Stories from Hindu Scriptures: Glossary

Glossary

Click on an alphabet to proceed to the corresponding section:

A | B | C | D | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | P | R | S | T | U | V | Y

A

Abhaya Mudra (अभय मुद्रा)→ A symbolic hand gesture meaning “fear not,” shown with the right hand raised and palm facing outward.
Adharma (अधर्म) → The opposite of dharma—unrighteousness, chaos, or immoral conduct that disrupts cosmic balance. It leads to suffering.
Adi Sakti (आदि शक्ति) → The primordial divine feminine energy, considered the source of all creation and the cosmic force behind the universe. She is worshipped in various forms such as Durga, Kali, Parvati, and Lakṣmi, depending on the context and tradition.
Agamas (आगम) → Sacred texts that provide guidelines for temple construction, rituals, and spiritual practices in Hindu traditions, especially in Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism. They are considered divine revelations and complement the Vedas in worship and philosophy.
Agnisvattas (अग्निष्वत्त) → A group of Pitrs who do not receive physical offerings but are nourished through inner fire or tapas. They are associated with wisdom and spiritual evolution.
Ajyapa (आज्ञ्यप) → Pitrs who accept offerings made with clarified butter (ghee). They are invoked during specific fire rituals and are believed to bless with prosperity.
Amaravati (अमरावती) → The capital of Indra, king of the devas, located in Svarga (heaven). Described in the Puranas as a city of unimaginable beauty, it is adorned with golden palaces, jeweled pillars, and divine gardens. It serves as the seat of the gods and a symbol of divine order.
Ambika (अम्बिका) → A powerful and maternal form of the goddess, associated with protection, warfare, and nourishment. She embodies both ferocity and compassion, often identified with Durga.
Ananta (अनन्त) → Meaning “endless” or “infinite,” Ananta is another name for the cosmic serpent Sesha, who symbolizes eternity and supports the universe.
Anantarupini (अनन्तरूपिणी) → The One with infinite forms, embodying the boundless expressions of the divine feminine.
Aniruddha (अनिरुद्ध) → The fourth aspect in the Chaturvyuha, Aniruddha embodies the cosmic principle of action and the ahamkara (sense of self). It is also the name of the grandson of Krishna.
Aniyah (अणीयः) → Means subtler than the subtlest, beyond sensory perception and deeply inward.
Anustubh (अनुष्टुप्) → A common metrical pattern in Sanskrit poetry, consisting of four lines (padas) with eight syllables each, totaling 32 syllables per shloka.
Apyayani (अप्यायनी) → Apyayani is a nourishing or life-sustaining power, often used in Hindu texts to describe energies or aspects of the Divine Mother that nurture and uphold the universe. It signifies the force that causes growth, satisfaction, and spiritual fullness in beings. In devotional hymns, the goddess is praised as Apyayani for bestowing vitality, bliss, and well-being on all creatures. The word Apyayani (अप्यायनी) comes from the Sanskrit root "pyai", which means to swell, nourish, or become full. The prefix "a-" adds emphasis, and the feminine suffix "-ni" makes it a feminine noun. So, Apyayani can be translated as “she who nourishes” or “the one who causes to grow and be filled.”
Apratishtha (अप्रतिष्ठा) → A hell for those who led others astray from dharma, resulting in constant falling or instability. Literally meaning “without foundation,” it symbolizes moral collapse and disorientation.
Apsara (अप्सरा) → Celestial nymphs and divine dancers symbolizing sensory allure and illusion. They represent the transient nature of pleasure and beauty.
Arishadvargas (अरिषड्वर्ग) → The six inner enemies of the soul in Hindu philosophy—kama (desire), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), moha (delusion), mada (pride), and matsarya (jealousy).
Ashrama (आश्रम) → Ashrama refers to the four stages of life in Hindu philosophy: Brahmacharya (student life), Grihastha (householder life), Vanaprastha (retired life), and Sannyasa (renounced life). It can also refer to a hermitage or retreat where sages, sadhus, or spiritual seekers live, meditate, and teach.
Astadha prakrti → Refers to the "eightfold nature" in Hindu philosophy. It describes the material world as composed of eight primary elements: earth (prithvi), water (ap), fire (agni), air (vayu), ether (akasha), mind (manas), intellect (buddhi), and ego (ahankara).
Ashta-anga (अष्टाङ्ग) → Refers to the "eight limbs" or components of spiritual discipline. These eight limbs include ethical principles (Yama), personal observances (Niyama), physical postures (Asana), breath control (Pranayama), sense withdrawal (Pratyahara), concentration (Dharana), meditation (Dhyana), and ultimate absorption (Samadhi).
Ashwini (अश्विनि) → The twin gods of healing and medicine in the Vedas, known as the Ashwini Kumaras.
Asura (असुर) → Anti-gods or demons representing egoism, materialism, and ignorance. Initially divine in the Vedas, later texts depict them as forces opposed to the Devas.
Antaka (अन्तक) → A title meaning “the ender” or “one who brings the end,” used for Yama or sometimes Kala or an emissary of Yama.
Atman (आत्मन्) → The eternal, unchanging essence of the individual. In Advaita Vedanta, Atman is identical with Brahman, while dualistic schools see it as distinct.
Avadhuta (अवधूत) → A liberated sage who has transcended worldly norms, social conventions, and ego, dwelling in a state of absolute freedom and non-duality.
Ayana (अयन) → Literally means "path," "journey," or "abode." In spiritual contexts, it refers to the course of the soul.
Ayodhya (अयोध्या) → The legendary city and capital of the Kosala kingdom.

