paccai
(Language: Tamil)
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This word refers to a custom followed in Southern (or Tamil) weddings in which a paste of kumkuma and oil is applied to the bride's face as well as to the groom's.
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padartha
(Language: Sanskrit)
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The meaning of a word or the thing corresponding to it; category or predicament.
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padarthabhavani
(Language: Sanskrit)
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The untainted awareness of the Self (Ātman).
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padma
(Language: Sanskrit)
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A lotus flower.
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Related Terms: Om mani padme hum |
palasa
(Language: Sanskrit)
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A tree bearing red flowers; Butea frondosa.
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palika
(Language: Sanskrit)
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The custom of germinating seeds, observed in ceremonies like caula, upanayana and marriage.
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pancakaccha
(Language: Sanskrit)
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Style of wearing the dhoti in which the pleats are tucked in.
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pancaksara
(Language: Sanskrit)
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Five-syllable mantra, "Namah Śivāya." Also Śiva-Pancākṣara.
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Related Terms: Siva-pancaksara |
pancama
(Language: Sanskrit)
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Literally, "the fifth caste." One who is outside the four varṇas.
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Related Terms: varna |
panguni-uttram tirukkalyanam
(Language: Tamil)
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In March-April when the full moon is usually conjoined with the asterism Uttara-Phalguni.
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panigrahana
(Language: Sanskrit)
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Marriage rite in which the groom takes the right hand of the bride in his.
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para-vidya
(alternate spellings: para vidya )
(Language: Sanskrit)
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Higher learning; learning related to the Self or the Ultimate Truth.
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Related Terms: apara vidya |
parabhakti
(Language: Sanskrit)
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“Supreme devotion” in Hinduism
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Parabrahma
(alternate spellings: Para-Brahma, Para-Brahman)
(Language: Sanskrit)
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The "supreme" (para) or ultimate Brahma, also called Brahma nirguṇa; the Absolute as such.
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Related Terms: Apara-Brahman |
paradesikkolam
(Language: Tamil)
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It is the same as Kasiyatra which (in Tamil Brahmin marriages) simulates the groom's journey to Kasi.
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paramahamsa
(Language: Sanskrit)
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A renunciate (saṃnyāsin) who attains to liberation in this life.
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Related Terms: kuteechaka (ku?icaka) bahoodaka (bahudaka) ha?sa |
Paramatma
(alternate spellings: Paramatman)
(Language: Sanskrit)
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The "supreme Self."
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Paripadal
(Language: Tamil)
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It is part of the Ettutogai ("Eight Anthologies)
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parisecana
(Language: Sanskrit)
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Sprinkling water; this is done at mealtime- water is sprinkled round the food before it is eaten.
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paroksha
(alternate spellings: paroksa)
(Language: Sanskrit)
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Indirect, mediate.
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Related Terms: aparok?a |
paropakara
(Language: Sanskrit)
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Philanthropy; serving others; humanitarian work.
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pasuram
(Language: Tamil)
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A devotional or mystic poem
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Pathasala
(Language: Sanskrit)
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A Vedic school.
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pathya
(Language: Sanskrit)
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What is suitable or what is liked; diet regimen during medical treatment.
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patigam
(Language: Tamil)
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A poem consisting of ten (or sometimes eleven) stanzas.
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patita-pavana
(alternate spellings: patitapavana)
(Language: Sanskrit)
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The Lord who sanctifies the sinner or raises him up.
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pativrata
(Language: Sanskrit)
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The chaste, devoted and loyal wife.
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pativratya
(Language: Sanskrit)
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Total and unquestioning devotion to the husband.
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Pattinattar
(Language: Tamil)
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A great siddha whose hymns are included in the eleventh Tirumurai (qv).
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Pattupattu
(Language: Tamil)
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It is a collection of Ten Songs
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pauranika
(Language: Sanskrit)
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One who is learned in the Purāṇas and gives discourses on them.
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Periyapuranam
(Language: Tamil)
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This 12th - century work of Sekkizhar (qv) forms the concluding part of the Tirumurai.
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Perumal
(Language: Tamil)
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The term usually refers to Visnu or any Vaisnava deity.
