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aachamana. Sipping water from the palm of the hand for purification before rites.
aagaami. Action (karma) in which one is now engaged that is bound to affect the future;
impending; future.
Aagama. That which has come or originated. The primeval source of knowledge. A name for
Vedas.
aakaara. Form.
Aamnaya (Aamnaaya). Sacred tradition handed down by repetition. A name for Vedas.
aaraadhaka. Worshiper.
aaraadhya. Worshiped.
aarjava. Honesty.
abhijith. Victory; eighth period of the day (about midday); an auspicious constellation of time.
Adisesha (Aadhishesha). Divine serpent with a thousand heads upon which the earth
rests; used by demi-gods and demons together to churn the ocean of milk. Also, reposing bed
of Vishnu.
Aditya (Aadhithya). Son of Aditi; there were twelve of them, one of them being Surya, the
sun, so Surya is sometimes called Aditya.
a-dwaitha (-dhvaitha). Nondualism or monism, the Vedantic doctrine that everything is God.
Agastya (Agasthya). Sage and author of several Vedic hymns; also the star Canopus.
Agni. God of Fire; name for Fire when it is out of sight range.
agni-hotra (-hothra). Ritual of offering oblations in the holy fireplace. Three kinds are: daily
obligation, occasional obligation, and optional fire.
Ahalya (Ahalyaa). Princess of the Puru dynasty, who was turned into a stone by the curse of
her husband, Gautama, for suspected adultery. She regained her form when Rama touched
the stone with his divine feet.
ahavaniya (aahavaneeya). Consecrated fire taken from the perpetual fire and prepared for
receiving oblations, esp. the eastern one of the three fires burning at a sacrifice.
ahimsa. Nonviolence.
Ahuka (Aahuka). King of the Yadu dynasty, father of Ugrasena, who in turn was the father
of Kamsa.
aikshika-astra (asthra). Siva weapon, the unfailing weapon of the third eye opening of
Siva.
aikya. Oneness with God, union of the individual soul (jiva) with God.
Aithareya Upanishad. (Upanishath). One of the ten important Upanishads. It deals with
the world and the human as the creation of Atma, the three-fold birth of Atma, and the nature
of the Atma.
a-ja. Birthless.
Aja. King of the Solar Dynasty; son of Rahu and father of Dasaratha.
a-jah. Unborn.
a-krodha. Non-anger.
a-kshaya-pathra (-paathra). Never ending plate; vessel given by Lord Sun to the Pandavas.
Alarka. King in the state of Kasi (Benares), who gave his eyes upon the request of a
brahmin.
alpa-buddhi. Dull-witted.
a-manaska. Blissful state of realization when seer realizes that entire creation is created by
Self; mindless; free from all mental activity.
Ambarisha (Ambareesha). Pious king of the Ikshvaku dynasty. Son of Prasusruka and
father of Nahusha.
Amsumanta (Amshumantha). King of the solar dynasty; virtuous son of Aswamanja and
grandson of Sagara.
ananda-maya kosa (aanandha-maya kosha). The sheath of bliss, the innermost sheath
of the body.
an-anga. Limbless.
Anasuya (Anasuuyaa). Wife of sage Athri and mother of Dattatreya; an incarnation of the
Trinity.
andaja. Egg-born.
Andhaka. A king in the Yadu dynasty.
Angiras. A sage-hermit born from the mind of Brahma. Indra gave him the name
Atharvangiras when Angiras paid him homage by reciting the hymns of Atharva-veda.
anna. Food.
anna-maya kosa (kosha). Sheath of the body composed of food; the physical sheath.
anthah-chathushtaya. The four internal senses of mind, intellect, memory, and ego.
anuraaga. Affection.
Anusrava (Anushrava). That which was heard serially. A name for the Vedas.
apana (apaana). The downward air, which goes out through the anus.
archaka. Worshiper.
archi. Fire.
archi-radi-marga (-raadhi-maarga). Path of Gods, beginning with fire or the Sun's rays,
taken by spiritual souls after death.
arishadvarga (arishadhvarga). Six inner enemies of man, viz. lust, anger, greed, delusion,
pride, and hate.
Arishta. Demon in form of an ox sent by Kamsa to kill Krishna, but Krishna destroyed him.
Arjuna. Krishna's disciple, in the Bhagavad Gita; third of five Pandava brothers. See
Mahabharatha.
Arundathi (Arundhathee). Wife of sage Vasishta; regarded as the highest model of wifely
devotion and chastity.
Aryan (Aaryan). (a) Literally noble. (b) Follower of Vedic or spiritual path. (c) Ancient
dwellers of India who composed the Rig-veda; the chief tribe was that of the Bharathas.
a-sanga. Non-attachment.
a-sathya. Falsehood.
ashram (aashrama). Hermitage or monastery; residence for saints and spiritual aspirants.
ashram-vasis (aashrama-vaasis). Residents of ashrams, hermitages, or monasteries.
asoka (ashoka) tree. Tree of moderate size belonging to the leguminous class, with
magnificent red flowers.
asrama (aashrama). A stage of life: one of student, householder, hermit, and renunciate.
a-stheya. Non-stealing.
a-sura. Demon; term arose when Diti's sons refused to drink the liquor (sura) offered by
Varuni, daughter of Varuna.
Asurtharajasa (Asuurtha-rajasa). One of the four sons of King Kusa; also, a son of
Rama.
a-suya (a-suuya). Jealousy.
Aswamanja (Ashvamanja). King of solar dynasty; wicked son of Sagara and Kesini;
driven away by his father because of his cruelty.
aswamedha yaga (Ashvamedha yaga). Horse sacrifice to absolve a king of all sins. A
horse is marked with a victory card and allowed to roam about freely. If anyone stops the
horse, the king should go and defeat him in battle and bring back the horse.
Aswija (Aashvayuja). A Vedic month, generally falling between September and October.
Aswini (Ashvini). Twin deities who appear in the sky before dawn in a golden chariot drawn
by horses; physicians of the heavens.
athala. Bottomless region; first of the lower worlds beneath the Earth.
Atharvana-veda (-vedha). The fourth Veda. After Atharvan, the collator, seer.
Atharva-veda. The fourth Veda. Atharva means "fourth". A steady, unmoved person, of
stable nature.
Atma-shatka (Aathma-shatka). The Atmic Six, referring to the six sections of the
Aithareya Upanishad.
Atreya (Aathreya). Relating to the great sage Athri, or Atreya. Classical Indian medical
knowledge is called ayur-veda (science of health and long life), the two chief traditions being
those of Atreya and Dhanvantari. Later presented by Charaka in the Charaka Samhitha (text
stressing diagnosis and prognosis).
Aum. Om; Designation of the Universal Brahman; sacred, primordial sound of the universe.
avadhutha (avadhuutha). One who is immersed in spiritual bliss, ever joyous, oblivious of
the world; a renunciate.
Avanthi. One of the seven sacred cities of Bharath (India) on the banks of the Sipra river.