B

Balakhilya (बालखिल्य) → A group of miniature sages, often described as thumb-sized ascetics with immense spiritual power.
Bhagadatta (भगदत्त) → A mighty king of Pragjyotishpur , Bhagadatta was a staunch ally of the Kauravas.
Bhishma (भीष्म) → A revered warrior from the Mahabharata, known for his unwavering vow of celibacy and loyalty to the Kuru dynasty.
Bhootnath (भूतनाथ) → An epithet of Lord Shiva, meaning "Lord of the Spirits" or "Lord of the Ghosts."
Bilva (बिल्व) → A sacred tree (Aegle marmelos) deeply revered in Hinduism, especially associated with the worship of Lord Shiva.
Brahma (ब्रह्मा) → The creator god in the Hindu Trimurti, responsible for the manifestation of the universe.
Brahmachari (ब्रह्मचारी) → A brahmachari is a student or seeker who follows the path of brahmacharya, often during the first stage (ashrama) of life. The term denotes one who pursues knowledge, self-discipline, and spiritual growth through celibacy, study of scriptures, and service to the guru.
Brahmacharya (ब्रह्मचर्य) → Brahmacharya refers to a disciplined way of life focused on self-restraint, celibacy, and the pursuit of higher knowledge. It is one of the key virtues in Hindu philosophy and forms the foundation for spiritual development and clarity of mind.
Brahman (ब्रह्मन्) → The Absolute Reality, beyond attributes. It is the formless, infinite source and substratum of all existence.
Brihaspati (बृहस्पति) → Brihaspati is the preceptor of the devas (gods).

C

Chandala (चाण्डाल) → A term used in ancient Hindu texts to describe someone associated with occupations like cremation. The person is considered impure.
Chandi (चण्डी) → A fierce and powerful form of the Goddess, Chandi represents the wrathful energy of the Divine Mother who destroys evil and upholds righteousness. Chandi (चण्डी) is also the common name for Durga Saptashati.
Chhaya (छाया) → Means shadow, reflection, or semblance, often representing an aspect or projection of a divine being.

D

Daksha (दक्ष)→ A Prajapati and father of Sati.
Dakshayini (दाक्षायिणी) → A name for Sati, the daughter of Daksha and the first consort of Shiva.
Dakshina (दक्षिणा) → A traditional offering or gift, often given to a guru or priest after a ritual or teaching.
Darpaka (दर्पक) → "The Proud One" or "One Who Arouses Arrogance." From darpa (pride, arrogance), this name was given after Manmatha tried to disturb Shiva’s meditation.
Dattatreya (दत्तात्रेय) → A revered sage and deity, Dattatreya is considered an incarnation of the divine trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. In Vaishnava texts Dattatreya is primarily revered as an avatar of Vishnu In Shaiva texts may associate him with Shiva.
Deva (देव) → Celestial being or god, representing cosmic forces and principles that sustain creation. Devas embody universal energies or tattvas, such as Agni (fire, transformation) and Surya (sun, vitality).
Devi (देवी) → Goddess and embodiment of divine feminine energy (Shakti), responsible for creation, preservation, and destruction. Devis personify cosmic principles, such as Saraswati (wisdom) and Kali (time and dissolution).
Devi Sukta (देवी सूक्त) → A powerful hymn from the Rigveda (10.125) spoken by a self-realized female seer, declaring her identity as the universal goddess.
Devanagari (देवनागरी) → A script used to write several Indian languages, including Sanskrit, Hindi, Marathi, and Nepali. The name means "script of the city of the gods," reflecting its sacred and classical roots.
Dharma (धर्म) → The principle of cosmic order, righteousness, and duty. It guides ethical living and spiritual progress.
Dharmashastras (धर्मशास्त्र) → The Dharmashastras are ancient Hindu legal and ethical texts that lay down rules for righteous living, social duties, and law. Composed in prose and verse, they include works like Manusmriti and Yajnavalkya Smriti, and guide personal, familial, and societal conduct based on dharma. These texts reflect the evolving ideals of justice, morality, and social order in ancient India.
Dhriti (धृति) → Refers to steadfastness, determination, and inner fortitude that sustains a person in the pursuit of dharma and truth.
Drona (द्रोण) → A revered warrior and teacher in the Mahabharata, Drona was the royal guru to the Kauravas and Pandavas, instructing them in military arts. Different from the bird, Drona in Markandeya Purana.
Drona (द्रोण) → In the Puranas, Drona is a bird, son of sage Mandapala.
Durga (दुर्गा) → A warrior goddess and powerful form of Shakti, symbolizing protection, strength, and destruction of evil. She is often depicted riding a lion or tiger, wielding multiple weapons.
Durvasa (दुर्वासा) → A powerful sage known for his quick temper and spiritual knowledge. He appears in many stories, blessing and cursing based on people’s actions.

G

Gana (गण)→ Attendants or troops of Lord Shiva.
Gandharva (गन्धर्व) → Celestial musicians, symbolizing the artistic and aesthetic dimensions of existence. Gandharva music represents cosmic harmony.
Ganesha (गणेश) → The elephant-headed god of wisdom, success, and the remover of obstacles. Widely worshipped at the beginning of new ventures.
Garga (गर्ग) → An ancient sage and revered astrologer.
Garuda (गरुड़) → Divine eagle and mount of Vishnu, symbolizing higher consciousness and liberation. His flight represents transcendence beyond material limitations.
Ghritachi (घृताची) → An apsara renowned for her charm.
Grihastha (गृहस्थ) → The second stage of life in the varna-ashrama system, Grihastha is the householder phase, where one fulfills worldly duties—marriage, family, work, and service to society—while adhering to dharma.
Guna (गुण) → The three fundamental qualities—sattva (purity), rajas (activity), and tamas (inertia)—that shape all of creation and influence human behavior, perception, and spiritual growth.

