lord of creatures and creation

prakaraप्राकारthe high rampart wall of a city or fort

prakritaप्राकृतthe dissolution in which all creation merges back into primordial nature

prakritiप्रकृतिthe primal substance of the world woven from the three gunas

pralayaप्रलयthe dissolution in which creation folds back and merges

pramadaप्रमादcarelessness and sloth toward one's duty

pramathaप्रमथthe class of Shiva's chief attendants (ganas)

pranaप्राणthe life-breath flowing in the body, the vital force

pranapratishthaप्राणप्रतिष्ठाthe rite of awakening the divine power in an image

pranavaप्रणवthe scriptural name for the syllable Om

pranayamaप्राणायामthe yogic practice of controlling inhalation and exhalation

pranipataप्रणिपातhumble prostration and surrender before the guru

prapanchaप्रपंचthe expanse of the visible world of name and form

prarabdhaप्रारब्धthe portion of past karma that bears fruit in this life

prasadaप्रसादsacred food offered to a deity and returned as a blessing

pratihariप्रतिहारीa guard who stands at the royal gate

pratisargaप्रतिसर्गthe re-creation after dissolution; one mark of a Purana

pratityasamutpadaप्रतीत्यसमुत्पादthe Buddhist doctrine that every thing arises dependent upon causes

pratyaharaप्रत्याहारdrawing the senses back from their objects

pratyanchaप्रत्यञ्चाthe string of a bow

pravrittiप्रवृत्तिthe path of action performed with desire for its fruit

prayashchittaप्रायश्चित्तa scripturally prescribed act performed to wash away sin

pretaप्रेतa restless, unsatisfied soul wandering after death

preyaप्रेयthat which pleases at once but is not always good for one

pritanaपृतनाa large detachment of an army

pujaपूजाthe worship of a deity with due offerings

pundarikakshaपुण्डरीकाक्षLord Vishnu, whose eyes are like lotuses

punyaपुण्यa meritorious deed and its auspicious fruit

punyaha-vachanaपुण्याह-वाचनthe auspicious rite of proclaiming a holy day

purakaपूरकdrawing the breath inward in pranayama

puranaपुराणan ancient scripture with the five marks of creation, secondary creation, and the rest

purashcharanaपुरश्चरणthe prescribed repetition and rite performed to master a mantra

purnahutiपूर्णाहुतिthe final oblation offered at the end of a yajna

purnapatraपूर्णपात्रa vessel filled with grain given in charity

purodashaपुरोडाशa special cake of grain made for the yajna

purushaपुरुषthe conscious self-principle, the enjoyer and witness of Prakriti

purusharthaपुरुषार्थdharma, artha, kama, and moksha, the four aims of life

purushottamaपुरुषोत्तमthe supreme Person beyond the perishable and the imperishable, the Lord

Pushkarपुष्करa renowned place of pilgrimage

pushkaradvipaपुष्करद्वीपthe last and largest continent, ringed by the sea of sweet water

pushkaravartakaपुष्करावर्तकthe clouds that pour down in torrents at the time of dissolution

