Million Gods Glossary

Aalayam

Temple, a building devoted to religious worship.

Aaru Padai Veedu

The six permanent abodes of Lord Muruga. These are 6 temples – Thiruparankundram, Thiruchendur, Pazhani, Swamimalai, Pazhamudhir Cholai and Thiruttani.

Aasana

Seat, Posture, seated position

Abishekam

Ablution of a Deity. A holy ritual bath given to the Deity with oil, milk, scented powder, honey, rose water, ghee, sandal paste, a mixture of sweetened fruits, sugar-cane juice etc.

Acharya

A spiritual teacher, guide

Adhikaranandi Nandi

Bull mount of Lord Shiva, installed facing the main deity

Agastya

A sage and the author of several hymns in the Rig Veda. He holds a very important position in Ramayana. From his hermitage in a beautiful location in the Vidhya Mountain range he commanded the the other sages of the South and his might and power held all the Asuras at bay. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are believed to have visited his hermitage and he is said to have accompanied them on the way back for Rama’s Coronation. Agastya holds a special place in Tamil Literature where he is venerated as the first teacher of science and literature to the primitive Dravidian Tribes.

Agamas

Codes of Worship

Agni

Fire, name of the God of Fire. Agni is one of the most ancient and sacred elements in Hindu worship. Agni is seen as Sun, Lightning and the ordinary fire on earth.

Ahalya

Ahalya is considered the first woman created by Brahma. She was immensely beautiful and was given to Sage Gautama as wife. She was seduced by Indra who had to go undergo suffering because of this. Ahalya was cursed by Sage Gautama to lose her beauty and she was later restored to her original form and position by Lord Rama.

Airavata

The white elephant mount of Lord Indra. Airavata was produced while the ocean was being churned and taken by Indra. The word means ‘Product of Water’.

Alak Kovil

A temple where the deity is without any structure but under a large Banyan or similar tree falls under this category.

Alaknanda

One of the four branches of the river Ganga

Alamkara

Alankara. Decoration of a deity, a holy place or other places during festivities.

Alaya Nirmanam

The process of determining who and how a temple is to be developed and built following the Vastu and Shilpa Shastras.

Amaravathi

The heavenly capital of Lord Indra. City of the Gods.

Amrut

Amruta, Amirtham. The water of immortality, Soma juice, a derivative of the churning of the oceans. The Soma creeper is considered to be Sarcostemma acidum

Amsa

Amsam – A part. Merging with the supreme.

Ananda

Anandam. Bliss, happiness

Anasuya

Wife of Sage Atri and mother of Sage Durvasa.

Anjaneya

Hanuman, the much celebrated Monkey King, son of Vayu (god of wind), devotee and loyal aide of Lord Rama. He occupies a big role in Ramayana, strong, could fly and perform unimaginable tasks with ease

Antariksha

The realm between heaven and earth. The space of Gandharvas, Apsaras and Yakshas

Anthralam

The portion between the Grabgriham and Mantapa that leads inside the Grabgriham. The neck portion.

Apsara

The nymphs of Indra’s Heaven.

Arati

A light made by burning camphor on a plate or holder and shown in front or the deity in a circular clockwise motion. The Arati is also performed with oil lamps these days.

Ardhanari

Half male, half female. Lord Shiva is seen in this form representing the merger of the powers of male and female.

Arsham

Deities in temples which have been installed and worshiped by Great Rishis (Sages).

Artha

Meaning, Materialistic Attainments

Artha Shastra

Useful arts, mechanical science

Arundathi

Wife of Sage Vasishta. The Morning Star

Asana

Seat, posture, seat of a holy person or seat used for meditation.

Asura

The demons and enemies of the gods.

Aswamedha

Horse sacrifice. Performed by kings desirous of offspring. Also performed as a process of annexing kingdoms whereby the horse is let loose and fights, submissions and take-overs happen wherever it enters. The horse would be sacrificed either physically or figuratively after the successful completion of the ritual.

Ashwatha

The Holy Peepal tree (Ficus relegiosa)

Asuram

Deity installed and worshiped by an Asura.

Atma

The soul

Avatar

Incarnation. In religious terms, of a Deity.

Ayurveda

Veda of life, Science of life, natural cures and methodologies

Azhwar

A great saint of Vaishnavism. There are 12 of them – Nammazhwar,  Thirumangai Azhwar, Periyazhwar, Andal, Poigai Azhwar, Boodhathazhwar, Paeiazhwar, Kulasekara Azhwar,  Thirumazhisai Azhwar, Thondaradi Podi Azhwar, Thiruppaanazhwar, Madurakavi Azhwar. Their Hymns of praise are called the Mangalasasanam. The Vaishnavite temples/deities sung upon by them are the temples of Mangalasasanam and collectively called the 108 Divya Desam Temples.

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Bala

Generally refers to a child. in our context eg: Balaganesha, Balamuruga etc

Balarama

The 7th and one of the 10 Avatars of Lord Vishnu. He is also the elder brother of Lord Krishna

Balipeedam

The pedestal where offerings and sacrifices are to be made.

Bali Vidhanam

Codes prescribing the performance of sacrifices and rituals preceding the development of a temple or settlement

Bhagavad Gita

Song of the Divine One. Spoken in poetical form by Lord Krishna to Arjuna in the great war of Mahabaratha expounding philosophical doctrines. The Gita has been translated into almost all the languages of the World

Bhagirathi

The Ganges

Bhagavati

Name of Mother Goddess

Bhairava

8 inferior forms or manifestations of Lord Shiva. the number of names and variants can be more. Bhairava is depicted with a Dog as his Vahana.