Avatar (Avathaar). An incarnation of God, taking a form according to the age in which the
incarnation occurs. Special manifestation of God on Earth.
ayur-veda (-vedha). Classical Indian medical knowledge; science of health and long life.
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baddha. Bound.
Bahu-janma. Multiborn.
Bakasura (Bakaasura). Demon sent by Kamsa in form of a crane, which the child Krishna
killed. Bakasura's brother then came as a python to kill Krishna but was also destroyed.
bija (beeja). Seed, germ, primary cause; mystical letter or syllable that forms the essential
part of a mantra.
bhaarya. Housewife.
Bhagavad Gita (Bhagavath Geetha). Literally, Song of God. Portion of the Mahabharatha
that is a dialogue between Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, and Krishna. See
Mahabharatha.
Bhagavan (Bhagavaan). Divinity; term of reverential address; Sathya Sai Baba is called
Bhagavan by his devotees.
Bhagiratha (Bhageeratha). King of Solar Dynasty, son of Amsuman. Gave up his kingdom
for enlightenment, but eventually returned as king.
Bhagirati (Bhaageerathi). Name for the Ganga river, because Bhagiratha brought the
river to earth.
bhakthi-yoga. Path of love and devotion. A conjunction (in astrological terms) of devotion.
Bharadwaja (Bharadhvaaja). Celebrated sage who taught the science of medicine; seer of
Vedic hymns.
Bharath (Bhaarath). India; Indian; descendent of King Bharath, first emperor of India.
Bharatha. Son of Dasaratha and Kaika; brother of Rama. "Bharatha" means "he who
rules".
Bharatha-kupa (-kuupa). Holy well, by the side of the Chitrakuta mountain, that Bharatha
cleaned.
Bhargava (Bhaargava). Sage of the Bhrigu dynasty, author of Vedic hymns. Also called
Vaidarbhi.
Bhima (Bheema). Second of five Pandava brothers; named for his size and strength. See
Mahabharatha.
Bhishma (Bheeshma). The guardian and patriarch of the Kauravas and Pandavas.
Remarkable for his wisdom and unflinching devotion to God. Trapped by his fate to fight on
side of evil Kauravas; bled to death on a bed of arrows while thinking of God. See
Mahabharatha.
Bhoja. A territory in Sauvira, near the Sindhu (or Indus) river. Overrun by Kamsa.
bhrama. Delusion.
bhutha (bhuutha). Any of the five elementary constituents of the universe; spirit, monster.
Brahma. The Creator in the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu (the Preserver), and Siva (the
Destroyer).
brahma-chari (-chaari). Student, celibate, first stage of life of a brahmin in the brahmin
caste; one who dwells in God consciousness.
Brahma-kanda (-kaanda). Spiritual stage (of life). Also, some texts that are concerned with
special features of ceremonial rituals and elaborations of moral codes.
Brahman. Also Brahmam. Impersonal Supreme Being, primal source and ultimate goal of all
beings. Thus, It is identical to the Atma.
Brahmana (Braahmana). A section of each of the four Vedas dwelling on the meaning and
use of mantras and hymns at various sacrifices.
Brahma Sutra (Suuthra). Spiritual text of Vedantic teachings in short maxims, attributed to
Badharayana or Vyasa.
Brahma-thathwa (-thatthva). Formless God, Brahman principle.
Brahma-yajna. Intense study and observance of the Veda; special daily worship-ritual
dedicated to the Supreme.
brahmin (braahmana). First of four castes of social order, the priestly or teacher caste; a
person belonging to this caste. See caste.
Brighu. A son of Brahma and a great sage. He had two incarnations. The second was when
he was reborn from fire at Varuna's sacrificial rite and was brought up by Varuna as his son.
Also, One of 10 great sages created by the first Manu.
Brihaspathi. Teacher of the gods for their battle against the demons. Son of the sage
Angiras who was a son of Brahma.
Brindavan (Brindhaavan). The forest and pastoral lands where Krishna played in his
childhood.
Brindavana-vihara (Brindhaavana-vihaara). Name for Krishna, roamer of Brindavan.
Buddha. Prince Gautama, circa 556480 BC. Founder of Buddhism after attaining
enlightenment.
buddhi. Intellect.
Buddhism. Religion founded by Buddha, which holds that life is full of suffering caused by
desire and that the way to end the suffering is to end the birth-death cycle through
enlightenment.
burkha. Veil.
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caste. The four castes of social order are: brahmin (priestly or teacher), kshatriya (warrior,
protector), vaisya (trader, merchant, agriculturist), and sudra (worker, helper).
Chaithanya. Fifteenth century Vaishnava mendicant reformer; taught the path of love and
devotion to the Avatar of Sri Krishna.
chakshu. Eye.
chala-dala (-dhala). Quivering leaf.
Chandas (Chandhas). Poetic metre, which can be set to music; Vedic hymns; guide, shield.
Also means pleasant, joyous. Also, a name for Vedas.
chara. Moving.
charana. Feet.
chathushtaya. Fourfold.
chintamani (chinthaa-mani). Wish-fulfilling gem that grants its possessor all desires.
Chudala (Chuudhaalaa). Saintly wife of King Sikhidwaja. When he renounced his kingdom,
she gave him instruction in Atmic knowledge and brought him back to the throne.
Chyavana (Chayavana). Sage at whose hermitage the queens of Asitha took refuge.
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daatha (dhaatha). Giver, bestower, Earth.
Dadhichi (Dhadheechi). Great hero, who gave up his bones to Indra to form a thunderbolt
for killing a demon leader.
Damayanthi (Dhamayanthee). Wife of King Nala of Nishada, who lost his kingdom at
dice.
danava (dhaanava). Class of demons, daityas, or asuras; enemies of the Gods (devas).
Children of Dhanu and Kasyapa.
Danda (Dhanda). The son of Ikshvaku. Ikshvaku gave Danda the country between the
Himalaya and Vindhya mountains.
danda-chakra (dhanda-chakra). Discus-like weapon.
Dandaka Forest (Dhandaka Forest). Country between the mountains Himalaya and
Vindhya. When King Danda violated a maiden, the country was destroyed by her sage father
and was known as Dandaka Forest thereafter.
darsana (dharshana). Any of the six principal systems of ancient Indian philosophy; insight
or vision of truth.
Dasara (Dhashara). Festival that celebrates the victory of forces of good over forces that
resist man's progress toward light.
Dasaratha (Dhasharatha). Son of Aja and father of Rama; King of Ayodhya; the name
means "ten chariot hero".
deva-yana (dheva-yaana). Path of light or of the gods, taken by virtuous people after death.
Devendra (Dhevendhra). Name given to the Lord of the gods (devas); Indra or Siva.
Devi Bhagavatham (Dhevee Bhaagavatham). The story of the glory of Universal Divine
Mother. One of the Puranas.
dhadhi. Buttermilk.
dhairya. Courage.
dhananjaya. Vital air that fills the body and causes it to grow fat.
