Glossary Volume1

Arase Addressing the King . Arasan King Aanma Soul Aarathi A gesture of Welcome. Also a ritual  included in the numerous Upacharas of the Deities. Aasaane Form of addressing the Teacher  Cf  Aasaan Aasan Teacher , Guru. May also refer to Lord Siva who is the Greatest teacher Abacharam Sacrilege Abhayamudra  The hand  sign signifying protection to the devotee who has surrendered himself totally to the deity . Abhirami Another name of Devi Parvati Abhishekam Ritual bathing of the Murthis in the temple Adigalar Respectfull form of addressing an Adiyar Adiyarmanai House of the Adiyars   See Adiyavar, Adiyar  Mani meaning House/ Home Adiyen Servant, Slave  see also Adiyar Agraharam Street where Brahmins used to live in villages Aippasi A  month as per Tamil calander. Generally covers November-December Akka Elder Sister ;  May also refer to an elder female addressed out of respect. Alavai Sundaran         Refers to Lord Sundareswarar , the Presiding Lord in Madurai Ambal Devi Ammayappar Who is both mother and father . Ammai + Appar . Lord  Siva is referred to as Ammayappar . Also because He takes the form of Ardhanareeswarar, having Umayal as His left half. Amrit Heavenly nector. Believed to be most delicious and giver of eternal life. Amudham See Amrit Anadai An orphan Anadhi   The one with out a beginning or end Andhadhi/ Tiruvandhadhi A form of poetical composition in Tamil. Annadhana Chatram A choultry where free food is served for the needy Annai Amma, Ammai, Thai are the variants. Refers to Lord Siva's consort Devi Parvati.                Ammaye, Annaye, Thaye, Thayee are the ways of addressing or hailing Devi. Among mortals Amma refers to own mother and in conversational context may refer to an elderly woman, a woman employer, Appan See Ayyan Aran Lord Siva.   The Sanskrit equvivalent is  Haran .   Arane! Addressing Aran Araneri Aalayam Temple at Araneri , a place near Tiruvaroor Arohara Hailing of  Lord Subramaiyam  Aroor Thiruvaroor Asramam Hermitage     May also include the place where the Guru teaches his disciples . Generally the disciples stay at the Asramam like in a boarding School. Asura Asuran, Asurar -  Demon  Oppnents of  Suras or Devas. Atharva Veda One of the Four Vedas Athimbare Brother-in-law (generally elder sister's husband) , also Paternal aunt's husband. Avvayyar A famous Tamil poetess devoted to Lord Subramanian or Murugan. Like Sage Agasthyar , she is supposed to have lived at varied times. Ayyan Appan, Easan, Iraivan, Mahesan are the variants. Refers to Lord Siva.                           Ayya, Ayyane, Appa, Appane, Easne, Iraiva, Iraivane, Mahesa are the ways of addressing or hailing the Lord.  In normal conversation among mortals Appa means father. Ayya might refer to a master or employer. Balagan  Boy, Youth, Teen  Bhoom Bhoom Sound of Conch Shells  or  Dundhubi a large  wind instrument Biksha Alms. "Bhavathi Biksham Dehi' is the cry for seeking alms in Sanskrit which means " Please Give me alams I am around here" Bikshadanar  Taking the form of a man  going around begging for alms. Brahmachari Unmarried man, Virgin Brahmin Brahmin  also called Brahmana  are traditional Hindu societies of India, Nepal and the Far East. It also refers to an individual belonging to the Hindu priest, artists, teachers, technicians class (varna or pillar of the society) and also to an individual belonging to the Brahmin tribe/caste into which an individual is born. Chandikeswarar Chandikeswarar is one of the 63 nayanars, Shaiva saints of the 7th-10th century. See Vol 2 Chozhanadu The Kingdom of Chola Crore A crore is a unit in the South Asian numbering system equal to ten million (10,000,000; which is  equal to a hundred lakh (a lakh is equal to one hundred thousand and is written as 100,000). Deeksha Diksa also spelled deeksha or deeksa in common usageis "preparation or consecration for a religious ceremony"/ is giving of a mantra or an initiation by the guru. Deepam Lamp Generally oil lamp in temples /es are called deepam Deeparadhani One of the Upacharas to the deity. Showing of a lighted lamp in front of the deity Devi Refer to Annai Dheerga Sumangali Remain unwidowed  for life. Dhonnai A cup made of dried  leaf / leaves Ganapathy Lord Ganesha,Ganesar, Ganesan-- refer to Son Of Siva , the elephant headed God Gangai River Goddess Ganges,   Ganga Devi Garudan The vahanam of Vishnu.  Garud is  member of the Kite family with white breast. Gnanambal One of the names of Devi implying Her Wisdom Gouthama Addressing Gouthaman Gurukkal  The priest in any Saivaite Temple is called as Gurukkal Kailayam See  Thirukailayam Kalaththi Sri Kalahasti.  One of the five Panchabootha Kshetram of Siva.  Wind / Air Kalikadevi Kali  a fierce form of Devi Parvati taken to destroy demonic forces. Karaikkal A city on the Eastern Coast of India . Used to be a very active trading port attracting traders from far east ,middle east and Greece. Kasu A Measure of currency. Kavadi The kavadi consists of two semicircular pieces of wood or steel which are bent and attached to a cross structure that can be balanced on the shoulders of the devotee. It is often decorated with flowers, peacock feathers (the vehicle of God Murugan) among other things. Kavi Poet Keeri pillay Mangoose Kolam  Flowery and geometrical patterns  done on the entrance of the house with rice powder.  