Bhakti

Devotion

Bhajan

Spiritual song

Bharadwaja

Son of Brahaspati and father of Drona. Many Vedic Hymns are attributed to him. He comes in both the epics, Mahabaratha and Ramayana

Bharata

Son of Dasaratha and Kaikeyi. Half brother of Lord Rama

Bharathi

Another name of Goddess Saraswathi

Bhima

The second of the Five Pandava Princes and endowed with great strength. Son of Vayu, the Wind God

Bhisma

The regent of Hastinapura, son of King Santanu and Goddess of Ganga. He is a crucial character in Mahabaratha

Bhoomi Nirnayam

The methods of determining the land area suitable for establishing a temple and or human settlement

Bhrigu

A Vedic Sage and one of the Prajapati’s, the great Rishis

Bhuta

Bhootha – Demon, Ghost, Imp, Goblin

Bhu Pariksha

Soil testing to determine the suitability of a location.

Bhumi Samgraha

The process of getting a site/land ready for the development of the temple or building.

Bhumi Vidhanam

Demarcation of the plan of the settlement and temple.

Brahma

God of Creation and one of the Holy Trinity of Hinduism

Brahman

The Supreme Being, the all pervading spirit.

Brahmarishis (plural)

Rishis of the Brahmin caste who were the founders of Gothras of the Brahmins

Brahma Veda

Atharvana or fourth Veda. The Veda of prayers and charms

Brahaspati

In Rig Veda it refers to the priest or the intermediate between god and men. Brahaspati is also the name of a Rishi who was the son of Rishi Angiras

Budha

The founder of Budhism and also considered as the ninth Avatar of Vishnu by some

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Chakram

Sudarsana Chakra. The Disc weapon that belongs to Lord Vishnu. It is normally seen in his right hand fore finger.

Chakravarti

Emperor, one who rules over a large area, a large circle – Chakra

Chalukya

Dynasty that ruled large parts of southern and central India between the 6th and the 12th centuries CE.

Chandikeswara

One of the 63 Nayanmars

Chanku

The Conch that is held on the left land of Lord Vishnu.

Chamunda

An emanation of the goddess Durga sent forth from her forehead to encounter the demons Chanda and Munda

Chandran

Moon, The moon god

Chera

The ruler of the area that covered present day Kerala and parts of Tamilnadu between c.3rd Century BC and 12th Century CE.

Chola

The Chola Dynasty was in power between c.3rd Century BC and 13th Century CE. Their early capitals were Poompuhar, Urayur, Tiruvarur and medival capital were Pazhaiyaarai, Thanjavur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram. At different points of time their rule extended to India, Sri lanka, Maldives, Malaysia and Indonesia. They built many grand temples and converted many to stone structures too.

Chitragupta

A scribe and recorder in the abode of Yama, the god of death

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Daksha

The references to him are conflicting and many. He is considered as one borne out of the right thumb of Brahma. He is said according to different versions to have had about 60 daughters through Prasuti. They were given in marriage to various gods including 27 to the Moon God who in turn became the 27 stars. One of his daughters Sati was given in marriage to Lord Shiva

Daityas

Titans, the race of gigantic demons who constantly warred with Gods and interfered in the Holy Sacrifices

Dantaka

The forests between the rivers Godavari and Narmada

Damodara

A name of Lord Krishna, because he was tied with a rope (dhama) around his belly (udhara) by his foster mother

Dasaratha

A prince of the Solar Race, King of Ayodhya, Son of Aja, a descendant of Ishwaku and father of Lord Rama

Darshan

Becoming visible, appearance of a holy being.

Dattatreya

Son of Sage Atri and Anusuya. A portion each of the Holy Trinity of Hinduism were incarnate in this form

Deivikam

A deity in a temple installed and worshiped by the Gods.

Deva

God, also refers to the celestial beings

Deva Nagara

A town which is established around a major temple

Devaki

Wife of Vasudeva and mother of Lord Krishna

Devaloka

The World of Gods

Devarishi

Sages of the Celestial Class such as Sage Narada

Devata

God, refers generally to all the inferior gods

Devayani

Daughter of Sage Shukra

Devi

Goddess, Great Goddess and wife of Lord Shiva

Dhanurveda

Science of Archery, Military Art

Dhanwantri

The physician of the Gods, produced during the churning of the oceans

Dharma

An ancient Sage who married 13 of Daksha’s daughters. His numerous progeny were personifications of intelligence, virtuosity and religiously incline, were married to the authors of Hindu religious codes and morals – the origin of the word Dharma

Dharmaraja

Son of Dharma, refers to Yudhistra, the eldest of the 5 Pandava Princes

Dhoop

Incense.

Digambara

A name of Lord Shiva, a naked mendicant

Dik Pariksha

Determining the cardinal directions which each shrine, deity or building should face based Agamas and Vastu Shastra.

Drona

Dronacharya, the supreme teacher of the Kaurava and Pandava Princes of Mahabaratha. Drona means a bucket – a reference to his father, Sage Bharadwaja, creating him in a bucket

Dravidian

The country where originally the Tamil language was spoken. All of present day Tamilnadu.

Draupadi

Daughter of Draupada, King of Panchala and wife of the five Pandava Princes of the Epic Mahabaratha

Durga

Wife of Lord Shiva

Duryodhana

The eldest of the 100 Kaurava Princes and the chief villain in Mahabaratha

Dwajasthambam

The post in front of the temple where a main lamp is lit

Dwaraka

One of the 7 sacred cities, the capital city of Lord Krishna. Situated in present day Gujarat. The city is believed to have been submerged by the sea after Krishna’s death

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Gajaprastha Vimaana

Sanctum Sanctorum with the shape and look of a seated elephant.