H

Haihayas (हैहय) → A powerful kshatriya clan said to descend from Yadu, known for their strength and valour.
Hara (हर) → A name of Lord Shiva meaning "the remover" or "the one who destroys."
Harshana (हर्षण) → Derived from harsha (हर्ष), meaning joy or delight, Harshana refers to the power that induces happiness or excitement. It is one of the five arrows of Kama, aimed at stirring pleasure in the heart of the target. The effect of this arrow is uplifting and euphoric.
Havirbhuja (हविर्भुज) → Pitrs who consume havis, the sacred oblations offered in fire. They symbolize the link between earthly devotion and divine ancestors.
Havismat (हविष्मत्) → A revered class of ancestors known for their readiness to accept offerings. The name means “rich in oblations,” emphasizing their importance in ritual traditions.

I

Indra (इन्द्र) → King of the gods and ruler of Svarga (heaven), associated with thunder, rain, and war. Once a prominent Vedic deity, his importance declined in later texts.
Ishvara (ईश्वर) → The Supreme Lord in Hindu philosophy; in Advaita Vedanta, Ishvara is the manifest form of the unmanifest Brahman. In Dvaita and Vishishtadvaita, Ishvara is a transcendent personal deity.
Ishvari (ईश्वरी) → The feminine counterpart of Ishvar, referring to the goddess or divine consort.

J

Jaganmayi (जगन्मयी)→ The goddess who pervades and embodies the entire universe, representing the divine presence in all creation.
Jagat (जगत्) → Refers to the moving, ever-changing world or universe.
Jagatsvarupa (जगत्स्वरूपा)→ "She who is the form of the universe," representing the all-encompassing, immanent aspect of the goddess.
Jaimini (जैमिनि) → A disciple of Vyāsa and the founder of the Mīmāṃsā school of philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of Vedic rituals.
Jambasura (जाम्बासुर) → A powerful asura (demon) who appears in various Puranic stories, often symbolizing ego and opposition to divine order. Sometimes used interchangeably with Jambhasura (जम्भासुर) in certain texts.
Jnana (ज्ञान) → Spiritual knowledge or wisdom derived from sacred texts, preceptors, and scriptural study.

K

Kailasa (कैलास) → A sacred mountain considered the divine abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. Revered in Hinduism, it symbolizes spiritual stillness and cosmic power, rising beyond the material world.
Kala (काल) → Time personified as a divine force that governs all transformation, decay, and endings.
Kalika (कालिका) → A fierce and powerful form of the Goddess, Kalika represents time (kala), transformation, and the raw, untamed energy of creation and destruction. She is often depicted with dark skin, a garland of skulls, and a sword, standing on Shiva, symbolizing her mastery over time and ego. Worshipped especially in Tantric traditions, she is both terrifying and protective, embodying the power to dissolve illusion. Kalika is derived from Kala (काल) meaning "time" or "death," with the feminine suffix -ika, meaning "the feminine force of time" or "She who is beyond time." A more formal or extended name of Kali.
Kalmashapada (कल्माषपाद) → A cursed king who was transformed into a rakshasa.
Kalpa (कल्प) → A Kalpa is a cosmic day in Hindu timekeeping, equal to 4.32 billion human years, during which the universe is created, sustained, and eventually dissolved. It is one full day in the life of the creator god Brahma, followed by a night of the same length. Each Kalpa contains 14 manvantaras, which are ruled by different Manus.
Kama (काम) → The god of love and desire, symbolizing attraction and longing. He represents both creative energy and attachment. Means "Desire" or "Love."
Kamandalu (कमण्डलु) → A traditional water pot carried by Hindu ascetics and sages, often made of metal, wood, or a dried gourd.
Kandarpa (कन्दर्प) → "He who is Beautiful" or "Love in its Purest Form." He is said to be so handsome that even gods are awed by his presence.
Kartala (or Kartal) (करताल) → A pair of small hand cymbals used in devotional music and dance.
Kartavirya Arjuna (कार्तवीर्य अर्जुन) → A mighty king and devotee of Dattatreya. Though once righteous, he later grew arrogant and was ultimately slain by Parashurama.
Karttikeya (कार्त्तिकेय) → Also known as Skanda, Murugan, or Subrahmaṇya, Karttikeya is the god of war and the commander of the divine armies.
Kashi (काशी) → One of the oldest and holiest cities in Hinduism, Kashi is also known as Varanasi and is considered the eternal city of Shiva.
Keshava (केशव) → A revered name of Vishnu or Krishna, meaning “slayer of the demon Keshi” or “one with beautiful hair.”
Kinkara (किंकर) → Literally means servants or attendants.
Kosala (कोशल) → An ancient kingdom of India, prominently mentioned in the Ramayaṇa as the homeland of the kings of the solar dynasty.
Krishna (कृष्ण) → The eighth avatar of Vishnu and Supreme Being for many devotees. Known for his teachings in the Bhagavad Gita, playful nature, and divine love.
Kritavirya (कृतवीर्य) → A virtuous and powerful king of the Haihayas, father of Kartavirya Arjuna.
Krittivasa (कृत्तिवास) → A name of Lord Shiva, meaning "the one who wears a hide," referring to his adornment with the skin of an elephant or tiger.
Krodha (क्रोध) → The Sanskrit term for anger, considered one of the internal enemies (arishadvargas) in Hindu philosophy.
Kubera (कुबेर) → God of wealth and treasures, as well as the king of the Yakshas (nature spirits). He represents material prosperity and its guardianship.
Kurukshetra (कुरुक्षेत्र) → The battlefield of the Mahabharata war, symbolizing the eternal struggle between dharma (righteousness) and adharma (unrighteousness).