Dhananjaya. Name for Arjuna, given to him for providing enormous wealth for the Rajasuya
Yaga (sacrifice) performed by his elder brother Dharmaja.
Dhara (Dharaa). Wife of a vasu (the vasus were a class of gods whose chief was Indra).
dharana (dhaarana). Concentration, fixed attention, one of eight steps in Patanjali's yoga
discipline.
dharma. Right action, truth in action, righteousness, morality, virtue, duty, the dictates of God,
code of conduct. Dharma defies a simple translation into English.
Dharmaja. Also Yudhistira. Eldest of the Pandavas. Born to Kunthi by the grace of Yama
Dharmaraja, Lord of Death. Named for adherence to dharma. See Mahabharatha.
Dharma-kshetra (-kshethra). Battlefield where the Mahabharatha war was fought between
Pandavas and Kauravas. See Mahabharatha.
Dharmaraja (Dharmaraaja). Name for Yudhistira, eldest of the five Pandava brothers;
also, a name for Yama, God of death.
Dharma Sastras (Shaasthras). Codes of law and ethics concerning virtuous living.
dharma-vratha. Strict adherence to the vow to be righteous in word, thought, and deed.
dhee. Intelligence.
Dhenuka. Fierce giant with the body of a donkey; beaten to death by Krishna and
Balarama.
Dhumakethu (Dhuumakethu). One of Ravana's messengers. Also, a name for Agni, the
God of Fire (with the 'flag' of smoke).
Dilipa (Dhileepa). Son of Amsumanta. He became king of the solar dynasty and offered his
life to a lion who was about to kill the sacred cow Nandini.
Drona (Dhrona). Teacher of archery and war tactics for the Pandavas and Kauravas.
Drona (Dhrona) Mountain. Himalaya mountain where Hanuman went, to Sanjivi hill, to get
a life-saving drug for Lakshmana.
Durdhara (Dhurdhara). One of the monkeys who wanted to jump over the ocean to get to
Lanka.
Durga (Dhurgaa). Goddess of the universe; mother earth; daughter of Himaval and wife of
Siva.
Durvasa (Dhuurvaasa). Son of Athri and Anasuya; known for quick temper and severe
curses with an eventually constructive effect of driving home hard lessons of discipline and
virtuousness. He granted boons to Kunthi, which resulted in the births of Karna and the
Pandavas.
Dwapara-yuga (Dhvaapara yuga). Third in the cycle of four ages. See yuga.
Dwaraka (Dhvaarakaa). Capital of Krishna. After Krishna's death the city was swept over
by the sea; researchers believe it was situated in the sea just west of Gujarat.
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Ekadasi (Ekaadhashi). Eleventh day of fortnight of lunar month considered sacred for
fasting.
Ekalavya. Son of the king of foresters; refused as a student by Drona because he was a
labourer.
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Gajendra (Gajendhra). Elephant. In Sathya Sai Speaks III 40, Sai Baba mentions that the
Gajendra or elephant (man) who was caught by the alligator (egotism) while frolicking in the
lake (the objective world) was saved by the Lord (spiritual practices).
Gandharvas. Celestial musicians, a class of demigods; born to the sage Kasyapa and wife
Arishta.
Gandhi. Mohandas Karamachand Gandhi. Famed for his peaceful opposition to British rule
in India and his part in achieving India's independence.
Ganga (Gangaa). The 1560-mile-long Ganges river; starts in the Himalayas and flows
generally east into the Bay of Bengal; the most sacred river of India.
ganja. Marijuana.
garbha. Womb.
Gargi (Gaargee). Celebrated female sage Vachaknavi, born in the family of Garga.
Garuda. Celestial bird, white-crested eagle, king of the feathered race, vehicle for Lord
Vishnu.
Gautama (Gauthama). Great sage who brought the Godavari River to earth for the benefit
of mankind.
Gavaksha (Gavaaksha). A monkey king and great warrior, who helped Rama.
Gayatri mantra (Gaayathree mantra). Ancient Vedic prayer to awaken the intelligence
and lead to enlightenment.
ghata. Pot.
Girivraja. City prominent in the Puranas; built by Brahma's grandson Vasu. Girivraja
means "collection of hills".
Gita (Geetha). Literally, song. Short for Bhagavad Gita, the Song of God.
Githopasana (Geethopaasana). Adoring God as the Master who teaches the Gita that
reveals the way.
Godavari (Godhaavaree). Sacred river of south India; cuts across central south India,
flowing from west to east.
Gokarna. Sacred place extolled in the Puranas; situated on the extreme north of Kerala.
Gokula. Village of cowherds on the banks of Yamuna wherein Nanda and Krishna resided.
gopa. Herdsman.
guda. Sugar.
guha. Cave.
guhya. Genitals.
guna. Quality, characteristic. The qualities of sathwa, rajas, and thamas (serenity, passion,
ignorance) are general universal characteristics of all kinds of mental tendencies and
actions/thoughts, which are prompted by specific kinds and mixtures of these three qualities.
For example, sathwic food is health-giving, strength-giving and delightful; rajasic food is
spicy, sour, or salty and brings on diseases; and thamasic food is impure, old, stale, tasteless,
or rotten.
Guru-gita (-geethaa). Section of the Skanda Purana, the epic story of Skanda.
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halahala (halaahala). A deadly poison, produced by gods and demons at the churning of
the ocean.
hamsa. Swan.
Hamsa. Supreme Spirit typified by the pure white colour of the swan.
Hanuman (Hanumaan). Son of the Wind God and a great ``devotee servant'' of Rama. He
was part man, part monkey.
harathi (haarathi). Ritual worship in which lights are waved; also called Aarathi.
Harini (Harinee). Heavenly nymph who was incited by Indra to tempt sage Thrinabindu.
Harischandra (Harishchandhra). King of the solar dynasty; very renowned for his unique
truthfulness and integrity. Sold himself and family for the sake of truth.
Hasthinapura (Hasthinaapura). Capital city of the Pandavas (and earlier the Kauravas).
Hayagriva (Hayagreeva). An incarnation of Vishnu, who had the form of a horse above the
neck. Haya-griva means "horse-headed".
hemantha. Winter.
himsa. Violence.
Hindu (Hindhu). Person who adheres to Hinduism, the religion based on the Vedas. Name
originally applied by foreign invaders to inhabitants of Indus (Sindhu) river valley.
Hiranyagarbha. Cosmic divine mind; cosmic womb; golden egg first created by Brahman,
from which all creation issued.
homa. Oblation to the gods, performed by offering ghee (clarified butter) on the sacred fire.
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ida-naadi-marga (-maarga). Path of the psychic nerve; current flowing through the left
nostril; the cooling lunar nerve, as compared to the heating solar nerve, naadi.
Ikshumathi. River that flows near Kurukshetra, site of the famous battle in the
Mahabharatha; Mithila lies on its banks.