Ganapati

Ganesha, Elephant headed son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. He is considered the remover of obstacles and always invoked before anything is started.  His standalone small temples are the most seen in Tamilnadu, literally anywhere and everywhere. He is the most favorite God of India

Ganapathiyam

Worship of Lord Ganesha

Gandha

Sandal Paste

Gandharva

Dwellers of the sky. One of their duties was to prepare the Soma juice. They were fond of women. they are also considered as the ones who were singers and musicians who attended the banquets of the Gods

Garbagriham

Sanctum Sanctorum where the main deity is installed in a temple

Girija

Mountain born, a name of Lord Shiva’s wife

Gayatri

A sacred verse of the Rig Veda, the duty of every Brahmin to chant it morning and evening. Also the name of Brahma’s wife Savitri, the mother of the 4 Vedas

Gautami

Another name of Goddess Durga

Gautamesa

Lord of Gautama, one of the names of the 12 important Shiva Lingam

Gautama

A great sage whose wife Ahalya was seduced by Lord Indra and cursed by him in Hindu mythology. Gotama, Gautama is the founder of Nyaya School of Philosophy and author of Dharma Shastra or Law Book

Gauri

The name of Lord Shiva’s wife, meaning yellow or brilliant

Garuda

The mount of Lord Vishnu. It is depicted as half man and half eagle and found installed in all Vishnu Temples facing the Lord.

Ganga

Ganges, the most sacred river in the World which originates in the icy Himalayas and meets the Bay of Bengal traversing 2525 Kilometers. Mythically, the river Ganges is said to have originated from the head locks of Lord Shiva in Mount Kailash

Gita

Bhagavad Gita – Song of the Divine One. Spoken in poetical form by Lord Krishna to Arjuna in the great war of Mahabaratha expounding philosophical doctrines. The Gita has been translated into almost all the languages of the World

Gnana

Full and firm realization of truth

Gnazhar Kovil

Temples built with the wood from Gnazhar trees (large shade giving trees) and or built under the shade of the Gnazhar tree fall under this category

Gokula

Pastoral lands adjoining the Yamuna where Lord Krishna spent his childhood

Go

Cow

Gopuram

The multi-tiered entrance gateway to a temple. There could be more than one in larger temples and ranges from 1- 13 stories or tiers.

Gopis (plural)

Gopika. The cowherd damsels with whom Lord Krishna played and spent his youthful days. The nude Gopis looking up at Krishna on a tree top with their clothes is a standard depiction in many Vaishnavite Temple Gopurams and Vimaanas.

Gopala

Cow keeper, a name of Lord Krishna as he spent his days of youth as a cowherd in Brindavan

Govinda

Cow Keeper, a name of Lord Krishna

Graha

Planet

Grahanam

Eclipse, the power that creates eclipses

Govardhana

A mountain in Vrindavan which was worshiped on Lord Krishna’s behest by the local cowherds. Krishna lifted up this mountain on his little finger to protect them against a deluge created out of anger by Lord Indra

Gramadevata

Village deity

Guha

A name of the God of War

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Hanuman

Anjaneya, the much celebrated Monkey King, son of Vayu (god of wind), devotee and loyal aide of Lord Rama. He occupies a big role in Ramayana, strong, could fly and perform unimaginable tasks with ease

Hara

A name of Lord Shiva

Harihara

The combined reference and form of Shiva and Vishnu

Haridwar

The Gate of Hari, the place where the Ganges breaks out of the mountains. One of the holy places of pilgrimage in India

Hari

A name of Lord Vishnu

Hastinapura

The capital city in Mahabaratha for which the great war was fought. The ruins are said to be traceable to a spot near Delhi where the Ganga flowed in ancient times

Hayagriva

Horse necked. Two versions are heard. One is the Avatar of Lord Vishnu which he took to retrieve the Vedas stolen by two Daityas. The other one is of a horse headed Asura who stole the Vedas from the mouth of a sleeping Lord Brahma, subsequently killed by Lord Vishnu and retrieved

Hindu

Hindus (plural). People who regard themselves as culturally, ethnically, or religiously adhering to aspects of Hinduism.

Hinduism

Way of life. Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world. It is also called as Sanatana Dharma, “the eternal tradition” or the “eternal way”.

Homa

Fire ritual for the worship of Agni, the god of fire.

Hoysala

The Hoysala empire ruled most of the what is now Karnataka between the 10th and the 14th centuries CE. Their skills in temple building exhibit an amazing display of sculptural finesse and excellence.

Homa Kunda

Pit in which the fire worship is performed.

Hrishikesa

A name of Krishna, Vishnu

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Ilang Kovil

A temple with the deity under a Mantapa with all four sides open is an Ilang Kovil. Some place the temporary arrangements made for deities during the renovation or expansion of a temple also in this category.

Indra

The King of the Devas. God of the Atmosphere. He is ranked first in the Vedas.

Indraprastha

Capital of the Pandu princes of Mahabaratha, supposedly near Delhi. The name is still used for a part of Delhi.

Ishwara

Eeshwara, name of Lord Shiva

Isana

Eesan, Isan –  a name of Lord Shiva or Rudra.

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Jagan Mata

Mother of the World. A name of Lord Shiva’s Wife, Parvati.

Jagan Natha

Lord of the World. A name of Lord Vishnu.

Jamadagni

Father of Parashurama, an Avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Janaka

King of Mithila, father of Sita and father in law of Lord Rama.

Janardhana

Adored by Mankind. A name of Lord Krishna.

Jaras

Old age. The name is attached to the hunter who killed Lord Krishna unwittingly.

Jata Veda

A vedic epithet of Fire.

Jatayu

The king of Vultures. The bird killed in a fight by Ravana while kidnapping Sita. Jatayu attained salvation in the lap of Lord Rama.