L

Lakshmi (लक्ष्मी) → Goddess of wealth, fortune, and abundance, symbolizing prosperity in both material and spiritual forms. She is the consort of Vishnu.
Lobha (लोभ) → Meaning greed or covetousness, lobha is another of the arishadvargas—traits that bind the soul to ignorance and suffering.
Loka (लोक) → Literally meaning “world” or “realm,” lokas are cosmic planes of existence in Hindu cosmology.

M

Madana (मदन)→ The god of love and desire in Hindu tradition. A name of Kama. "The One Who Excites" or "Intoxicating One." Derived from mada (intoxication or passion), referring to the one who arouses passion in all beings.
Maha Nidra (महानिद्र) → The great cosmic sleep that veils consciousness during the dissolution of the universe. It is the profound stillness in which all forms return to their source, before re-emerging in creation. Often personified as a power of the goddess, it transcends ordinary sleep or ignorance.
Maha-Raurava (महारौरव) → A more intense form of Raurava.
Mahabharata (महाभारत) → Attributed to the sage Vyasa, the Mahabharata is the longest epic poem in the world, centering on the Kurukṣetra war between the Paṇḍavas and the Kauravas. It explores profound philosophical and moral dilemmas, most famously through the Bhagavad Gita.
Mahadeva (महादेव) → A title meaning "Great God," commonly referring to Lord Shiva.
Mahamaya (महामाया) → The Great Illusion or Cosmic Power who veils the truth of Brahman and creates the world of appearance. She is both the creator and the deluder, representing the divine feminine force that sustains samsara.
Maheshvara (महेश्वर) → Meaning "the great lord," Maheshvara is one of the supreme forms of Shiva .
Mahishmati (महिष्मती) → An ancient and prosperous city situated on the banks of the Narmada River.
Manava (मानव) → Humans, representing the self bound by karma and destined for spiritual evolution. Manavas have the potential for both ignorance and enlightenment.
Mandapala (मण्डपाल) → Mandapala was a sage who, in the Mahabharata, took the form of a bird.
Mandara (मन्दर) → A mythic mountain pivotal in the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthana), where devas and asuras sought the nectar of immortality. Vishnu took the form of a giant tortoise (Kurma) to support it on his back when it began to sink. The mountain also appears in Puranic tales as a celestial peak favored by sages and divine beings.
Manmatha (मन्मथ) → The god of love, born from Brahma's mind, known for inciting desire in beings. "The Churner of the Mind." From manas (mind) and matha (to churn). He stirs emotions and desires in the hearts of beings.
Mantra (मन्त्र) → A sacred utterance, sound, or phrase believed to possess spiritual power when recited with intent and devotion.
Manu (मनु) → Manu is the name given to the primordial human or lawgiver who governs a specific age of creation in Hindu cosmology. Each Manu sets the moral and social code for their era, with the most famous being the first—Swayambhuva Manu—and the lawgiver Manu of the Manusmriti. There are 14 Manus in total, each ruling over a time period called a manvantara.
Manusmriti (मनुस्मृति) → Also known as the Laws of Manu, this is one of the earliest and most influential Dharmashastras. It outlines duties, rights, laws, and codes of conduct for individuals based on their stage of life and social class.
Manvantara (मन्वन्तर) → A manvantara is a vast cosmic time cycle ruled by one Manu, lasting millions of years by human reckoning. Each manvantara sees the creation, sustenance, and dissolution of worlds, along with new gods, sages, and beings. Fourteen such cycles occur in one day of Brahma, the creator deity.
Mara (मर) → A symbolic figure representing death, delusion, and obstruction on the spiritual path.
Marana (मारण) → Derived from marana (मरण), meaning death or destruction, Marana is Kama’s most extreme arrow, symbolizing the intensity of love that borders on annihilation. It represents the painful, obsessive passion that can feel like death. It evokes the theme of love so strong it consumes the self.
Markandeya (मार्कण्डेय) → A great sage and devotee of Shiva, known for his unwavering devotion and longevity. Destined to die young, he attained immortality through Shiva’s grace. He is also associated with the Markandeya Purana, which includes the Devi Mahatmya and teachings on dharma and cosmic cycles.
Maya (माया) → The cosmic illusion that creates the appearance of duality and separation from Brahman. It obscures the underlying unity of existence.
Menaka (मेणका) → A celestial nymph (apsara).
Meru (मेरु) → A golden cosmic mountain considered the axis of the universe in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist cosmologies. It is said to rise from the center of the world, with the heavens above and the netherworlds below. Home to Brahma and other deities.
Mishrakeshi (मिश्रकेशी) → An apsara mentioned in the epics.
Mohana (मोहन) → Derived from moha (मोह), meaning delusion or enchantment, Mohana is the arrow that causes deep infatuation or bewilderment. It clouds the mind, overpowering logic with desire. Often considered Kama’s most potent arrow for capturing the heart.
Moksha (मोक्ष) → Liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsāra), marking the soul’s union with the Supreme or realization of its true self. It is considered the highest goal in Hindu philosophy, often achieved through knowledge, devotion, or disciplined action.
Moha (मोह) → Translates to delusion or attachment, moha clouds discernment and binds one to worldly illusions.
Moha Nidra (मोह निद्र) → The sleep of delusion or ignorance that clouds the mind and binds beings to the cycle of birth and death. It arises from attachment and ego, keeping souls unaware of their true divine nature. Scriptures describe it as a force to be overcome through knowledge and devotion.
Mohini (मोहिनी) → The enchanting female form who appears to bewilder or delude beings for a divine purpose.
Mrtyu (मृत्यु) → The personification of death in Hindu texts, often representing the inevitable end of physical life.
Muni (मुनि) → Silent ascetic representing inner stillness and contemplative wisdom. A muni practices silence (mauna) to develop inner awareness.