Ikshvaku (Ikshvaaku). Son of Manu and father of Kukshi; first king of Ayodhya and
ancestor of Rama's dynasty.
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Jain. Adherent of Jainism, Indian religion traceable to Mahavira of the 6th century B.C.
jala. Water.
Janaka. A self-realized king; Sita's father and Rama's father-in-law. His ancestor was Nimi,
a great emperor.
jaraa. Senility.
Jatayu (Jataayu). A famous eagle, whose wings were scorched when he flew too close to
the sun. He tried to rescue Sita, and he played a role in Rama's fight against the demons.
Jayadeva (Jayadheva). Sanskrit poet; wrote the Gita Govinda, which describes the early
life of Krishna.
Jayanta (Jayantha). Son of Indra. Transformed himself into a crow and pecked at Sita's
feet, incurring Rama's wrath.
Jesus Christ. Founder of Christian religion; death on cross symbolizes death of the ego.
jihva. Tongue.
jnanen-driyas (jnaanen-dhriyas). Five organs of perception: eye, ear, tongue, nose, and
skin; associated with five senses of perception: sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch.
jyothir-veda (jyothir-vedha). Science of planets and stars and their influence on humans;
astrology.
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kaanuka. Gift.
Kabir (Kabeer). Also Kabirdas. 15th century mystic poet; preached equality before God of all
creatures and the religion of love/devotion (bhakthi), which was aimed at the union of the soul
with God. Born to a Muslim weaver family of Benares.
Kaika (Kaikaa). Same as Kaikeyi. A princess of Kekaya (Kashmir), third wife of Dasaratha,
and mother of Bharatha.
Kailas (Kailaasa). Siva's mountain abode; Bhagiratha performed penance here to bring
down the river Ganga.
kala. Fragment.
Kalanemi (Kaalanemi). Demon minister of Ravana, who advised him to take refuge in
Rama.
Kalayavana (Kaalayavana). Wicked king, who secured boon from Siva that no Yadava
could kill him. In combat with Krishna, was tricked into challenging Muchukunda who
destroyed him.
Kalinga. A pool of poisoned waters of the Yamuna where the hydraheaded serpent King
Kaliya resided.
Kali-yuga. Fourth in the cycle of four eras, our present age, the dark, evil age; characterized
by discord and wrong action. See yuga.
kama (kaama). Desire, lust, worldly fulfillment; one of four goals of humans.
Kamsa. Brother of Krishna's mother, Devaki, and killer of her first six sons.
Kapila. Also Kapilamaharshi. Ancient sage-philosopher; prime exponent of the one of the six
systems of philosophy known as Sankhya, which emphasizes duality of spirit and nature.
karma. (a) Activity, action, work, duty. (b) Fate; consequences of acts done in this life and
past lives.
Karma-kanda (-kaanda). The section of the Vedas dwelling mainly on rituals; the samhithas
and the Brahmana of the Vedas.
karmen-driyas (-dhriyas). Organs of action: larynx, hands, feet, anus, sex organs.
Karna. Half-brother of the Pandavas. Valiant but unfortunate eldest son of Kunthi by the Sun
deity. Ally of the Kauravas in the war with Pandavas.
Kasi (Kaashee). Benares, and now, Varanasi. One of the oldest and most venerated sacred
cities in India.
Kasyapa (Kashyapa). Father of all living creatures; son of Marichi and grandson of
Brahma.
Katha Upanishad (Kattha Upanishath). Also Katthopanishath). One of the ten most
important and popular Upanishads because of its clarity and brevity in expressing mystic
truths; contains famous dialogue between Nachiketas and Yama, God of death.
Kausalya (Kausalyaa). Daughter of the King of Kosala, first wife of Dasaratha, and mother
of Rama.
Kausiki (Kaushiki). Now the modern river of Kosi in Bihar. Viswamitra's hermitage stood on
its bank.
Kekaya. Kingdom in ancient India; birthplace of Kaika, wife of Dasaratha; modern Kashmir.
Kena Upanishad (Upanishath). One of the ten most important Upanishads; it is divided
into two parts: the first expounds the unknowability of the Brahman without attributes, the
second the relation of Brahman to the Vedic gods.
Kesi (Keshi). Demon follower of Kamsa. Krishna got the name Kesava for killing him.
Kesini (Keshinee). Daughter of the king of Vidarbha and wife of Sagara.
kethu. Flag.
Khandava (Khaandava) Forest inhabited by many demons, which was consumed by Agni,
the fire god.
khila. Appendix.
Kimpurusha. A region of Bharath south of Hemakuta where Hanuman spent his last days
worshipping Lord Rama.
kopa. Anger.
Koran. Holy text of the Muslims accepted as revelations from the prophet Mohammed;
divinely authorized basis for the regulations of the Islamic world.
Kosala. Wealthy country on the banks of the Sarayu river and the people inhabiting it;
Dasaratha's wife, Kausalya, came from Kosala.
krantha-dharsi (kraantha-dharshi). Seeing the next step; person with intuitive knowledge
of the future; seer.
krathu. Sacrifice.
krauncha. Poison.
Kripa. Also Kripacharya. Earlier fought against Pandavas; later appointed as advisor to King
Parikshith.
krishna. Black.
Krishna. The Avatar of Vishnu in the Dwapara-yuga, prior to the present Kali-yuga.
krishna-marga (-maarga). Path of the manes; dark path, as distinguished from the path of
light.
krodha. Anger.
kshudha. Hunger.
Kubera. God of riches; his father was Vishravas and his younger half brother was Ravana.
Kumara (Kumaara). Son of Siva and Parvathi, also called Skanda, Karthikeya.
kumara-raja (kumaara-raaja). Heir apparent.
Kumbhakarna. Younger brother of Ravana, who slept for six months at a time.
Kunthi (Kunthee). Also Kunthi Devi. Mother of Pandavas, wife of King Pandu (the
younger brother of emperor Dhritharashtra), and sister of Krishna's father (Vasudeva).
Kusaplava (Kushaplava). Holy place. One who bathes and spends 3 nights there will
derive the benefits of a horse sacrifice (aswamedha).
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Lalitha (Lalithaa). Supreme female Deity in its beneficent form; a form of goddess Durga.
lavana. Salt.
Lavana. Terrible demon child of Vibhishana and Madhu; given trident of Siva for penance;
killed by Satrughna with help of Rama.
lobha. Greed.
loka. Region, world. Usually refers to the three worlds of earth, atmosphere, and sky, but it
can mean 7 or even 14 worlds (7 above and 7 lower).
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maadhyamika. Noontime.
maam-ekam. Me alone.
Madalasa (Madhaalasaa). Wife of King Rithadwaja. Once the demon Patalaketu carried her
away to the nether world; Patala and King Rithadwaja rescued her.
Madhava (Maadhava). God (name for Krishna); Master of illusion (maya), Lord of
Lakshmi.
Madhu. One of the demons born from the ear-wax of Vishnu; brother of Kaitabha and father
of Lavana.