Jayanta

Son of Indra

Jayanti

Daughter of Indra

Jishnu

A name of Arjuna

Jyotirlingam

“Radiant Lingam. The Jyotirlingam temples are the ones where Lord Shiva is belived to have appeared as a pillar of Fire or light. The twelve
Jyothirlingam temples are:
Somnath, Gujarat
Mallikarjuna – Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Mahakaleswar – Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Omkareshwar – Madhya Pradesh
Kedarnath – Uttrakhand
Bhimashankar – Pune, Maharashtra
Vishwanath Temple – Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Tryambakeshwar – Nashik, Maharashtra
Baidyanath Temple – Deoghar District, Jharkhand
Aundha Nagnath – Hingoli, Maharashtra
Rameshwara – Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu”

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Kaikeyi

One of the three wives of King Dasaratha, father of Lord Rama. She enforced the boon granted by Dasaratha to exile Rama with the thought of crowning her son Baratha as the King.

Kailash

Kailasa, the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva. A mountain in the Himalayas north of Lake Manasarovar. Thousands undertake the holy journey to this mountain every year.

Kaala

Time. Also a name of Yama, the god/judge of death.

Kaali

Kali, Black, Kalika, a name of Goddess Kali, consort of Lord Shiva. The Kalika Purana is the series of writings dedicated to the recommendations of the Worship of Kaali.

Kali

Kali, Kaliyuga, the period of evil. The present period as per the Hindu Yugas (periods).

Kalidasa

A great poet and dramatist. His period is debated between about 55 BC and about 5th Century CE.

Kalinga

The eastern coastal region between the Mahanadi and the Godavari rivers sometimes extending more. It occupied parts of present day Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Its period is estimated from as early as 3rd Century BC. The region has been occupied and ruled by different rulers from time to time.

Kaliya

The 5 headed Serpent King who lived in a deep pool in Yamuna and exuded fire and poisonous smoke from his mouth. Lord Krishna overcame the serpent, dancing on its head and made him and his followers repair to the sea. The episode is called Kaliyamardhana.

Kalki

A white horse and its rider, the 10th Avatar of Lord Vishnu which is yet to appear in the world.

Kakatiya

The Kakatiya dynasty had its capital at Orugallu, now known as Warangal and ruled between 1163 and 1323 CE.

Kama

Kamadeva, the God of Love.

Kamadhenu

The sacred cow which sanctions all desires and is a perennial provider. She is supposed to be a product of the churning of the ocean in search of Amrut by the Devas and Asuras.

Kamakshi

A form of Devi, Lord Shiva’s wife. The presiding deity of the famous Kamakshi temple in Kancheepuram

Kanchi, Kancheepuram

One of the 7 sacred cities of India and the capital of the ancient Pallava Kings.

Karakovil

Temples designed based on Chariots

Karthikeya

Skanda, Muruga. God of war, son of Lord Shiva. He is particularly fondly worshiped in Tamilnadu. His temples are many and the most important are the 6 Aarupdaiveedu temples.

Kamsa

Maternal uncle of Lord Krishna, a tyrant king who imprisons Krishna’s parents. Subsequently killed by Krishna.

Kasi

The holy city, Benares or Varanasi.

Katyayani

A name of Goddess Durga.

Kaumaram

Worship of Skanda

Kaumodaki

The Mace of Lord Krishna presented by Agni, the god of fire.

Kauravas

The 100 sons of King Drisdrashtra and cousins of the Pandavas in the Mahabaratha Epic.

Kesava

Of bountiful hair, a name of Lord Krishna.

Ketu

The descending node or tail, considered the ninth planet in Hindu Astronomy.

Kishkinta

The Kingdom of the monkey King Vali killed by Lord Rama and given to his brother Sugriva. The place is considered to be near today’s Mysore city in Karnataka.

Kokkudi Kovil

Temples which are surrounded by Jasmine (or similar fragrant flowering) creepers are said to fall under this category.

Kosala

The country with Ayodhya as its capital and the epicenter of the Ramayana.

Kotari

Kothavi, a naked woman. The name is also applied to Goddess Durga.

Kovil

Tamil word for Temple

Krishna

Black. Krishna is the 8th Avatar of Lord Vishnu and a celebrated hero and god of India. He plays a prominent role in the Mahabaratha.

Krita Yuga

The first age of the World. a period considered to be about 1,750,000 years ago.

Koorma Avatar

The 2nd Avatar of Lord Vishnu where he takes the form of a Tortoise to support Mount Mandara which was used for churning the ocean for Amrut.

Kurukshetra

The battlefield where the Pandavas vanquished the Kauravas in the Mahabaratha. The place is considered to be the plains near Delhi.

Kuvera

Kubera, the God of Wealth.

Kusa

One of the twin sons of Lord Rama and Sita. The other is Lava.

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Lakshmana

Half brother of Lord Rama and son of King Dasaratha through his wife Sumitra.

Lakshmi

Goddess of good fortune and prosperity. Wife of Lord Vishnu. She has many other forms and names including 8 which form the Ashtalakshmi concept.

Lava

One of the twin sons of Lord Rama and Sita. The other is Kusa.

Lingam

Linga, Shivalinga, the form in which Lord Shiva is worshiped. Its consists of a bottom (representing Lord Brahma), flat base middle portion (Aavudayar, representing Lord Vishnu), a cylindrical upper portion representing Lord Shiva himself.

Lopamudra

Wife of Sage Agastya. He secretly created her from the most beautiful of creatures, placed her as the daughter of the King of Vidarbha and secured her hand.

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Madakovil

Temple built on an elevated platform

Madapalli

Temple Kitchen

Mahadeva

The Great God, a name of Lord Shiva.