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pitri (s)
(Language: Sanskrit)
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Ancestors.
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Related Terms: shraddha |
pragrahana
(Language: Sanskrit)
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Receiving gifts.
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prajapati
(Language: Sanskrit)
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Literally, "Lord of creatures;" the forefather of all beings.
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prajna
(Language: Sanskrit)
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As (1) prājñā: A state of deep sleep; as (2) prajñā: Wisdom; pure consciousness.
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Related Terms: su?upti |
prakriti
(alternate spellings: prakrti)
(Language: Sanskrit)
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Literally, "making first."
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Related Terms: purusha materia prima |
prakrti
(alternate spellings: prakriti)
(Language: Sanskrit)
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In Hinduism, literally, “making first” ; the fundamental, “feminine” substance or material cause of all things
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pralaya
(Language: Sanskrit)
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“Dissolution”; Hindu teaching that all appearance is subject to a periodic process of destruction and recreation; see mahāpralaya.
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pramana
(Language: Sanskrit)
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Authority; source of knowledge; a measure or standard; perception.
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prana
(Language: Sanskrit)
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Vital breath.
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pranamaya-kosha
(alternate spellings: pranamaya-kosa)
(Language: Sanskrit)
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The sheath of the vital breath.
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Related Terms: panchakosha |
pranava
(Language: Sanskrit)
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See under "Aum (Oṃ)."
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Related Terms: Aum Om |
pranayama
(Language: Sanskrit)
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Control of breath so as to master prāṇa, the vital breath.
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Related Terms: raja-yoga |
prapatti
(Language: Sanskrit)
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"Seeking refuge;" pious resignation and devotion to God.
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prasada
(Language: Sanskrit)
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Literally, radiance or happiness.
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prathama
(Language: Sanskrit)
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First day of the lunar fortnight.
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pratisakhya
(Language: Sanskrit)
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Related to śikṣā and the study of the śabda-śāstra of the various Vedic recensions, it examines Vedic sounds.
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pratyaksa
(Language: Sanskrit)
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Directly perceptible to the eye.
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pravesa-homa
(alternate spellings: pravesahoma)
(Language: Sanskrit)
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The rite performed soon after the groom returns to (or "enters") his house with his bride.
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prayascitta
(Language: Sanskrit)
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Expiatory rites; atonement.
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prayoga
(Language: Sanskrit)
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Procedure for the application of mantras to various religious rites.
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prem
(alternate spellings: prema)
(Language: Sanskrit)
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pure love for the Divine
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Puhazhendi Pulavar
(Language: Tamil)
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A Vaisnava poet belonging to the 12th century and a contemporary of Kulottunga II.
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puja
(Language: Sanskrit)
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worship (in Hinduism)
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pumsavana
(Language: Sanskrit)
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Rite for the birth of a male child usually performed in the third month of pregnancy.
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pundra
(Language: Sanskrit)
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According to the Paramaguru, the mark worn on the forehead, "puṇḍra," is derived from "puṇḍarīkaṃ," meaning a lotus or a lotus petal.
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Related Terms: tilaka |
Purananuru
(Language: Tamil)
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An anthology belonging to the third Samgam period (c. 300 B.C.E. to C.E. 200) and forming part of the Ettutogai.
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Puranas
(Language: Sanskrit)
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age-old stories of Hindu mythology
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purna svaraj
(Language: Sanskrit)
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Complete self-rule.
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purodasa
(Language: Sanskrit)
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A sacrificial oblation made of ground rice.
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purusarthas
(alternate spellings: purusharthas)
(Language: Sanskrit)
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The four aims of a man's life.
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Related Terms: kama dharma moksa |
purusha
(alternate spellings: purusa)
(Language: Sanskrit)
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Literally, "man;" the informing or shaping principle of creation; the "masculine" demiurge or fashioner of the universe; see "Prakriti (Prakṛti)."
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Related Terms: prakriti |
purva-sikha
(alternate spellings: purvasikha)
(Language: Sanskrit)
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See under "sikha (śikhā)."
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Related Terms: sikha |
pusari
(Language: Tamil)
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Priest (usually non-Brahmin) of a small temple.
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©2003 Dictionary of Spiritual Terms
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