N

Naga (नाग) → Semi-divine serpent beings revered in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. Though often depicted as snakes, Nagas are guardians of waters, treasures, and esoteric wisdom, dwelling in the subterranean realm called Patala. They symbolize fertility, cosmic balance, and hidden knowledge, and are linked with sacred rivers, mystical music, and divine lineages—appearing as protectors in many Puranic stories and epics like the Mahabharata.
Nandan (नन्दन) → Literally means delightful or one who brings joy, derived from the root nand (to rejoice).
Nandana Vana (नन्दन वन) → A divine garden within Svarga, known for its enchanting beauty and celestial flora. It is a place where gods, gandharvas, apsaras, and virtuous souls gather for joy and recreation. The garden is symbolic of heavenly bliss and spiritual reward.
Nara (नर) → A Sanskrit word meaning “man” or “human being,” often symbolizing the individual soul or the seeker of knowledge.
Nara (नारा )→ Waters.
Narayana (नारायण) → A name of Vishnu, meaning “the one whose abode (ayana) is in the waters (nara).”
Narada (नारद) → A divine sage and celestial musician, famous as a messenger and storyteller between gods, humans, and demons.
Naraka (नरक) → A prince turned demon, who ruled Pragjyotisha.
Narmada (नर्मदा) → A sacred river in India, revered as a goddess in Hindu tradition and mentioned in the Puranas.
Nidra (निद्रा) → Literally means sleep.
Nikrintana (निकृन्तन) → A hell where sinners are repeatedly cut and mutilated. The name itself means “cutting off” or “severing.”
Niraakulaa (निराकुला) → One who is free from agitation, disturbance, or restlessness. This term highlights the calm, composed, and ever-serene state of the divine, even while engaged in cosmic activity.
Niraalambaa (निरालम्बा) → One who is without dependence or support, self-sustained and self-existent. Often used to describe the supreme divine who does not rely on anything outside herself.
Niraya (निरय) → A general Sanskrit term for hell. Literal meaning: “Downward journey” or “place without progress”.

P

Pada (पाद) →Literally meaning "foot," a pada is a quarter of a metrical verse in Sanskrit poetry, especially in forms like the Anustubh shloka. In a typical shloka, four padas structure the verse rhythmically and thematically, each with a set number of syllables.
Pancha Lakshana (पञ्च लक्षण) → Refers to the five characteristic topics that traditionally define a Purana: Sarga (creation), Pratisarga (secondary creation), Vamsha (genealogies of gods and sages), Manvantara (cosmic time cycles), and Vamshanucharita (histories of royal lineages). These themes structure the narrative and philosophical core of most Mahapuranas. They aim to convey cosmic order, dharma, and the evolution of the universe.
Pandavas (पाण्डव) → The five brothers of the Mahabharata—Yudhishthira (truth), Bhima (strength), Arjuna (skill), Nakula (beauty), and Sahadeva (wisdom).
Para (परा) → The Supreme, transcendent reality beyond all forms and attributes.
Parvati (पार्वती) → Goddess of love, fertility, and devotion, also seen as Shakti, the divine feminine power. She is the consort of Shiva.
Pashupatinath (पशुपतिनाथ) → A title for Lord Shiva, meaning "Lord of all creatures" or "Lord of the Animals."
Pinda (पिण्ड) → A rice-ball offering made during ancestral rites, symbolizing the physical body and sustenance of the departed soul. Pindas are offered with mantras during shraddha ceremonies, believed to help ancestors attain peace and move toward liberation. The ritual reflects both duty and love toward one's lineage.
Pingaksha (पिंगाक्ष) → A name meaning "one with golden eyes," symbolizing sharp vision and insight.
Pitrs (पितृ) → Ancestral spirits honored in Hindu rituals, especially during shraddha. They are believed to bless descendants and dwell in the ancestral realms after death.
Plakshavatarana (प्लक्षावतरण) → Plakshavatarana means "the descent at the Plaksha tree" and refers to a sacred location or event in Hindu texts where a divine being or sage descended or appeared near a plaksha (fig) tree. It is associated with the beginning of sacred teachings or cosmological cycles, such as the narration of the Puranas. The site is considered holy and symbolically represents a moment when divine knowledge enters the world.
Pradhana (प्रधान) → The unmanifest primal matter or root substance from which the universe evolves.
Pradyumna (प्रद्युम्न) → The third vyuha, embodying the cosmic principle of intelligence (buddhi) and desire (kama). This is also the name of the son of Krishna and Rukmini
Pragjyotisha (प्राग्ज्योतिष) → An ancient kingdom located in the northeastern region of the Indian subcontinent, often associated with present-day Assam.
Prajapati (प्रजापति) → Literally means "Lord of the Creatures" or "Master of Progeny," from praja (progeny, offspring) and pati (lord or master). He is a creator deity in the Vedas, associated with the origin and order of all living beings.
Pramatha (प्रमथ) → Fierce, supernatural attendants of Lord Shiva, often depicted as wild, chaotic, and fearsome spirits.
Purana (पुराण) → A genre of ancient Hindu scriptures that narrate stories, legends, genealogies, cosmology, and spiritual teachings. The Puranas serve as encyclopedic texts preserving Hindu tradition, often centered around a particular deity or philosophical theme.
Pushpasayak (पुष्पशायक) → A name for Kamadeva, the god of love, meaning "he who wields flower-arrows."