Magadha. Region of Vasu, grandson of Brahma, through which the Sone river flows.
Mainaka (Mainaaka). Holy mountain north of Kailasa. Bhagiratha did penance to bring the
Ganga to the earth on this mountain.
maithri (maithree). Comradeship with the good; affection for the name of God.
Maitreyi (Maithreyee). Female consort of Yajnavalkya; one of the greatest sage-
philosophers in the Upanishads. Maitreyi was known for her wisdom. See the
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad.
Malava (Maalava). People of a region of the west coast of India; partisans of the Kauravas.
malina. Impure.
mama-karma. My karma.
Mandakini (Mandhaakinee). River in Uttar Pradesh that flows near the Chitrakuta
Mountain.
mandala. Section.
Mandara (Mandhara) Mountain. Holy mountain that served as the churning stick at the
churning of the ocean for amritha.
Manigriva (Manigreeva). Twin son of Kubera, turned into tree by the curse of sage
Narada.
manobalam. Mind-strength.
mantap. Hall.
Manu. The first father of mankind; author of the codes of righteous conduct (Dharma
Sastras); son of Surya (the sun) and father of Vaivaswatha Manu, the present progenitor of
mankind.
Marichi (Mareechi). Mental son of Hiranyagarbha; one of the ten sages. King Dasaratha's
ancestral line is traced back to Marichi.
Markandeya (Maarkandeya). As a boy, he knew all the Vedas and Sastras; at 16, he
started meditating on Siva so steadfastly that the day of his death passed him by, and he
remained 16 for the next 10 million years.
markata. Monkey.
masthaka. Brain.
matha. Conclusion.
matha. Religion.
mathana. Churning.
maya (maayaa). Worldly illusion, mistaking the transient for the real; non-awareness of
actuality, appearances masquerading as reality.
Maya. A Danava king, who served the gods and demons as their architect and builder.
maya-sakthi (maayaa-shakthi). Power of illusion, the veiling and projecting power of God.
Meera (Meeraa). Princess of Rajastan and queen of Chittor; devoted to Krishna; took poison
from her husband without any effect; composed devotional songs of exceptional quality.
Mithi. Son of Nimi, founder of the kingdom of Mithila. Also known as Janaka, as were all
kings of this dynasty.
Mithila. Country of ancient Bharatha, ruled by King Janaka, on the northeastern side of
India; Sita's childhood home.
mithra. Friend.
mithya. Mixture of truth and falsehood; neither true nor untrue, but something in between.
The world is not untrue (a-sat) but mithya.
Mitra (Mithra). God always mentioned together with Varuna as rain god(s).
mrithyu. Death.
mukthi. Liberation; final release or emancipation from the cycle of birth and death.
munda. Head.
muni. Sage.
Muni Kanda (Kaanda). The second set of two sections of Brihadaranyaka Upanishad.
Murthi-devi (Muurthi-dhevee). Wife of Dharma and mother of the twins Nara and
Narayana.
Mushtika. Fierce demon follower of Kamsa; fought Krishna and Balarama and was slain.
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naada (naadha). Sound.
naadi. Nerve.
Nachiketa Agni (Nachiketha Agni). Name given to a particular ritual by Yama, because
Nachiketas grasped its details so quickly.
Nachiketas (Nachikethas). Son of sage Vajasravas; given to Yama, the Lord of death, for
questioning his father's mean gift of old and useless cows to pious people.
Nala. King of Nishada and husband of Damayanthi; lost his kingdom at dice. Also, the
monkey-architect of Rama's bridge of monkeys across the ocean and commander in the
army.
Nalakubara (Nalakuubara). Twin son of Kubera; turned into tree by the curse of sage
Narada.
Nalayani (Naalaayanee). Previous birth of Droupadi, who was married to the aged,
leprosy-ridden, sage Maudhgalya.
Nandanar (Nandhanaar). Great 13th century devotee of Siva, born in the labourer (sudra)
caste. Through devotion, he overcame all obstacles and merged with God in the temple in
Chidambaram.
Narada (Naaradha). Sage-bard; traveled the world chanting Narayana. Famous for creating
disputes, resulting in solutions for the spiritual advancement or victory of the virtuous. Expert
in law and author of texts on dharma.
naraka. Hell.
Naraka. Immensely powerful demon son of Earth and Hiranyaksha; killed by Krishna.
Naraka stole Indra's mother's earrings and Indra's umbrella.
Narayana (Naaraayana). One of Dharma's twin sons Nara and Narayana, two
incarnations of Vishnu.
neem. The margosa tree, which exudes a tenacious gum, has a bitter bark, and its fruit and
seeds have medicinal properties.
nethra. Eye.
Nila (Neela). A monkey-chief, the son of Agni; he wanted to jump over the ocean to get to
Lanka.
Nilagiri (Neelagiri) Mountains. Mountains in the region called Ilavritha of Jambu Island.
Nimi. Son of Ikshvaku and father of Mithi, who founded Mithila on the banks of the Ganga.
nir-dheshya. To be described.
nirodha. Absorption.
nish-chala. Immovable.
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Om. Designation of the Universal Brahman; sacred, primordial sound of the Universe.
Om Tat Sat (Om Thath Sat). A mantra; it expresses the identity of the individual and the
Universal Brahman.
oushadha. Plants.
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paadha. Legs.
pancha. Five.
panchaka. Five-fold.
pancha-kosas (-koshas). Five sheaths of the individual: food, air, mind, intellect, bliss.
Panchavati (Panchavatee). A place on the southern bank of the Godavari river where
Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana lived for some time while in exile. It got its name because of the
five banyan trees that stood there in a circle.
Pandava (Paandava). Sons of Pandu; family of 5 brothers that fought the Kauravas:
Dharmaraja, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva. See Mahabharatha.
Pandu (Paandu). Father of the Pandavas and brother of Dhritharashtra and Vidura.
param. Beyond.
Param-aartha. Highest good; highest goal beyond and above this material world, highest
Truth.
Parama-pada (-padha). Name for the Godhead, meaning "Limitless Open"; the Highest
Abode of Peace; highest stage of spirituality; final emancipation.
Patala (Paathaala). Deepest hell; one of the seven regions under the earth; the abode of
serpents and demons.
patali (paatalee). A tree with blossoms that don't turn into fruit.
Patanjali (Pathanjali). Author of the Yoga Sutras, which form the foundation of the yoga
system of Indian philosophy. See raja-yoga.
pathni. Housewife.
Paundraka. Demonic king of ancient Karusha; challenged Krishna and was destroyed.
peepal. The holy fig tree (Ficus religiosa). The peepal is the first-known depicted tree in India.
The peepal tree is condidered to be a symbol of Vishnu.
pithaa. Father
pitri-yana (pithri-yaana). Path of ancestors, through which the soul ascends to the Lunar
World to enjoy the benefits of ritual works.