Mahadevi

The Great Goddess, a name of Parvati, Lord Shiva’s wife.

Maha Purusha

A great or supreme male, also a name of Lord Vishnu.

Maha Purana

The Great Puranas, epics.

Maha Pralaya

Total destruction of the Universe.

Maha Kavya

The 6 great poems – Raghuvansa, Kumarasambhava, Meghaduta, Kiratarjuniya, Sisuphalavadha, Naishada Charitra

Mahakala

Great Time. A name of Lord Shiva.

Mallikarjuna

A name of Lord Shiva. Also one of the 12 Jyotirlingams.

Mahisha, Mahishasura

A demon killed by Lord Skanda. Also a demon killed by Goddess Durga.

Maheshwara

A name of Lord Shiva.

Mahendra

A name of Lord Indra

Mahabhagavata

Book describing the stories of Gods.

Maha Yogi

A great ascetic, also a name of Lord Shiva.

Mahatmya

The legend or greatness of a Holy Place.

Maharishi

The great Rishis or Saints.

Mandara

The mountain used by the gods to churn the ocean in their quest for Amrut.

Mandakini

The arm of the Ganges river that flows through Kedarnath.

Manasarovar

The holy lake Manasa in the Himalayas near Mount Kailash.

Mani Kovil

A temple with the roof (Vimaanam) built in the shape of a temple bell.

Manusham

Deity installed for worship by Kings, Philanthropists or Devotees.

Mangalasasanam

Rendering of Hymns in praise of Lord Vishnu by the Azhwars

Markandeya Purana

A Purana containing 9000 verses narrating everything that is right and wrong.

Markandeya

A great sage renowned for his austerities and great age. He is the author of Markandeya Puranam.

Manu

The Man – refers to the mythological progenitors of mankind.

Manmatha

A name of Kama, God of Love.

Mantra

Sacred words imbued with power

Matsya Avatar

The first Avatar of Lord Vishnu as a Fish to conduct the Ark during a natural destruction of the world.

Mathura

One of the 7 Holy cities, Mathura is located on the banks of River Yamuna and was the birthplace of Lord Krishna.

Mekala

Name of a mountain from which the Narmada River is said to rise.

Meru

A mountain in the center of Earth on which is the abode of Lord Indra.

Menaka

A beautiful celestial nymph sent to seduce Sage Viswamitra.

Mithila

Country of King Janaka, Sita’s father, corresponding to today’s Tirhut and Puraniya in Bihar.

Moovar

Thirunavukkarasar, Thirugnanasambandar and Sundarar, the three great saivite saints. The temples/deities where they have rendered devotional Hymns are 275 and these are called ‘Paadal Petra Sthalams”

Moksha

Liberation, final emancipation of the soul from the cycle of births and deaths.

Mukti

Liberation from mortal life.

Murari

A reference to Lord Krishna. Foe of Demon Mura.

Murti

Main deity in a temple. There are different styles of Murtis – Saumya Murti (graceful with serene facial expressions), Bhoga Murti (seated or standing embracing consorts), Yoga Murti (seated meditative posture), Ugra Murti (ferocious expressions and angry postures).

Muni

Sage

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Nada

Musical Sound

Naga

Snake, Cobra, Mythical cobra with a human head, multiheaded.

Naivedyam

Food offering to God

Nandi

The bull mount of Lord Shiva.

Naga Loka

Nether World of the Snakes.

Nagara

City. Refers to the 7 holy cities that are believed to provide eternal happiness – Ayodhya, Mathura, Gaya, Kasi, Kanchi, Avanti, Dwaraka

Nara

The original eternal Man

Narada

One of the 7 great Rishis. Also the author of Narada Dharmasasthra.

Narasimha Avatar

The 4th Avatar of Lord Vishnu where he appears as half man and half lion to kill the Asura Hiranyakashipu.

Navaratna

The nine gems – Pearl, Ruby, Topaz, Diamond, Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, Coral, Saphire and an unidentified gem (go meda).

Narayana

Son of Nara, the Eternal Man. Refers to Vishnu

Navagraha

9 planets that are worshiped together as the Navagraha (Nava – Nine, Graha – Planets). They are Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, and the ascending and descending lunar nodes respectively called Rahu and Ketu.

Nayanmar

The 63 Saivite Saints who are called the ‘Hounds of Shiva’.

Nilakanta

Neelakanta, the blue throated. Refers to Lord Shiva who acquired a blue throat after consuming poison.

Nishkala

Deities with formless form (rupa-arupa) like the Shiva Lingam.

Nithyapuja Vidhaanam

Commencing the daily poojas to the deities after consecration following the Agamas.

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Om

A sacred sound and spiritual icon that has different meanings. This monosyllable is uttered before and after mantras and is written at the beginning and end of ancient manuscripts.

Omkara

Om. Refers to one of the 12 Jyotirlingams – Omkaralingam.

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Paadal Petra Sthalam

The 275 temples/deities where at least one of the Moovar (Three -Thirunavukkarasar, Thirugnanasambandar and Sundarar) have rendered devotional Hymns – Thevaram.

Padma

Padmavati, a name of Goddess Lakshmi.

Padmam

Lotus

Pallava

Dynasty that existed from 275 CE to 897 CE with their capital as Kancheepuram. Their rule extended from mid to north of Southern India. Many early cave and monolithic temples were built by them, the most famous are at the UNESCO site at Mahabalipuram near Chennai.

Panchabhoota

The five elements – earth, water, fire, air, ether. The Panchabhoota Temples of Lord Shiva are Earth – Kancheepuram Ekambareswarar. Water – Jambukeswara, Thiruvanaikaval. Fire – Arunachaleswara, Thiruvannamalai. Air – Kalahastheeswara, Kalahasthi. Ether – Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram

Panchaloka

Originally an alloy of five metals – Gold, Silver, Copper, Zinc and Lead used to create idols. Gold and Silver are replaced today with Tin and Iron.