R

Rajas (रजस्) → The guna associated with activity, passion, desire, and restlessness. The word rajas comes from the root raj meaning “to move” or “to shine,” and also denotes “dust” or “mist,” symbolizing obscuration.
Rakshasa (राक्षस) → Demonic beings representing chaos, ego, and ignorance. They symbolize the destructive tendencies within the mind, such as greed and arrogance.
Ramayana (रामायण) → An epic composed by the sage Valmiki, the Ramayana narrates the life of Rama, the prince of Ayodhya, his exile, the abduction of his wife Sita by Ravaṇa, and the eventual triumph of dharma.
Rati (रति) → Goddess of love, passion, and sensual pleasure, and the wife of Madana (Kamadeva).
Ratipati (रतिपति) → A title meaning "Lord of Rati," referring to Kamadeva, the Hindu god of love and desire.
Raurava (रौरव) → A terrifying hell where sinners who harmed others for selfish gain suffer. Literal meaning: “Terrible” or “producing loud wailing”.
Rishi (ऋषि) → Seers and sages who received divine truths (Shruti) in meditative states, making them channels of eternal wisdom.
Rochana (रोचन) → From rocha (रुच्), meaning attraction or charm, Rochana signifies the power that makes someone or something appear pleasing and desirable. As Kama’s arrow, it creates fascination and appreciation for beauty. It enchants the mind and draws attention.

S

Samsara (संसार) → The continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth experienced by all living beings. Driven by karma, this cycle binds the soul to worldly existence until liberation (mokṣa) is attained.
Sanatan (सनातन) → Literally meaning "eternal" or "everlasting," Sanatan refers to that which has no beginning or end.
Sanatani (सनातनी) → A follower of Sanatana Dharma, the eternal spiritual path rooted in Vedic wisdom. The Goddess is called Sanatani because she embodies the eternal, unchanging nature of the divine feminine principle. The word Sanatani means “eternal one” — and The Goddess , as the cosmic mother, is beyond birth and death, beyond time and space. She is not bound by creation or dissolution; rather, she witnesses and empowers all cycles of time (kalpa) as the timeless force behind them.
Sandhya (संध्या) → The goddess of twilight.
Sannyasa (संन्यास) → The final stage of life, Sannyasa is marked by renunciation of material life and detachment from worldly ties.
Saraswati (सरस्वती) → Goddess of wisdom, learning, music, and the arts, representing creativity and enlightenment. Also a sacred river in the Vedas, revered as both a physical and divine entity representing wisdom, speech, and knowledge. Literally meaning "the flowing one" (saras = fluid/lake, wati = possessing).
Sarvavyapi (सर्वव्यापी) → A Sanskrit term meaning "all-pervading" or "omnipresent," used to describe the supreme being or cosmic reality that exists in and through all of creation.
Sati (सती) → The first consort of Shiva and a form of Shakti, known for her deep devotion.
Sattva (सत्त्व) → One of the three gunas (qualities) in Hindu philosophy, representing purity, clarity, harmony, and wisdom. Derived from the root sat (सत्), meaning “truth” or “existence,” it literally implies “that which is real or pure.”
Savitri (सावित्री) → As a deity, she is the feminine aspect or consort of Savitr, the solar god, and is associated with the power of the Gayatri Mantra. She represents divine inspiration, purity, and the creative power of speech (Vak). As a person, Savitri is the devoted wife of Satyavan in the Mahabharata.
Sankarshana (सङ्कर्षण) → The second form of Vishnu in the Chaturvyuha, Sankarshana symbolizes strength, ego, and the cosmic mind. He is identified with Balarama, Krishna’s elder brother, and also with the serpent Sesha who supports the universe.
Sesha (शेष) → The divine serpent on whom Vishnu rests, Sesha symbolizes eternity, stability, and the cosmic substratum. Often identified with Sankarshana, Sesha supports the universe and is said to remain after all dissolution, hence the name "Sesha" (meaning "that which remains").
Shaiva (शैव) → Followers of Shiva, considering him the ultimate reality and source of creation and destruction.
Shakra (शक्र) → Another name for Indra, the king of the devas and ruler of Svarga (heaven) . The name means “mighty” or “powerful,” highlighting his strength, valor, and leadership in battles against asuras.
Shakta (शाक्त) → Devotees of the Divine Mother (Shakti) in her many forms like Durga, Kali, or Lakshmi. Shaktas regard the Devi as the supreme power.
Shakti (शक्ति) → The primordial cosmic energy and divine feminine force, Shakti is the dynamic power behind all creation, preservation, and destruction in the universe. She is revered as the consort and energy of Shiva and appears in many forms such as Durga, Kali, and Parvati.
Shakti (शक्ति), son of Vashistha → A revered sage and the eldest son of Rishi Vashistha, known for his righteousness and wisdom. He was devoured by the rakshasa-king Kalmashapada due to a curse.
Shambhu (शम्भु) → Another name of Shiva, meaning "the source of happiness" or "the auspicious one."
Shamika (शमिक) → A sage known in the Mahabharata.
Shankara (शङ्कर) → Another name for Shiva, meaning "the auspicious one" or "bestower of bliss."
Shiva (शिव) → The destroyer and transformer in the Hindu Trimurti. He represents the end of creation and its potential for renewal. His symbols include the trident (power) and damaru (creation-destruction rhythm).
Shloka (श्लोक) → A metrical verse form used in Sanskrit literature, especially in epics and scriptures. Typically composed in the Anushtubh meter.
Sharnga (शार्ङ्ग) → Sharnga is the divine bow of Vishnu.
Shraddha (श्राद्ध) → A sacred Hindu ritual performed to honor and offer gratitude to deceased ancestors. It typically involves offerings of food and prayers, believed to nourish and support the souls in their afterlife journey. Shraddha is often performed annually on the death anniversary or during the Pitru Paksha period.
Shukracharya (शुक्राचार्य) → Shukracharya is the revered guru of the asuras (demons).
Somapa (सोमप) → Ancestors who partake in soma offerings during rituals. Their name means “soma-drinkers” and they are honored in Vedic ceremonies.
Soshana (शोषण) → From shosha (शोष), meaning to dry or drain, Soshana denotes the arrow that causes longing and emotional exhaustion. It dries up the peace of the heart, leaving one parched in desire. The person struck becomes restless and consumed by yearning.
Srishtirupeṇa (सृष्टिरूपेण) → Refers to the divine aspect of creation, where the universe is manifested by the will of the Supreme Being. It embodies the form of creation, symbolizing the continuous process of bringing forth life and order in the cosmos.
Sthoola (स्थूल) → Refers to the gross, physical, or manifest form that can be perceived by the senses.
Sudarshana (सुदर्शन) → Literally meaning “auspicious vision” Sudarshana is the spinning disc-like weapon (chakra) of Vishnu.
Sukalin (सुकालिन्) → A class of Pitrs who receive offerings at auspicious times. The name implies those who are honored during the proper or favorable phases.
Sukrisha (शुक्रिश) → Son of Vipulasvat and father of the four birds—Pingaksha, Vibodha, Supatra, and Sumukha—who reveal spiritual truths to Sage Jaimini. The name suggests someone of noble or refined qualities, hinting at his disciplined and virtuous nature.
Sumati (सुमति) → Literally meaning "good intellect" or "noble mind," Sumati refers to wisdom, right thinking, or a virtuous disposition. In Hindu texts, the name is often used for characters embodying discernment and moral clarity. It can also symbolize the mental state conducive to dharma and spiritual growth.
Sumukha (सुमुख) → Meaning "one with a beautiful face" or "auspicious appearance," Sumukha represents grace and harmony.
Supatra (सुपात्र) → Meaning "one who is a worthy recipient," Supatra refers to someone deserving of divine wisdom or blessings.
Supratika (सुप्रतीक) → The massive war elephant of Bhagadatta, Supratika was known for its ferocity and strength.
Svarga (स्वर्ग) → Often translated as “heaven,” Svarga is one of the celestial realms where virtuous souls enjoy the fruits of their good karma. Governed by Indra, it is a place of pleasure, luxury, and divine companionship. However, it is not eternal—souls return to earthly life once their merit is exhausted.