putreshtiपुत्रेष्टिa yajna performed with the wish for a son

R

ragaरागattraction and attachment toward objects

Rahuराहुthe shadow-planet that seizes and eclipses; one of the nine planets

rajaguhyaराजगुह्यthe king of secrets, the most confidential knowledge

rajakoshaराजकोषthe king's treasury; the state treasury

rajarshiराजर्षिa great man who attained the rank of rishi while being a king

rajasरजस्the quality that stirs activity, desire, and restlessness

rajasaराजसpredominant in rajas; active and impulsive

rajasikaराजसिकendowed with rajas, restless, full of desire and craving for fruit

rajasuyaराजसूयthe great yajna performed for the rank of supreme emperor

rajasvalaरजस्वलाa woman in the days of her menstruation

rajatilakaराजतिलकthe mark of coronation; the emblem of kingship

rajavidyaराजविद्याthe king of knowledge, the supreme knowledge of the Self

rajyabhishekaराज्याभिषेकconsecration as king through anointing with water

rakshasaराक्षसthe cruel, flesh-eating class of night-roaming demons

ranabhumiरणभूमिthe field of battle

rasatalaरसातलthe deepest level of the netherworld

rathiरथीa warrior who fights mounted on a chariot

raudra-astraरौद्र-अस्त्रthe weapon of Rudra-Shiva

rechakaरेचकthe exhaling of breath in pranayama

richaऋचाa verse mantra of the Veda

rikshaऋक्षa bear; the bear race in the Rama story

rishiऋषिa Vedic sage who is a seer of mantras

ritaऋतthe eternal moral and physical order of the universe; the law of truth

ritvijaऋत्विजa priest chosen to conduct a yajna

Rudraरुद्रLord Shiva in his destructive form

rudrakshaरुद्राक्षsacred seed beads worn in the worship of Shiva

S

sachchidanandaसच्चिदानन्दthe supreme reality whose nature is being, consciousness, and bliss

sadashivaसदाशिवthe embodied supreme Shiva form of the formless Parabrahman

sadgatiसद्गतिthe good state attained after death

sadhakaसाधकa practitioner walking the path of spiritual discipline

sadhanaसाधनाregular spiritual practice undertaken toward a goal

sadhuसाधुa saintly person of good conduct

sagunaसगुणGod's nature with form and qualities

sahasranamaसहस्रनामthe ordered recitation of the 1000 names of a deity

sakaraसाकारthe form of God endowed with shape and figure

sakshatkaraसाक्षात्कारthe direct experience of truth; realization of the Self

sakshiसाक्षीthe inner consciousness that watches everything without changing

salilaसलिलwater

salokyaसालोक्यliberation as dwelling in the world of one's chosen deity

samadarshanaसमदर्शनseeing the one same consciousness equally in all beings

samadhiसमाधिthe depth of meditation where the mind comes fully to rest

samadritaसमादृतreceived with honor

samatvaसमत्वan even feeling in pleasure and pain, gain and loss

samavedaसामवेदthe Veda sung in the form of chant

samharaसंहारto bring about total destruction

samhitaसंहिताan ordered collection of mantras or verses

samidhaसमिधाdry sacred wood placed into the fire of the yajna

samsaraसंसारthe ceaselessly turning cycle of birth and death

samvatsaraसंवत्सरthe scriptural name for a year

sanatanaसनातनthat which has always been and will always remain

sanchitaसंचितkarma accumulated from past lives

sandhyaसन्ध्याthe daily worship of morning and evening; also the hour of dusk

sanjivaniसंजीवनीthe lore that brings the dead back to life

sankalpaसंकल्पa firm resolve taken in the mind

sankarshanaसंकर्षणthe Rudra form that emerges from Shesha's mouth to destroy at the end of a kalpa; one of Vishnu's vyuhas

sankhyaसांख्यthe philosophy of discernment that explains the distinction between soul and Prakriti

sannyasaसंन्यासthe stage of renouncing everything and moving toward moksha

sanshayaसंशयthe mind's conflict and uncertainty

sanskaraसंस्कारa religious rite of purification; also an old impression left on the mind

santसंतan accomplished saint of the path of devotion

santoshaसंतोषcontentment with what one has, freedom from craving

sanyamaसंयमcontrol over the senses and the mind

sapatniसपत्नीa co-wife, another wife of the same husband

sapta-matrikaसप्त-मातृकाthe seven mother goddesses beginning with Brahmi

saptapadiसप्तपदीthe custom of walking seven steps before the fire in marriage

saptarshiसप्तर्षिthe seven great rishis; the seven stars named for them in the sky

saptashatiसप्तशतीthe Devi Mahatmya; the glory of the goddess in seven hundred verses

sarathiसारथिone who drives a chariot

sarathyaसारथ्यthe act of driving a chariot, the work of a charioteer

sargaसर्गa chapter of an epic poem

saritaसरिताa river

sarpasatraसर्पसत्रa long yajna performed with the resolve to destroy serpents

sarvajnaसर्वज्ञthe all-knowing one

satiसतीa woman who gives up her life on her husband's pyre, or that custom

sattaसत्ताthe fundamental principle of being, existence

sattvaसत्त्वthe quality that brings light, peace, and purity

sattvikaसात्त्विकendowed with sattva, pure, calm, and conducive to knowledge

satyaसत्यtruthful and beneficial speech; the renunciation of falsehood

satyalokaसत्यलोकthe highest Brahmaloka, where dwell the immortals who never die again