Prahlada (Prahlaadha). Son of the demon king Hiranyakasipu. As a boy, he was beaten,
trampled, and cast into fire and water. But he saw only God everywhere, and repetition of the
Name of God saved him. Once, Prahlada asserted that God was everywhere, and Narayana
appeared in his man-lion form from within a pillar to destroy the king.
Prajapathi (Prajaapathi). Creator of this world; God presiding over creation. Also called
Manu, Surya's son.
prana (praana). Life-breath, life force, vital energy, the five vital airs.
prana-maya kosa (praana-maaya kosha). The second, subtle sheath of man, consisting
of the vital airs and the nervous system.
Prasna Upanishad (Prashna Upanishath). One of the ten most important Upanishads; it
deals with six questions concerning Brahman by spiritual seekers to the sage Pippalada.
Prasthana Thraya (Prasthaana Thrayee). The three supreme spiritual texts: the
Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutra.
pratyahara (prathyaahaara). Control of mind; withdrawing senses from the external world
and turning them toward a higher consciousness.
praveshtum. Entering.
pravritti (pravritthi). Worldly activity, attachment.
Prayag (Prayaaga). Holy place at the meeting point of Ganga, Yamuna, and the
underground Saraswathi rivers. Modern Allahabad in the State of Uttar Pradesh. Bathing
here would give great spiritual blessing.
Prema Vahini (Vaahini). Stream of Divine Love, a book by Sathya Sai Baba.
Prusnigarbha (Prushnigarbha). "He who contains all clarity and wisdom"; name for Veda.
Purana (Puraana). Any of a number of collections of ancient legends and lore embodying
the principles of the universal, eternal religion and ethics. There are 18 Puranas, the most
famous being the Mahabhagavatham and the Devi Bhagavatham.
Puruhutha (Puruhuutha). Name for Indra, meaning "often invited" or "the god who is most
called upon".
pusthaka. Book.
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Radha (Raadhaa). Cowherd maid, a chief devotee of Krishna; one of Lakshmi's forms.
Rahu (Raahu). A demon (a-sura), step-brother of Kethu. Both are also inauspicious planets;
An eclipse is the phenomenon of Rahu 'swallowing the moon'.
rajas. Passion, activity, restlessness, aggressiveness. Associated with colour red. See guna.
rakshka-varna. Caste of protectors or guardians of law and order; the kshatriya caste.
Rama (Raama). Avatar of the Thretha-yuga. Hero of the Ramayana; killed the wicked
Ravana to rescue his wife Sita, who had been kidnapped. "Rama" means "he who pleases".
Ramana Maharshi. Indian sage, 18791950, who taught the path of self-inquiry.
Ramanuja (Raamaanuja). Eleventh century spiritual teacher and interpreter of the Brahma
Sutra; proponent of the ultimate oneness of the differentiated (visishta-adwaitha). Believed in
a personal God reached by devotion and faith and the everlasting self-identity of the individual
soul in communion with God as the goal of life.
Ramdas (Raamdhaas). Maratha 17th century saint; author of work on religious duty; guru
of the great King Sivaji.
rathi. Attachment.
Rathnakara (Rathnaakara). The wayside robber who, because of the teaching of sages,
repented and became Valmiki, the author of the Ramayana.
Ravana (Raavana). Lord of demons and king of Lanka, who abducted Sita (Rama's wife).
Rig-veda (Rik-vedha). First Veda composed by the sages, consisting of 1028 hymns.
Oldest religious text in world.
Rishabha. A sage, the son of King Nabhi and the grandson of King Agnidra. He did tapas for
many years in the forest.
Rishyamuka (Rishyamuuka) hills. Mountain where Rama and Lakshmana met the sage
Markandeya.
Rudra (Rudhra). Vedic God of dissolution of the cosmos; named Siva in his auspicious or
benevolent form; one of the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra/Siva.
rudraksha (rudhraaksha). A tree; its berries are used for making rosary beads.
Ruksharaja (Ruksharaaja). Monkey form created by Brahma. Was changed into a female,
mothered Sugriva (through Surya) and Vali (through Indra), and was then changed back into
a male.
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saama. Also saamana. Particular kind of sacred hymn; song from the Sama-veda.; chanting.
Sabari (Shabaree). A woman ascetic living in the hermitage of her teacher, Sage
Mathanga; Rama gave her salvation.
Sakatasura (Shakataasura). Demon sent by Kamsa in the form of a cart to kill Krishna;
Krishna kicked the cart to pieces.
samaana. Equal.
sama-buddhi. Equal-mindedness.
Sambara (Shambara). Demon son of Hiranyaksha who was a great adept in magic; killed
by Krishna.
samchitha. Accumulated.
sameepa. Nearest.
samhitha. Collection of methodically arranged verses or text; continuous text of the Vedas
as formed out of the separate words by proper phonetic changes.
Samika (Shameeka). Sage around whose neck Parikshith wrapped a dead snake.
samipya-mukthi (saameepya-mukthi). Being close to the Divinity, the glory of the Lord.
samsara (samsaara). The objective world; sea of change; cycle of birth and death;
transmigration.
samskara (samskaara). Inborn desire, mental impression of acts done in former state of
existence. Purificatory ceremony or sacrament.
samvathsara. Year.
sam-yoga. Union.
Sananda (Sanandha). A rishi, one of four mental sons of the Creator, Brahma, (the others
are Sanathana, Sanatkumara, and Sanaka).
sanathana (sanaathana). Ancient and also eternal.
Sanathana (Sanaathana). One of the four mental sons of the Creator Brahma.
sanchitha. Stored karma, which is being worked out over several lifetimes.
Sanjivi (Sanjeevi) Hill. Hill containing life-giving herbs for healing, located in the Drona
Mountains.
Sankasya (Sankaasya). Kingdom of ancient India; capital city of Kushadwaja, who was
Sita's uncle.
sankhya (saankhya). One of six leading systems of spiritual Vedic philosophy, attributed to
sage Kapila. Its chief object is the emancipation of the soul from the bonds of worldly
existence.
sankhyan (saankhyan). One who believes in or propounds the sankhya system of thought.
sannidhi. Presence.
Santha (Shaanthaa). Daughter of King Romapada who wed the sage Rishyasringa.
saptha. Seven.
Sarangi (Shaarangee). A female adept who was well versed in Brahmic wisdom.
Saraswathi (Sarasvathee). An underground river, originating in the upper Indus river basin
and joining the Ganga and Yamuna rivers at Prayag or Allahabad.
sarga. Creation.
sarovar. Lake.
Sarva-chaithanya. Omni-consciousness.
sarva-jna. Omniscient.
sastra (shaasthra). Holy scripture; sacred text; that which commands, orders, directs with
authority.
Sathadhanva (Shathadhanva). Yadava king. He stole a famous gem, killing its owner, and
Krishna and Balarama then killed him.
Sathananda (Shathaanandha). Son of Gautama and Ahalya; high priest of Janaka, who
officiated at Rama and Sita's wedding.
sathwa (satthva). Purity, calmness, serenity, joy, strength, goodness. Associated with colour
white. See guna.
sathya. Truth.