Panchavati

A place near the source of the river Godavari, where Lord Rama is said to have spent time. Could be somewhere near present day Nashik.

Pandava

Pandava, plural- Pandavas. 5 Sons of King Pandu of the great epic Mahabaratha.

Pandya

The Pandya Kings ruled parts of Southern India (Tamilnadu, Kerala and parts of Karnataka and Andhra) from at least 4th Century BC till about the first half of the 16th century CE. Their early capital was Korkai, a seaport on the southernmost tip of India and later moved to Madurai. Their symbol is the Fish.

Panini

The famous author of Paniniyam, the standard authority on Sanskrit Grammar.

Paramatma

The supreme soul of the universe.

Parasara

A Rishi of the Vedic period to whom some of the Rig Veda hymns are attributed.

Parivara Devata

The Inferior Gods who are support providers to the main deities and found enshrined in their temples.

Prajapati

Lord, progenitor, creator of all creatures. Generally applied to Brahma.

Prahlad

A staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. Son of Asura Hiranyakashipu who was slain by Lord Vishnu in his Narasimha Avatar.

Pitamaha

Paternal Grandfather. A name of Brahma, the father of all. Refers to Bhishma of Mahabaratha also.

Patanjali

The founder of the Yoga philosophy and author of Mahabashya who lived in the around 200 – 100 BC.

Patala

The nether regions inhabited by Nagas.

Parvati

Mountaineer. Name of the wife of Lord Shiva.

Parthasarathy

Partha – Arjuna. Sarathy – Charioteer. Name of Lord Krishna who was the Charioteer of Arjuna in the Mahabaratha War.

Partha

Son of Kunti. Refers to the three elder Pandavas, especially to Arjuna.

Parijata

The holy tree that was a product of the churning of the ocean for amrut and kept in Indra’s abode.

Parasurama

The 6th Avatar of Lord Vishnu. A sage with an Axe as his weapon to uphold the right.

Perunkovil

Big Temple, Large Temple with large encompassed areas and towers.

Pooja

Puja, Vedic ritual for the worship of God

Prithvi

Earth

Pradaksina

Circumbulation of an idol or a temple clockwise, turning around clockwise in front of an idol as part of prostration.

Prakaram

The wide corridors inside the temple campus. There can be many depending on the size of the temple. They would start from the outermost to the innermost. The outermost ones could also have human dwellings as in the Srirengam Temple.

Prakrti

Nature with its quality of creation and destruction

Pralaya

Dissolution of the World at the end of a period.

Prasada

Offering to God which we get back after it has been blessed or gift given by a holy being or after the worship is over.

Pundarikaksha

Lotus Eyed. A name of Lord Vishnu.

Purana

Old, Legendary. Thus the stories and epics of olden days are called Purana, Puranas (plural), Puranam.

Purushotama

The best of men. Supreme soul. A name of Lord Vishnu

Purusha

Man. The eternal man.

Pushpaka

A large aerial vehicle. The  Pushpaka Vimaana of the Ramayana which belonged to Kubera and stolen by Ravana. Lord Rama used it to transport his entire retinue to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.

Pushkara

Blue Lotus. A holy tank.

Pushkarini

The holy water tank of the temple.

Pushpa

Flower

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Radha

A consort of Lord Krishna. Considered to be a reincarnation of Goddess Lakshmi.

Raga

Musical Modes.

Raghava

Descendant of Raghu, a king of the solar race. A name of Lord Rama.

Rahu

Ascending Node of the Hindu astronomy. Rahu is the cause of eclipses and considered as a planet.

Rajagopuram

Main Tower at the main entrance of the Temple. It is usually the tallest, but in a few temples like the Madurai Shiva Temple all are the same height.

Rakshasa

Plural – Rakshasas. Evil spirits, beings

Rama

Lord Rama. Son of Dasaratha and hero of the epic Ramayana. The 7th Avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Ramayana

The story of Lord Rama.

Rambha

A beautiful nymph produced during the churning of the ocean for Amrut. Considered the ideal beauty.

Rameswara

Lord of Rama. A name of Lord Shiva who was worshiped by Rama. One of the 12 Jyotirlingams.

Ratha

Monolith stone temples. Typical examples are the ones found in Mahabalipuram.

Rati

Wife of Kama, the god of Love. The goddess of sexual pleasures.

Ravana

The demon king of Sri Lanka, the villain of Ramayana who abducted Sita, wife of Lord Rama and was eventually killed by Rama.

Rig Veda

Rig Veda is considered the original Veda, the Vedas are the holy writings which form the root of Hinduism. It is divided into 10 Mandalas and has references to various deities or elements with Agni (fire coming first).

Rishi

Sage. The 7 Rishis are called as Prajapati’s, mind borne sons of Brahma – Goutama, Bharadwaja, Vishwamitra, Jamadagni, Vasishta, Kashyapa and Atri.

Rudra

Terrible. He is mentioned in the Vedas by various attributes and names including Mahadeva in the Yajur Veda. These could be the seeds which developed later into Lord Shiva.

Rukmini

Princess of Vidarbha who was in love with Lord Krishna. She was abducted and married by Krishna as her brother, a friend of Kamsa, fixed up her marriage with Sisupala.

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Sakala

The deity of the temple with a human form.

Sakala Nishkala

The deity of the temple with a human form (Sakala) and formless form (Nishkala) combination

Sakthi

Shakti, Sakti – the female energy of a male deity especially of Lord Shiva.

Saivism

Worship of Lord Shiva.