satyayugaसत्ययुगthe first of the four ages, the age ruled by dharma

savyasachiसव्यसाचीone who shoots arrows with both hands; an epithet of Arjuna

sayujyaसायुज्यthe highest liberation of merging into God

senapatiसेनापतिthe chief commander of an army

setuसेतुa bridge; especially Rama's bridge to Lanka

shabdabrahmaशब्दब्रह्मBrahman in the form of sound or Om

shailaशैलa mountain

shaivaशैवthe tradition that worships Shiva

shakadvipaशाकद्वीपthe island ringed by the ocean of milk, bearing a giant shaka tree

shakambhariशाकम्भरीthe goddess who nourishes the world with herbs and fruit

shakhaशाखाa recitational tradition of a Veda; a Vedic branch

shakhamrigaशाखामृगa monkey, one who roams branch to branch

shaktaशाक्तthe tradition that worships the goddess Shakti

shaktiशक्तिthe primal divine feminine energy of creation; Shiva's consort

shaligramaशालिग्रामa black stone worshipped as a symbolic form of Vishnu

shalmalaशाल्मलan island ringed by the ocean of wine

shamaशमthe practice of keeping the mind calm and controlled

shambhuशम्भुLord Shiva, the bestower of welfare

shankhaशंखthe conch blown in battle cry and in worship

shankhaशङ्खthe shell of a sea creature, blown in worship and in battle

shanmukhaषण्मुखLord Kartikeya of the six faces

shantipathaशान्तिपाठthe peace mantra recited at the beginning and end of a reading

shapaशापa curse pronounced in anger

sharanagatiशरणागतिsurrendering oneself completely into God's refuge

sharashayyaशरशय्याa bed made on the points of arrows

sharngaशार्ङ्गthe bow of Lord Vishnu

shashvataशाश्वतthat which is never destroyed, everlasting

shastraशस्त्रa weapon wielded in the hand

shastraशास्त्रan authoritative scripture on dharma and duty

shatanamaशतनामa hymn of a hundred names of a deity

sheshaशेषVishnu's thousand-hooded serpent Ananta, bearing the earth at the base of the netherworld

sheshashayyaशेषशय्याVishnu's serpent-couch of Shesha upon the waters of dissolution

shibikaशिबिकाa palanquin carried by hand

shikshaशिक्षाthe Vedanga of pronunciation; phonetics

shishumaraशिशुमारthe crocodile-shaped starry form of Vishnu in the sky, with Dhruva on its tail