A symbol of  auspiciousness Kovil  A Temple  , variant  Koil Kshatriyan Kshatriya, from (holder of) Kshatra (rule or authority), is one of the four varnas (social orders) of the Hindu society. Traditionally, Kshatriya constitute the ruling and military elite. Their role was to protect society by fighting in wartime and governing in peacetime. Kumkum Vermillion Kunchitapatar Nataraja  Loard Siva in His Dance Form. Mahale Form of address to a daughter or to a girl in parental affection. Mahane  Form of addressing a son  or an younger person with parental fondness. Cf  Mahale Mama Uncle. May also refer to Mamanar or father-in-law. May also refer to husband. Mandalam  A period of 45 days. Maragatham Emerald Moola Addressing the person named Moolan Moonjuru Mouse, shrew or rat  - The vahanam of Ganesha Mrigaseersham One of the stars of the constallation. Muhurtham Muhurtham (or Muhurat) is an auspicious time of a day, that is sought out before an event of great importance like marriage, buying a new vehicle, starting a new business, and so on. Muni   A  person, being a house holder and has taken to rigourous  austerities. Munipatni Wife of a Muni. Muniva Calling/ hailing a Muni Munivar Same as Muni. A respectful form of address. Munivare Addressing / Hailing a Munivar Murugan Also called Subramanya, Subramani, Muruga, Karthikeyan, Shanmughan and Shanmukha is the Hindu god of war, victory, wisdom and love. He is Commander of the gods. Son of the lord Shiva and Parvati, his brother is Ganesha and his wives are Valli and Deivayanai. Nagapattinam/ Nagai A city  on the  Eastern coast famous for trade. Nakshatram Star Namaskaram Noun - Prostration  Verb - form of greeting  cf Namste Nandiperuman Nandi - The divine vehicle or vhanam of Lord Siva,  The Sacred Bull Navukkarasar   Tirunavukkarasar ( King of the Tongue, Lord of Language"), also known as Appar "Father", was a seventh-century Śaiva Tamil poet-saint, one of the most prominent of the sixty-three Nayanars. He was an older contemporary of ThiruGnaanaSambandar. His birth-name was Marulneekkiyar: he was called "father" by Sambandar, hence the name Appar Neivedyam Meaning supplication, is food offered to a Hindu deity as part of a worship ritual, before eating it. As such, tasting during preparation or eating the food before offering it to God is forbidden. The food is placed before a deity and prayers are offered. Then the food is consumed as a holy offering. The offerings may include cooked food, sugarcane, and fruits. Vegetarian food is usually offered to the deity and later distributed to the devotees who are present in the temple. Paadal Poem, Song Padhapooja Worshipping the feet . It involves placing the feet of the seated guest/ elder/ Guru on a plate,washing it with water using own hands, drying it up later , applying turmeric , offering flowers etc. Panchaksharam Five lettered Namasivaya  in Tamil and Sanskrit has five letters. Panchayat A village Court composed of five jurers whose verdict is binding on all the parties concerned in a dispute.  Pandaram A Hindu ascetic mendicant of the Sudra or sometimes a lower caste. They generally make their living by taking alams from temples and other charitable institutions. Pandi Nadu The Country ruled by Pandya Kings. Panguni  The last  month in the Tamil Calander. Generally  covering March- April Pazhanamudhoor Alangadu A  place  in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu Pei A living being devoid of flesh  having only a skelital form.  As opposed to Ghost which is the form a soul takes after death of a human. Penne Addressing a Penn ( an unmarried girl) Peraa Addressing grand son . Peran - grand son Piththan  A mad cap. Poovayar Refers to young girls Pothigai A mountain range in Southern India Poyyamozhi Unfailing words or words that are uttered are never in vain. Prabho Addressing a superior  Oh! My Lord! Prasadam Literally, a gracious gift.  Prasadam includes Vibhuti. Kumkum,garland, flowers or any other edible item that has been offered to the deity. The recipient accepts the same and treats it as the deity's blessing.   Puja/Pujai Worship ;  Puja room refers to the room where deities are placed in a huse for worship. Punithavathiyar Form of respectful address of Punithavathi Pusam One of the stars of the constallation. Raja Gopuram The King's  Entrance or the main entrance to  a temple. Rasavadham Alchemy Saivite Followers of Lord Siva  Sakti Power . Also refers to Devi Parvati Salliya Tantra Sama Vedam One of the Four Vedas Samams Samanas Jains, followers of Jainism. Sambandhi The parents of Son=in-law / daughter-in-law Sannathi The place/ hall in front of sanctum sanctorum. Sanyasam Santhood , Forsaken worldly possessions Sarai Pambu A type of venemous snake Seedan Disciple,  Student   Cf Sishya Seevan Soul  Jeevan in sanskrit Siddhar A man who has mastered one or more of the  Ashtama Siddhis. Silambattam Stick fight Sishya Disciple,  Student   A sishya stays with his Guru till the completion of his studies. Siththan See Sidhdhar, Siththar Sivanadiar A mendicant follower of Lord Siva. Sivanar  Same as Sivanadiar Sooththiran Sudra  -one of the Varnas in the traditional four-section division in the Hindu caste system. Swati One of the 27  stars in the constallation. Swayambhu  Originated on its own. Self created. Tamboolam An offering of Betel leaves and areca nuts. Tamboolam is eaten after a major meal to aid in digestion as well as to act as  a mouth   freshener.   