Satrughna (Shathrughna). Sumitra's son, twin of Lakshmana and brother of Rama. The
name means "slayer of enemies".
Savithri (Saavithree). Brought husband back to life by outwitting Yama, the Lord of Death,
by her power of purity and chastity.
seva. Selfless service; service to others while trying to serve the God within them.
shadbhaava. Six-fold.
sheersha. Head.
Shirdi Sai Baba. First of the triple incarnation consisting of Shirdi Sai Baba, Sathya Sai
Baba, and Prema Sai Baba. He passed away in 1918.
Sibi (Shibi). Emperor of India, noted for generosity; offered pound of own flesh to save Agni
in the form of a dove from Indra in the form of a hawk.
siddha-purusha. One who has attained the highest goal of spiritual exercise, a perfected
yogi.
Simhika (Simhikaa). A giant ogress, who tried to stop Hanuman on his jump to Lanka.
Sindhu. Indus river; one of two main Indian river systems. Persians called the whole country
Hindu from this river name. Originates in Kasmir and joins Arabian Sea in Karachi.
Singh. Govind Singh. (16661708) Tenth and last guru of the Sikh religion.
Sisupala (Shishupaala). Demon who merged with the Lord when slain by Krishna.
Sita (Seethaa). Wife of Rama; brought up by King Janaka who found her in a box in the
earth. Also, a tributary of the Ganga, flowing westward.
siva. (shiva). Also sivam. Temple, the divine; refers to Siva. Also, grace, auspiciousness,
goodness.
Siva (Shiva). Destroyer in the trinity of Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver), and
Siva. The embodiment of spiritual wisdom and God of Gods, Mahadeva.
Skanda Purana (Skaandha Puraana). One of the eighteen Puranas, the epic story of
Skanda.
soham. I am God.
Sona. Famous holy river in the Puranas; known as Sumagadhi. Identified with the Sone
river in Bihar State of modern India.
Souryayani (Sauryaayani). Grandson of Surya, born in the family of Garga (and hence
called Gargya).
Sravana (Shraavana). Son of hermits; was killed accidentally by Dasaratha, who was
cursed by Sravana's parents to die from loss of children.
Sri (Shree). Honorific prefix to the name of deities; respectful title of venerated persons and
celebrated works.
Sringivera (Shringivera). Capital city, near the Ganga, of kingdom ruled by Guha.
srotriyas (shrothriyas). Those versed in the Vedas; strict followers of Vedic culture.
sthairyam. Steadfastness.
subhecha (shubhecchaa). Yearning for one's spiritual welfare; the first stage of higher
knowledge (Jnana Bhumika).
Suka (Shuka). Divine son of author of the Mahabharatha, Vyasa. Visited King Janaka, who
instructed him in the path to liberation. Also, a messenger of Ravana.
Sukla Yajur Veda (Shukla Yaajur Vedha). One part of the Yajur-veda, promoted by
Yajnavalkya.
Sumeru Peak. Also Mahameru. The golden-coloured peak of the Himalayas; the seat of
Siva.
Sumitra (Sumithraa). Second wife of Dasaratha and mother of Lakshmana and
Satrughna.
Sunda (Sundha). Very cruel asura or demon; brother of Upasunda and husband of
Thataki.
Sura. God.
Surasena (Shuurasena). The father of Vasudeva and Krishna's grandfather. Also, the
state over which they ruled.
Surya (Suurya). The sun god, the father of time. A name for the sun. Also, son of Kasyapa
and father of Manu.
Sushrutha. Author of the science of surgery; held in great esteem in ayur-vedic medicine.
sushumna (sushumnaa). Nerve current passing through the spinal column from the basal
plexus (muladhara) to the crown of the head (sahasrara).
Sutheekshna. A hermit whom Rama and Sita visited in the forest; brother of Agastya.
sutra (suuthra). Concise rule or aphorism; that which, through a few words only, reveals vast
meanings; text consisting of aphorisms or maxims; a thread; something, like a thread, that
runs through and holds everything together.
Swaaha Devi (Svaahaa Dhevee). The deity who is invoked by the word swaaha, the wife
of Agni, the God of Fire. She is the power of digestion.
Swethakethu (Shvethakethu). A great sage; the first person to argue aginst the evils of
drinking and adultery by the brahmins; son of Uddalaka.
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taijasa (thaijasa). Entity associated with dream state composed of mind, intellect, five vital
airs, five senses of perception, and the five elements; the experiencer of the dream or
subconscious state, "light" of the subconscious.
tantra (thanthra). Means and methods of utilizing the mantras for one's own good.
tapas (thapas). Concentrated spiritual exercises to attain God, penance, severe austerities.
Thalajanghas (Thaalajanghas). Sons of the valiant Thalajangha, who is one of the five
sons of the famed emperor Karthvirya.
thamas. Dullness, ignorance, delusion, inactivity, passivity, inertia, sloth. Associated with
colour black. See guna.
Thamasa (Thamasaa). River that flows into the Ganga; Valmiki's ashram was on it.
thamoguna. Quality of dullness, ignorance, delusion, inactivity, inertia, sloth. Associated with
colour black. See guna.
Thataki (Thaatakee). Fierce demoness mother of Maricha and Subahu; wife of Sunda.
Thath twam asi (Thatthvamasi). You are That. One of four great statements expressing the
non-difference of individual soul with Brahman, the supreme absolute Self, in Vedantic
philosophy.
thavaiva-aham. I am Thine.
thithi. A lunar day; the moon increases for 15 thithis and decreases for 15.
thra. Protecting.
Thrayee. Three. Triple sacred science: the first three Vedas: Rig, Yaju, and Sama. Also, a
name for Veda, because the Vedas were originally in three parts.
Thretha-yuga (Threthaa-yuga). The second in the cycle of four eras. See yuga.
Thrijata (Thrijataa). A demoness devoted to God and warden of Sita during her
imprisonment in Lanka.
thri-karanas. Three instruments: thought (mind), word (mouth), and deed (hand).
thripthi. Satisfaction.
Thripura. A phantom city built by Maya (illusion) in the sky, earth, and ether for the demons;
it was destroyed by Siva.
thriputa. Three-fold.
Thrisanku (Thrishanku). King for whom Sage Viswamitra created another heaven.
thrupthi. Contentment.
thuriya (thureeya). "Beyond" stage in samadhi; fourth stage beyond waking, dream, and
deep sleep. Superconscious state.
thvak. Skin.
Thyagaraja (Thyaagaraaja). 18th and 19th century mystic singer/ composer. Leader in
Karnatak tradition of classical Indian music. Born in Thanjavur District of south India.
thyagi (thyaagee). Renunciant.
Trinity. Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver), and Siva (the Destroyer).
Triveni (Thriveni). Confluence of the three rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the subterranean
Saraswathi at Prayag.
Tukaram (Thukaaraam). Well-known Maratha 17th century writer. He abandoned the world
and became a wandering ascetic.