shishyaशिष्यone who receives knowledge from a guru

shivaशिवाthe goddess who is Shiva's consort and embodied power

shivalayaशिवालयa temple of Lord Shiva

shivalingaशिवलिंगthe formless venerated symbol of Lord Shiva

shivatattvaशिवतत्त्वthe knowledge or principle of Shiva's supreme nature

shlokaश्लोकa metrical verse; an anushtup couplet

shodashopacharaषोडशोपचारthe complete worship performed with 16 offerings

shraddhaश्राद्धthe rite performed for the satisfaction of the ancestors

shraddhaश्रद्धाdeep faith and trust

shrautaश्रौतsacrificial rites based on shruti, that is, the Veda

shravanaश्रवणlistening attentively to knowledge from the guru

shreyaश्रेयthat which truly benefits in the end, the higher path

shrivatsaश्रीवत्सthe divine mark on Vishnu's chest, symbol of Prakriti

shrutiश्रुतिthe Vedic word preserved by the tradition of hearing

shudraशूद्रthe varna that aids society through service

shuklapakshaशुक्लपक्षthe bright fortnight of the waxing moon

shulaशूलthe trident; a spear-like weapon

shvasuraश्वसुरfather-in-law

siddhaसिद्धa divine adept who has gained supernatural powers through austerity

siddhiसिद्धिa supernatural power gained through spiritual practice

simantaसीमन्तthe simantonnayana sacrament performed for an expectant mother

simhanadaसिंहनादa warrior's roar like the growl of a lion

skandhaस्कन्धa major division of a Purana, especially the Bhagavata

smaranaस्मरणconstant remembrance of God in the mind, dwelling on the name

smartaस्मार्तthe tradition that follows the smriti and worships the five deities

smritiस्मृतिthe books of dharma composed by the sages; also the power of memory

somaसोमthe sacred creeper pressed in a yajna and its juice

somarasaसोमरसthe sacred juice of the yajna extracted from the soma creeper

srashtaस्रष्टाthe maker, the one who brings forth creation

srishtiसृष्टिthe creation of the world; bringing forth

sruvaस्रुवाa long wooden ladle for pouring oblations

sthanuस्थाणुunmoving like a pillar, a name of Lord Shiva

sthavaraस्थावरbeings fixed in one place, such as trees and creepers

sthitaprajnaस्थितप्रज्ञone whose intellect does not waver in pleasure or pain

sthulaस्थूलthe gross form visible to the senses

stotraस्तोत्रa verse composition in praise of a deity

stutiस्तुतिa reverent song of a being's qualities

sudarshanaसुदर्शनLord Vishnu's weapon, the discus

sudhaसुधाanother name for the nectar of immortality

suhridसुहृदa friend who wishes one well with a sincere heart

sukshmaसूक्ष्मso subtle that the eye cannot see it

suktaसूक्तa group of verses on a single deity or theme

suryavanshaसूर्यवंशthe solar royal dynasty descended from Ikshvaku

sushuptiसुषुप्तिthe state of deep sleep without dreams

sutaसूतa reciter who tells tales; also a charioteer

sutraसूत्रa short sentence that binds a deep meaning in few words

svabhavaस्वभावthe innate disposition formed of nature and the gunas

svadhaस्वधाthe utterance made while offering oblation to the ancestors

svadharmaस्वधर्मone's own duty according to one's nature and station

svadhyayaस्वाध्यायthe regular recitation of scripture and study of the self

svahaस्वाहाthe mantra-utterance made while offering oblation to the gods

svajanaस्वजनone's own family and kinfolk

svargarohanaस्वर्गारोहणascent to heaven in the body

svastivachanaस्वस्तिवाचनthe recitation of auspicious mantras before an auspicious act

svayambhuस्वयम्भूthat which manifests of its own accord

svayamvaraस्वयंवरthe ceremony of a maiden choosing her own husband

svedajaस्वेदजcreatures such as insects born of sweat or damp

T

tadagaतड़ागa pond

tamasतमस्the quality that brings inertia, dullness, and darkness

tamasaतामसdominated by tamas; inert and dark

tamasikaतामसिकendowed with tamas, full of ignorance, sloth, and delusion

tambulaताम्बूलa betel-leaf roll offered in worship

tandavaताण्डवthe fierce, impassioned dance of Lord Shiva

tankarटंकारthe twang of a bowstring

tanmatraतन्मात्राthe five subtle objects such as sound and touch, from which the great elements arise

tantraतंत्रthe esoteric scripture and tradition centered on spiritual practice

tapasतपthe disciplined practice of restraining body, speech, and mind

tapasaतापसa seeker who performs austerity

tapasyaतपस्याsevere spiritual practice; austerity

tapobalaतपोबलthe spiritual power gained through austerity

tapolokaतपोलोकthe realm of the Vairaja gods, above Janaloka

tapovanaतपोवनthe quiet forest where sages perform austerity

tarpanaतर्पणthe rite of satisfying the gods and ancestors by offering water

tattvaतत्त्वthe true nature of a thing, its underlying reality

tattvadarshiतत्त्वदर्शीthe sage who directly experiences the truth

tejaतेजspiritual vigor and inner radiance

tikaटीकाa commentary that explains a text

tirthaतीर्थa sacred, venerable place where one bathes and takes darshan

tiryakतिर्यक्creatures that move sideways, that is, animals and birds

tithiतिथिa lunar day; one phase-stage of the fortnight

titikshaतितिक्षाthe strength to bear pleasure and pain with calm

tomarतोमरa spear-like weapon thrown to strike

toranaतोरणa decorative arch built over a gateway

trayiत्रयीthe three Vedas: Rik, Yajus, and Saman

tretaत्रेताthe second of the four ages, the era of the Rama story

trigunaत्रिगुणsattva, rajas, and tamas, these three qualities of Prakriti

trilokiत्रिलोकीheaven, earth, and the netherworld, the three realms

tripurariत्रिपुरारिShiva, destroyer of the three cities

trishulaत्रिशूलShiva's chief weapon, the three-pointed trident

tritiya netraतृतीय नेत्रthe third eye on Shiva's forehead, from which the fire of dissolution issues