T

Takshaka (तक्षक) → A powerful naga (serpent king) in Hindu texts.
Tamas (तमस्) → One of the three gunas (qualities), representing darkness, ignorance, and inertia. In hell related contexts, Tamas is also a region of darkness. Literal meaning: “Darkness,” “ignorance,” or “obscurity.”
Tapasvi (तपस्वी) → An ascetic practitioner of penance, symbolizing self-discipline and purification through tapas (spiritual heat).
Tapasya (तपस्या) → Austerity or disciplined spiritual practice performed to attain higher knowledge, power, or purification.
Taptakumbha (तप्तकुम्भ) → This is the hell of "boiling pots. Literal meaning: “Burning pot”.
Tarkshi (तार्क्षी) → Literally means a bird.
The Three Gunas (त्रिगुण) → Three fundamental qualities that govern existence:

Sattva (सत्त्व) → Purity, wisdom, and balance.
Rajas (रजस्) → Activity, passion, and ambition.
Tamas (तमस्) → Inertia, ignorance, and darkness.

Trayimayi (त्रैयीमयी)→ She who embodies the three Vedas—Rig, Yajur, and Sama. Trayimayi represents the personification of Vedic wisdom and the divine source of sacred knowledge.
Tillotama (तिलोत्तमा) → An apsara created from the finest elements of the universe.
Trilochan (त्रिलोचन) → A name of Shiva, meaning "the three-eyed one."
Tumburu (तुंबुरु) → Another son of Vipulasvat mentioned in the Markandeya Purana, not to be confused with the gandharva of the same name.
Tvastra (त्वष्टृ) → A Vedic artisan deity, often regarded as the divine craftsman or builder of forms. He is associated with the creation of divine weapons and forms. In later Puranic accounts, his role is sometimes absorbed or overshadowed by Visvakarma.

U

Uchchaihshravas (उच्चैःश्रवस्) → A celestial, seven-headed white horse that emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan).
Unmadana (उन्मादन) → Literally means "one who causes frenzy or madness," derived from unmaad (उन्माद – madness, passionate delirium) and the suffix -ana (denoting action or agent).
Urvashi (उर्वशी) → A celebrated apsara (celestial nymph) known for her beauty and grace.
Usha (उषा) → The Vedic goddess of dawn.