Salagrama

An ammonite stone found in the River Gandak in Nepal which is sacred and worshiped as its form is considered typical of Lord Vishnu. It is valued based on the number of spirals and perforations on it.

Sama Veda

The third Veda containing 1549 verses which are chanted during sacrifices or offerings to Soma, Agni, Indra.

Samhara

Destruction

Sampati

Son of Lord Vishnu’s bird mount Garuda and brother of Jatayu. This bird was an ally of Lord Rama during the war with Ravana.

Saptha Madar

The 7 consorts of the Gods. Brahmi (Lord Brahma), Maheshwari (Maheshvara), Kaumaari (Kumara), Vaishnnavi (Vishnu), Vaaraahi (Varaha), Aindri (Indra), Chamundi (Shiva)

Sani

The planet Saturn. His influence is evil.

Sankaracharya

Religious reformer and teacher of the Vedanta Philosophy who lived in the 8th or 9th century CE. He established monasteries which still continue to function very effectively. He has many writings to his credit including the Bhashyas or commentaries on other literary works and the Ananda Lahiri in praise of Parvati, Lord Shiva’s consort.

Sanyasi

Religious mendicant who subsist only on basics of life. Mostly devotees of Lord Shiva.

Saraswati

A holy river mentioned in the Vedas. It is not present today and people consider she merges with the Ganga and Yamuna at their confluence as an underground river. Recent geological evidence confirms the presence of a river around the same geographic area in ancient days which subsequently changed course,  drained into others or dried up.

Sastra

Authoritative treatise, rules, standard practices.

Satavahana

The Satavahana Dynasty was based in the Deccan region of India and is believed to have begun in 1st Century BC and lasted until the 2nd Century CE The region mainly comprised of the present-day Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra extending to parts of modern Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka at times. The dynasty had different capital cities at different times, including Pratishthana (Paithan) and Amaravati (Dharanikota).

Sati

Daughter of Daksha and wife of Lord Shiva. Because of the quarrel and enmity between her father and husband she is believed to have committed suicide by Sati (self immolation in a pyre).

Savitri

Gayatri. Generator. A name used in the Vedas for the Sun. Savitri is the  name of the lover of Satyavan whom she married despite knowing he had only one year to live. Upon his death she persisted on Yama to reinstate him.

Shikara

Roof or Vimaana of the Sanctum sanctorum (Garba Griha)

Siddhas

Siddhas (Plural of Siddhar).  A class of semi-divine beings of great purity and holiness. Mostly devotees of Lord Shiva, some follow Buddhism and some are practitioners of natural medicine. Their numbers are varying, but the principal among them are about 18 in Tamilnadu. There are disputes in this and it is common to see many names and versions.

Sidhantha

Any scientific work on astronomy or mathematics.

Shilpa Sastra

The science of Mechanics including Architecture.

Simhadwara

Lion Entrance – the main entrance of the temple

Sita

Daughter of Janaka, King of Mithila. Wife of Lord Rama. The Ramayana to a large portion centers around her abduction by Ravana and the subsequent events.

Siva, Shiva

The god of destruction. One of the holy trinity of Hinduism. He is worshiped in the form of a Lingam mostly. The name is supposedly evolved from Rudra, which comes up in the Vedas.

Sloka

Verse

Soma

Milky juice of the Soma plant (Asclepias acida). Its exhilarating qualities were appreciated by the priests and gods alike. It occupies a large space in the Rig Veda. Soma is a name of the Moon also.

Sthapathi

Temple Architect

Sugriva

Brother of monkey King Vaali. He was crowned King by Lord Rama after killing Vaali in a deceitful way. Sugriva was an important ally of Rama in the war against Ravana.

Sthapathi

Temple Architect

Sukra

The planet Venus.

Surya

Sun. Sun God.

Sutra

Rule. Technical language transmitting rules down. Sutras are available for almost all subjects.

Swayambu

Suyambu. Self occurring. A name of Brahma, but generally applied to any deity which has naturally occurred  – mostly Shiva Lingams.

Swarga

Heaven. The abode of Lord Indra, other inferior gods and beatified mortals, considered to be in Mount Meru.

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Tantra

Ritual. Mostly religious rituals performed for the female form, Sakthi (consort of Lord Shiva).

Tapas

Penance, Austerity

Tatwa

Principle, Concept

Theertha

Liquid (like water, milk) which is distributed after having been poured over the deity during the worship. Also the water that is taken from the holy sources, temple tanks etc.

Thirumurai

A collection of Saivite literature and hymns that comprise 12 volumes.

1 – 3 : Tirukadaikkappu by Thirugnanasambandar (7th Century CE)
4 – 6 : Thevaram by Thirunavukkarasar (7th Century CE)
7 : Thirupaattu by Sundarar (8th Century CE)
8 : Thiruvasakam and Thirukkovaiyar by Manickavasagar (9th Century CE)
9 : Thiruvisaippa & Thiruppallaandu by Thirumalikaittever, Senthanar, Karuvurttevar, Nambikatava Nambi, Gandaraditya, Venattatikal, Tiruvaliyamutanar, Purutottama Nambi, Setirayar
10 : Thirumandiram by Tirumoolar (8th Century CE)
11 : Prabandham by Karaikkal Ammaiyar, Cheraman Perumal Nayanar, Pattinattu Pillaiyar, Nakkiratevar Nayanar, Kapilateva Nayanar, Thiruvalaviyudaiyar, Nambiyantar Nambi, Iyyadigalkatavarkon Nayanar, Kalladateva Nayanar, Paranateva Nayanar, Ellamperuman Adigal, Athiravadigal
12 :  Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar (12th Century CE)

Treta Yuga

Second age of the World which was said to have lasted 1,296,000 years.