tryambakaत्र्यम्बकthe three-eyed Shiva; a jyotirlinga

tunirतूणीरa quiver for holding arrows

turiyaतुरीयthe fourth state beyond waking, dream, and deep sleep

turiyatitaतुरीयातीतthe supreme reality beyond even the turiya state

tyagaत्यागthe renunciation of the fruits of action and attachment

tyagiत्यागीone who renounces fruit and attachment

U

udasinउदासीनthe detached witness-attitude free of attraction and aversion

udbhijjaउद्भिज्जbeings such as trees that sprout by breaking through the earth

udgataउद्गाताthe priest who chants the Samaveda mantras in a yajna

udgithaउद्गीथthe Om sung in a high tone during Sama chanting

udvignaउद्विग्नagitated, restless

udyapanaउद्यापनthe rite performed on the completion of a vow

Umaउमाa name of Parvati, given when her mother said 'u ma', that is 'do not perform tapas'

upadhiउपाधिa covering like body and mind laid over the self that hides its true form

upadhyayaउपाध्यायa teacher who imparts learning

upakhyanaउपाख्यानa small tale told within the main story

upanayanaउपनयनthe rite of beginning study by bestowing the sacred thread

upapuranaउपपुराणthe minor Puranas besides the eighteen Mahapuranas

uparatiउपरतिthe mind turning back from objects and settling within

upasanaउपासनाregular worship and meditation done with faith

upavasaउपवासabstaining from food for a vow

uragaउरगa snake, a creature that crawls on its breast

urdhvamulaऊर्ध्वमूलone whose roots are above; the inverted world-tree

ushnishaउष्णीषa turban bound on the head

utpataउत्पातan inauspicious sign; an event portending disturbance

uttarayanaउत्तरायणthe six months of the sun's northward course

V

vagdanaवाग्दानthe promise to give a daughter in marriage; betrothal

vahiniवाहिनीa medium unit of an army

vaijayantiवैजयन्तीVishnu's forest garland made of five gems

vaikhariवैखरीthe gross, articulate level of speech; spoken sound

vaikunthaवैकुण्ठthe supreme abode of Vishnu; his form in one manvantara

vairagyaवैराग्यthe mind's spontaneous turning away from pleasures

vaishnavaवैष्णवthe tradition that worships Vishnu-Narayana

vaishvadevaवैश्वदेवthe daily oblation offered to all the gods before eating

vaishyaवैश्यthe varna engaged in farming, cattle-keeping, and trade

vaitaraniवैतरणीthe river believed to lie on the path to the next world

vaivasvataवैवस्वतthe Manu of the present seventh manvantara; son of the sun

vajapeyaवाजपेयa great Vedic yajna connected with soma

vajraवज्रthe weapon of Indra; the hardest of things

valkalaवल्कलthe garment of ascetics made from tree bark

vamanaवामनVishnu's dwarf avatar who begged three paces of land from Bali

vamangaवामांगthe left side of the body, from which Shiva manifested Vishnu

vanaprasthaवानप्रस्थthe third stage of life, of leaving the household for austerity in the forest

vandवंडthe Sikh ideal of sharing a portion of one's earnings

vanshaवंशthe genealogy of gods, sages, and kings described in the Puranas; one of the five marks of a Purana

vanshanucharitaवंशानुचरितthe account of the deeds of dynasties; a mark of a Purana

varadanaवरदानa boon granted in pleasure; a blessing

varahaवराहVishnu's boar avatar who lifts the sunken earth on his tusks

varanaवरणchoosing someone respectfully for a task

varnaवर्णthe four divisions of society: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra

varnadharmaवर्णधर्मthe duty ordained according to one's varna and nature

varnashramaवर्णाश्रमthe code of dharma bound to varna and stage of life

vasanaवासनाthe old imprint of desire lodged deep in the mind

vashatkaraवषट्कारthe word 'vashat' uttered while pouring an oblation

vasudevaवासुदेवthe supreme lord Vishnu who dwells in all beings

vasudhaवसुधाthe earth

vatsalyaवात्सल्यthe parental love that wells up for a child

vedaवेदthe foundational shruti scriptures of eternal knowledge

vedangaवेदांगthe six sciences that aid in understanding the Vedas

vedantaवेदान्तthe final knowledge portion of the Vedas, the science of the self and Brahman

vediवेदीthe raised sacred platform built for a yajna or worship

vibhutiविभूतिGod's manifest glory; also sacred ash

vidyaविद्याknowledge, especially knowledge of Brahman

vidyadharaविद्याधरa divine race skilled in magic arts who roam the sky

vijnanaविज्ञानknowledge realized in direct experience; immediate awareness

vikarmaविकर्मforbidden, tainted, and improper action

vimanaविमानthe celestial sky-going chariot of the gods

vinayaविनयthe disposition of humility and deference

viniyogaविनियोगstating the rishi, meter, and purpose of a text before reciting it

virabhadraवीरभद्रthe fierce warrior attendant born from Shiva's wrath

viratविराटthe vast all-pervading cosmic form of God

visarjanaविसर्जनthe rite of bidding the deity farewell at the end of worship

vishadaविषादdeep sorrow, the sinking of the mind

vishayaविषयthe objects of sense enjoyment: form, taste, sound, and the rest

vishvanathaविश्वनाथShiva, lord of the universe, enshrined in Kashi

vishvarupaविश्वरूपthe vast form of God holding all the worlds within

vivekaविवेकthe discernment that distinguishes the eternal from the impermanent

vrataव्रतa religious vow undertaken with discipline and faith

vratyaव्रात्यa fallen twice-born, degraded through neglected sacraments

vrishabhaवृषभa bull

vrishabhadhvajaवृषभध्वजLord Shiva, who bears the bull on his banner

vrittantaवृत्तान्तthe full account from beginning to end

vrittiवृत्तिa wave of thought rising in the mind

vyadhaव्याधa hunter of wild animals, a fowler

vyaghraव्याघ्रa tiger

vyaghracharmaव्याघ्रचर्मthe tiger skin, Shiva's seat and garment

vyakaranaव्याकरणthe Vedanga of word-formation, grammar

vyasaव्यासthe sage's office of dividing the Veda in every Dvapara age

vyomaव्योमthe sky

vyuhaव्यूहa deliberate battle formation, an encircling array

Y

Yadavaयादवa descendant of Yadu, the clan of Krishna

yajamanaयजमानthe householder for whom and by whose wealth a yajna is performed

yajnaयज्ञa Vedic fire rite performed by offering oblations into the fire

yajnabhagaयज्ञभागthe share of the oblation the gods receive in a yajna

yajnapurushaयज्ञपुरुषLord Vishnu manifest in the form of the yajna

yajnashalaयज्ञशालाthe pavilion built for a yajna

yajnopavitaयज्ञोपवीतthe sacred thread received in the initiation rite, the janeu

yakshaयक्षa demigod held to be a guardian of wealth

Yamaयमthe god who judges sin and merit, lord of death and dharma

yamadutaयमदूतthe messengers of Yama who carry a being to Yama's world

yogaयोगthe practice of controlling the mind and uniting the soul with the Supreme

yogakshemaयोगक्षेमgaining what one lacks and preserving what one has

yogamayaयोगमायाGod's power that draws a veil over the divine play

yoga-nidraयोग-निद्राVishnu's yogic divine sleep during the time of dissolution

yogeshvaraयोगेश्वरthe lord of all yogas, God

yogiयोगीa seeker established in yoga, a person who has attained equanimity

yoginiयोगिनीa perfected female power who attends the Goddess

yojanaयोजनan ancient measure of distance, about 12 to 15 kilometers

yoniयोनिthe species or kind of birth, a bodily form

yugaयुगone phase of the cycle of time: Satya, Treta, Dvapara, or Kali

yuga-dharmaयुग-धर्मthe dharma suited to a particular age

yupaयूपthe sacred post fixed at the sacrificial ground

yuthapatiयूथपतिthe leader of an army or troop

yuvarajaयुवराजthe declared heir to the throne