Thai Pongal An major festival of Tamil Nadu  in the Tamil Month of Thai -  In Mid January Thai Poosam The word Thaipusam is a combination of the name of the month, Thai, and the name of a star, Pusam. This particular star is at its highest point during the festival. The festival commemorates the occasion when Parvati gave Murugan a Vel "spear" so he could vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman. Thambi Younger Brother . Addressing a younger person with brotherly affection. Thanjai Thanjavur Tharugavanam  A forested place near Tiruvalangadu Thatha Grand father Thavam Penance Thaye Addressing mother  Thai Thirukailayam Kailasam, Kailas  are variants. The abode of Lord Siva in the Sivalokam, in the Heavenly Universe. Mt. Kailash in the Himalayas is in Bhulokam or Earth Thirumal Vishnu Thiruman Literally 'the sacred Earth'.   Vaishnavites apply on their forehead. Also called namam Thirumanthiram The poetic outpouring of Thirumoolar , poems composed by Thirumoolar Thiruneeru See Vibhuti Tholkappiar The author of Tholkappiam, a treatise on Tamil grammer and composition. Tiruvalangadu  See Pazhanamudhoor Alangadu Trisulam  Trident, A type of spear having three sharp heads. Udukkai It is an hourglass shaped, membranous drum used in devotional and folk music throughout India. Udumbu A vareity of monitor lizard known for its firm grip on whatever it catches with its four legs Upacharas Upacharas refers the articles offered to the Lord in worship. The upacharas are different aspects of service.  These are the items which are offered to a person to show respectful treatment.  All elements should be offered with love.In daily worship, one usually offers  sixteen  upacharas to the principal deity and more if the deity is in a temple. Other deities may be offered ten or five upacharas, depending on ones facilities and time.  It is to be understood that the offering of upacharas should be preceded by the purificatory rites of purvanga karma and followed by the concluding activities. Vada Vindai Expert repartee or wordplay Vaidhya sastram The Science of medical treatment Vaidhyan  See Vaidhyar Vaidhyar A doctor, Medical practitioner Vaidyar A doctor, Medical practitioner Vaikasi One of the Months in Tamil calender. Around May - Jun Vaishnavas Followers of Lord Vishnu. Vanikan Trader, Seller , Shop keeper Vanikar Person belonging to business/ trading community. Varma Sastram  Meaning "art of vital points". It is a component of traditional massage, medicine, and martial arts in which the body's pressure points (varma or marma) are manipulated to heal or cause harm. The healing application called vaidhiya murai is used to treat patients suffering from paralysis, nervous disorder, spondylitis and other conditions. Folklore traces varma kalai to  Shiva who is said to have taught to his son Murugan. While disguised as an old man, Murugan passed the knowledge of varmam to the sage Agastya who then recorded it and disseminated the skill among his students. Varnasramam  It is a social system is described in  Vedic literature of India and it is called Varnasrama dharma.The purpose of the Varnasrama social system is to provide a structure which allows people to work according to their natural tendencies and to organize society so that everyone, regardless of their position, makes spiritual advancement. Vasuki The reference is to an episode where kabuki, a highly chaste woman dares a powerful Siddha who gets angry at her for her delayed response. He had just prior to coming to her door step caused a crane to drop dead for duisturbing him,Vasuki , observing that the Siddha is losing his patience and going to curse her , punctures his ego by telling him that she is least afraid of his prowess. Vel Spear . The weapon of Murugan. Vennsadayon Refers to Lord Siva Vibhuti Sacred ash smeared on the forehead, and parts of the body.  See Thiruneeru Vilva tree Aegle marmelos, commonly known as bael, Bengal quince, golden apple, stone apple, wood apple, bili, is a species of tree native to India. The tree is sacred. It is used in the worship of Shiva, who is said to favor the leaves. The tri-foliate form of leaves symbolize the trident that Shiva holds in his right hand Vinayagar Another name for Ganesha . Literally means  one who removes all obstacles. Vratham Observance of a vow or vows Wuraiyur A City near Tiruchi. Once the Capital of Chola Kingdom. Yoga Nishtai Deep Yoga sleep   Deep meditation not disturbed by outside world. Cf Yoga Nidra