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upa. Near.
Upanishad (Upanishath). Any of a set of most ancient treatises constituting the primary
source of Vedanta metaphysics. Principle message is nondualism: unity of Brahman and the
Atma.
uthsava. Festival.
Uttarakuru (Uttharakuru). Heavenly part of the island of Jambu. At its northern end lies
Mount Meru.
uvaacha. Spoke.
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Vaak-Devi (-Dhevee). The deity that presides over speech, over the Vedic word;
Saraswathi.
Vaidarbhi (Vaidharbhi). A disciple of Pippalada, born in the line of Bhrigu. Also named
Bhargava.
Vaisakh (Vaishaakha). One of the 12 months constituting the Hindu lunar year (April-May).
vaishamya. Unbalanced.
Vaiswanara (Vaishvaanara). Omnipresent, Supreme Self. Name for Sun; means "sum total
of created beings".
vaithathya. Falsehood.
Vaivaswatha Manu (Vaivasvatha Manu). Head (Indra) of the present age of Manu
(Manvanthara); Prajaprathi. Son of Manu and father of Ikshvaku.
Vajasaneyi (Vaajasaneeya). Section of the Vedas taught by the Sun in the form of a horse
(vaji).
vajra. Thunderbolt, esp. that of Indra, formed from the bones of sage Dadhichi. See
Dadhichi.
Vamana (Vaamana). Dwarf incarnation of Vishnu, who asked for three feet of land from
Emperor Bali and humbled Bali's pride.
varna. Caste.
Varuna. Chief Rig-vedic god associated with Mitra; god of rain, water, the ocean, night; a
great sage.
vashatkaara. A ritual exclamation uttered at the end of a sacrificial hymn for offering of fire
oblations.
Vasishta (Vashishtha). One of the greatest rishis (sages) of ancient times; priest of the
solar race of kings; revealer of several Vedic hymns. Had sacred, wishfulfilling cow called
Nandini.
vasu. Wealth.
Vedanta (Vedhaantha). The doctrine of either pure non-dualism, i.e. the identity of
Brahman and the Atma, or conditioned non-dualism; the end or bottom line of the Vedas,
which declares this doctrine.
Vedas (Vedhas). Entire body of ancient sacred revelations of truth, chief among which are
four books: the Rig-veda, Yajur-veda, Sama-veda, and Atharvana-veda.
Vena. Infamous king whose hand was churned by the hermits, producing Prithu, ruler of the
world.
Vibhandaka. Hermit of family of Kasyapa; his son Rishyasringa was born from his semen
spilled upon viewing Urvasi, the celestial damsel.
vichara (vichaara). Inquiry, analysis, and reflection of the nature of the Self or truth.
Vidarbha (Vidharbha). Brother of Bharatha and son of sage Rishabha. Also, Sagara was
the emperor of Vidarbha.
Videha (Vidheha). Royal dynasty of Janaka; the kingdom of Mithila, native country of Sita.
videha-muktha (vidheha-muktha). One liberated when deceased.
Vidura (Vidhura). Brother and chief minister of King Dhritharashtra, the father of the
Kauravas. See Mahabharatha.
vidya (vidhyaa). Spiritual education, spiritual knowledge, learning, that which illumines, that
which gives light, supreme teaching.
vijaya. Victory.
vi-jnana (vi-jnaana). Highest wisdom; discriminating faculty of the intellect; spiritual wisdom
beyond the material plane.
vi-jnani (vi-jnaani). Scientist; wise person; one who has developed and correctly applied
spiritual power.
Vikata. One of the monkeys who wanted to jump over the ocean to get to Lanka.
vimarsha. Quest.
Vindhya mountain range. One of seven chief holy mountain ranges. Separates South India
from North India and faces the Himalayas.
Virat-swarupa (Viraat-svaruupa). The Lord in His form as manifested universe; the cosmic
form of God.
Virata (Viraata). King of Matsya and father-in-law of Abhimanyu (son of Arjuna). The
Pandavas lived incognito in the service of Virata for a year.
Visala (Vishaala). Son of Ikshvaku, who built the city named Visala.
Visala (Vishaalaa). City built by Visala, son of Ikshvaku.
visarga. Proliferation.
visha. Poison.
Vishnu. The Preserver in the trinity of Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu, and Siva (the
Destroyer).
viswa (vishva). Totality, whole creation; also a name of the individual soul in the waking
state.
Viswamitra (Vishvaamithra). Sage; known for his efforts to equal Vasishta. Born as
warrior Kausika who by the power of the Gayatri transformed himself spiritually. Early
counselor of the young Rama.
viswa-rupa (vishva-ruupa). Cosmic form, form of creation, name for the sun.
Viswavadha (Vishvavedhaa). Wife of Dharmadeva.
viveka. Discrimination.
viyoga. Separation.
vriksha. Tree.
Vrishni. Famous king of the Yadu dynasty into whose line Krishna was born.
vyakthi. Individual.
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Yadu (Yadhu). Founder of Yadava clan into which Krishna was born; son of Yayathi.
yajna. Holy ritual, sacrifice, or rite. Also, personification of rite (when capitalized).
Yajna-Sarathi (-Saarathi). The charioteer for the sacrifice; name for Agni, the God of Fire.
Yakshini (Yakshinee). Women folk of the Yakshas, a class of semi gods. Goddess.
Yamuna (Yamunaa). Holy river rising in the Himalaya mountains at an elevation of 10,849
feet and flowing for 860 miles before joining the Ganga.
yashas. Fame.
yathna. Effort.
Yayathi (Yayaathi). Eminent king of Lunar dynasty. Son of Nahusha and father of
Nabhaga.
yoga. (a) Union of the individual self or Atma with the Supreme Being or Universal Self; act of
yoking. (b) A spiritual discipline or exercise aimed at control of the senses. (c) Science of
divine communion. No single definition of the word yoga suffices. Patanjali's Yoga-sutras
define yoga as a series of eight spiritual steps leading to union with God. This is different from
the eight steps given in the section titled "The eightfold path of yoga" of Prasanthi Vahini.
Yoga-sastra (-shaasthra). Scripture or science that deals with yoga, esp. by Patanjali.
yojana. Distance of about 9 miles or 14.4 kilometers. (Some calculations say 2.5 miles, 4
miles, or 5 miles.)
Yudhajit (Yudhaajith). Kekaya king; brother of Kaika, Dasaratha's wife, and uncle of
Bharatha.
yuga. Era or age. There is a cycle of four yugas: the Kritha-yuga, Thretha-yuga, Dwapara-
yuga, and Kali-yuga. Present age is Kali-yuga.
Yuga-avatar (-avathaar). An incarnation of God come to close one era and inaugurate
another.
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zenana. Part of a dwelling in which the women of the family are secluded.
Zoroaster. Founder of the ancient Persian religion Zoroastrianism. The sacred text called the
Gathas were revealed to him while in deep meditation. Ahur Mazda is the name for the
Supreme.