V

Vaishnava (वैष्णव) → Devotees of Vishnu who uphold him as the Supreme Being.
Valakhilya (वालखिल्य) → Tiny sages of immense spiritual power. Same as Balakhilya.
Vana (वन) → Literally means "forest".
Vapu (वपु) → Literally means form, body, or appearance, often denoting a beautiful or divine form.
Varada Mudra (वरद मुद्रा) → A gesture of granting boons, compassion, and charity, shown with the palm facing downward and fingers extended.
Varanasi (वाराणसी) → One of the oldest and holiest cities in Hindu tradition, believed to be founded by Lord Shiva.
Varhisads (वार्हिषद्) → Pitrs who accept offerings placed on the sacred grass (barhis) during Vedic rituals. They are linked to householders and external ritual worship.
Varuna (वरुण) → God of water and celestial ocean, originally a supreme deity in Vedic texts, later associated with moral and cosmic law.
Vasanta (वसन्त) → The god of spring.
Vashishtha (वसिष्ठ) → One of the Saptarishis (seven great sages), Vashishtha was the royal priest of Ayodhya and a powerful rishi known for his wisdom and mastery of dharma.
Vasudeva (वासुदेव) → The central and all-pervading form of Vishnu in the Chaturvyuha concept, Vasudeva represents the Supreme Being dwelling in all beings. In worldly terms, he is also known as Krishna, the son of Vasudeva, and the divine charioteer in the Mahabharata. Vasudeva embodies pure consciousness and spiritual unity.
Vayu (वायु) → The god of wind and life-breath (prana), Vayu is a vital deity mentioned in the Vedas.
Vedangas (वेदाङ्ग) → The Vedangas are six auxiliary disciplines that support the understanding and practice of the Vedas. They include Shiksha (phonetics), Kalpa (rituals), Vyakarana (grammar), Nirukta (etymology), Chandas (meter), and Jyotisha (astronomy/astrology). These fields ensure the proper preservation, pronunciation, and interpretation of Vedic knowledge.
Veena (वीणा) → A classical stringed instrument revered in Hindu culture, associated with Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and arts.
Vibodha (विबोध) → Derived from the word for "awakening" or "knowledge," Vibodha signifies someone who brings enlightenment.
Videha (विदेह) → Literally meaning "without body," it is used in two senses: as a term for beings who have transcended bodily identity, and also as the name of a kingdom .
Vijnana (विज्ञान) → Deep, realized wisdom born of inner reflection, meditation, and direct experience.
Vindhya Vasini (विंध्यवासिनी) → A form of the Goddess Durga enshrined in the Vindhya mountains, known as the one who resides in the Vindhyas.
Vipascit (विपश्चित्) → Vipascit refers to a person or being who is wise, discerning, and deeply knowledgeable. It is a Sanskrit term often used to describe sages, seers, or even the supreme consciousness that perceives all truths. In scriptures, Vipascit conveys the idea of one who possesses penetrating insight into reality and the cosmic order.
Viprachitti (विप्रचित्ति) → A powerful asura and the son of sage Kashyapa and Diti.
Vipulasvat (विपुलस्वत्) → A sage in the Markandeya Purana, whose name means "one who possesses vastness or greatness."He is the grandfather of the four wise birds who answer Jaimini’s spiritual questions.
Vishnu (विष्णु) → The preserver and protector of the universe, maintaining cosmic order (dharma). He incarnates as avatars, including Rama and Krishna, to restore balance.
Vishnumaya (विष्णुमाया) → The divine illusion or mysterious power of Lord Vishnu that veils the true nature of reality. She is also personified as a goddess who takes forms to protect the world and deceive the wicked.
Visvakarma (विश्वकर्मा) → The celestial architect and divine engineer of the gods, credited with building palaces, chariots, and weapons.
Vishvamitra (विश्वामित्र) → A great sage who rose from being a king to becoming a Brahmarshi through intense tapasya.
Vishvarupini (विश्वरूपिणी) → The goddess in her cosmic form, embodying all beings, worlds, and energies. Her form, both awe-inspiring and nurturing, reveals the unity behind all diversity.
Vyasa (व्यास) → The legendary sage who composed and classified the Vedas and is traditionally credited as the author of the Mahābhārata and the Puranas.
Vyuh (व्यूह) → In Hindu thought, "vyuh" refers to an ordered manifestation or strategic arrangement, especially of divine forms. In Vaishnavism, the term describes the emanations of Vishnu—Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna, and Aniruddha—each representing a cosmic function like consciousness, ego, mind, and intellect. In the Mahabharata, "vyuh" also means a military formation or battle array.

Y

Yajna (यज्ञ) → Yajna refers to a sacred Vedic ritual involving offerings into a consecrated fire, performed to honor deities, uphold cosmic order, and seek spiritual or worldly benefits.
Yajnavalkya Smriti (याज्ञवल्क्य स्मृति) → A significant Dharmashastra text attributed to the sage Yajnavalkya, offering a more concise and organized presentation than the Manusmriti.
Yaksha (यक्ष) → Supernatural beings linked to nature, wealth, and guardianship, often serving Kubera, the god of riches. They appear as both benevolent spirits and formidable entities that challenge seekers.
Yama (यम) → The god of death and ruler of the underworld (Yamaloka), Yama is the judge of departed souls. He is associated with justice, dharma, and is often depicted riding a buffalo with a noose in hand.
Yoga (योग) → Literally meaning "union" or "to yoke," yoga refers to the disciplined practice of uniting the individual self (jivatma) with the supreme consciousness (paramatma). In Hindu texts, it encompasses various paths—like Bhakti Yoga (devotion), Karma Yoga (action), and Jnana Yoga (knowledge)—each offering a means to spiritual liberation. Beyond physical postures, yoga is a profound system of inner transformation aimed at self-realization.
Yoganidra (योगनिद्रा) → The divine state of conscious sleep or deep meditative rest, often associated with Lord Vishnu. As a form of Devi, Yoganidra is the goddess of cosmic sleep who dwells in Vishnu’s consciousness, allowing creation and dissolution to unfold through divine rest.
Yuga (युग) → A Yuga is an age or epoch in Hindu cosmology, with four main types: Satya Yuga (age of truth), Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga (age of decline). Together, they form a cycle called a Mahayuga, lasting 4.32 million years. The Yugas reflect a gradual decline in morality, knowledge, and spiritual strength over time.

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