Triveni

Triple braid. Triveni Sangam – the confluence of three rivers, mostly refers to the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. But is a name associated with almost all confluences of major rivers in India.

Trisula

The Trident of Lord Shiva

Trimurti

The Holy Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

Trivikrama

Name of Lord Vishnu as used in the Rig Veda. Association to the three steps he took to conquer the 3 worlds (earth, atmosphere and sky). Also associated with the Vamana Avatar of Vishnu where he takes 3 steps.

Triyambaka

Three eyed. Refers to Lord Shiva with his 3 eyes. Also name of one of the 12 Jyotir Lingams.

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Ugra

Anger. Name of Rudra. Can be used to describe any deity in an angry form.

Uma

Light. Name of the consort of Lord Shiva.

Urvashi

Sensuous celestial nymph mentioned first in the Rig Veda. Later mentions refer to her beauty being used to try and seduce great sages.

Upendra

A title given to Lord Krishna by Indra.

Upavedas

Upavedas (plural). The subordinate or inferior Vedas.

Upanishad

Esoteric Doctrine. The third division of the Vedas attached to the Brahmana portion. It is thought that the oldest might date back to the 6th Century BC. Its object is to ascertain the mystic text of the Vedas.

Umapati

Husband of Uma, Lord Shiva.

Utsavamurti

The processional deity of a temple.

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Vahana

Vehicle. Mounts of Gods.

Vaishnavism

Worship of Lord Vishnu.

Varaha

The 3rd Avatar of Lord Vishnu where he appears as a Boar.

Varada

Bestower of boons. A name of Devi and Saraswati.

Vamana

The 5th Avatar of Lord Vishnu where he comes as a dwarf.

Valmiki

A sage who authored the Ramayana. He also took the banished Sita into his hermitage where Lord Rama’s sons Lava and Kusha grew up.

Vajra

The thunderbolt weapon of Indra

Vaikunta

The paradise of Lord Vishnu. Believed to be in the oceans up north or in Mount Meru.

Vaijayanti

The necklace of Lord Vishnu with 5 precious gems – pearl, ruby, emerald, sapphire and diamond.

Vaidyanatha

Lord of Physicians. A title of Lord Shiva and name of one of the 12 Jyotir Lingams.

Varuna

God of the sky.

Vasudeva

Father of Krishna. A name of Lord Krishna also derived from his all pervading presence and appearing from a divine womb.

Vasishta

Wealthy. Celebrated Vedic age Sage and one of the 7 great Rishis. He was the owner of a cow that provides everything – Nandini.

Vastra

Dress, Cloth

Vastu Shastra

The science of building dwellings and other buildings.

Veda

Diving knowledge. Holy writings which are the foundations of the Hindu Religion. The Vedas are four – Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Saama Veda and Atharva Veda.

Vayu

Air, Wind. God of Wind.

Vatsyayana

A sage who was the author of the famous Kamasutra and Nyayabasha.

Vedanta

Orthodox school of philosophy.

Vedanga

Member of the Vedas. The 6 subjects crucial to study for reading, understanding and employment of the Vedas – pronunciation, metre, grammar, glossary, astronomy, ceremonial.

Vedamatri

The Gayatri. Mother of the Vedas.

Venkata, Venkatadri

The holy hill of Vishnu Worship – Tirupati.

Vigraha Patishta Vidhaanam

The rules and processes of installing the deities in a temple

Vijayanagara

Originally called Vidya Nagara (city of learning). Capital of the last great Hindu Dynasty of the south. Later altered to Vijaya (victory).

Vimana

The roof portion of the sanctum sanctorum.

Vetala

Ghost or goblin, haunts cemeteries and animates dead bodies.

Virupaksha

Deformed Eyes. A name of Lord Shiva with 3 eyes.

Virabadhra

Son or emanation of Lord Shiva created from his mouth. The object of his creation being to stop Daksha’s sacrifice and scare away the guests.

Viswamitra

A celebrated sage and one of the 7 great Rishis.

Viswakarma

Architect of the Universe credited with creating the divine cities, abodes and even the weapons of the gods.

Vishnu

The god of preserving, sustenance. One of the Holy Trinity. His Avatars are the Dasavatara (10 Avatars).

Viswaroopa

Wearing all forms. A title of Lord Vishnu. The form is most famously represented during the presentation of Bhagavat Gita to Arjuna by Krishna before the Mahabaratha War.

Vyasa

Arranger. This title is given to many old authors and compilers, but especially applicable to Veda Vyasa, the arranger of the Vedas.

Visweswara

Lord of All. A name of Lord Shiva

Vrindavan

A wooded area near Mathura where Lord Krishna spent his youthful days.

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Yadava

The race in which Lord Krishna was born.

Yajna

Yagna, Yaga. Sacrifice.

Yajur Veda

The second Veda, priests book to perform sacrifices.

Yaksha

Class of supernatural, inoffensive beings serving Kubera.

Yamuna

A holy river that rises from the upper reaches of the lower Himalayas. Its confluence with the Ganges near Allahabad is the site for the Kumbh Mela which occurs once in 12 years. As per Mythology the river is the daughter of the Sun God through his wife Sanjna.

Yama

God of Death.

Yasoda

Foster mother of Lord Krishna.

Yoga

A school of philosophy that provides systematic studies to better oneself physically, mentally and spiritually.

Yuga

An age of the world – Krita Yuga, Trata Yuga, Dwapara Yuga, Kali Yuga. The total number of years as per this amounts to 4,320,000 and forms the Mahayuga. 2000 such Mahayugas make a Kalpa (a night and day of Brahma).

Yudishtra

Eldest of the five sons (Pandavas) of King Pandu.

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