All World
Gayatri Pariwar

Abhiyan Sadhana- An advanced level of  Upasana Sadhana.

Âchman - Three sips of water consecrated through specific mantras taken for imbibing tranquillity and piety in three aspects of mental activity. The first sip is taken for acquisition of a high level of character, righteous behaviour and congeniality in vocal communication, With the second sip, one  seeks strength from Almighty to resist evil thoughts from entering the mind and for acquiring tranquillity. The third sip is taken to seek purification in living so that the ideal of simple living, high thinking and dedication towards duty remains uppermost in life.

Agnihotra - Gayatri and Agnihotra are considered to be the very foundation stones of ancient Indian Culture.  Gayatri symbolises divine power behind noble thoughts and Yagya is symbol of noble deeds, the basis of which are sacrifice and benevolence. Agnihotra has many objectives of fundamental importance for human wellbeing:

(i) The smoke emanating from oblations in the fire has a very powerful bactericidal/germicidal effect on the atmosphere. This, in fact, is the only process known to humanity for the disinfection of the atmosphere for improvement of quality of biogenic/organic systems.

(ii) The vibrations produced by collective chanting of mantra during the Agnihotra being of frequencies much higher than the measurable supersonics, spread far and wide. These vibrations have a capacity to uplift and purify the ‘samskars’ (traits buried in the sub-conscious which trigger the instinctive behaviour, inclinations etc.) of the participants and of those around, in such a way that they effortlessly give up  evil thoughts and practices.

(iii) The fire in the Agnihotra motivates us to utilize our resources for the social good, to identify with the downtrodden, to keep the level of one’s determination and confidence high, to continue to work hard and remain duty-conscious throughout life and to constantly remember the ultimate fate of human body thus, make maximum use of its capabilities for social good. Synonymous with Yagya and Havan.

Âhuti - Oblations of  mixture of special herbs, sugar and ghee (a form of dehydrated butter) made in burning fire in a Yagya (synonymous with Agnihotra or Havan).

Akchat - Oblations of a few grains of rice. It symbolises sharing of a fraction of resources required through personal efforts. Regular oblations of Akchat are a constant reminder that a part of one’s personal resources should always be utilized for the good of society and culture. (c.f. Tithe amongst the Christians and Zakat in Islam.)

Akhand Yagya - Uninterrupted Yagya like Akhand Jap (not recommended by scriptures).

Angavastra - A cotton shawl worn by Sadhaks in India around the torso.

Anushthan - Special Upasana Sadhana performed to invoke Divine grace for greater strength and his wisdom to achieve some specified purpose. 

A-para prakriti - Sensory elements of the nature (elements perceived by human senses) - Lower Nature

Aradhna - Literally meaning “to please”. In spiritual parlance it means making the best utilization of one’s time, labour, money and talents for service of humankind. Since the omnipresence of God is reflected in all beings, specially in man, who is the manager of HIS creation, appointed by HIM, Aradhna means pleasing God through participation in deeds of human welfare.

Argal -  Mantras  to be chanted as a pre-requisites to chanting of certain shlokas e.g. Durga Shaptshati. See Durga Shaptshati.

Aswad Vrat- A vow to take food not for taste but for sustenance of the body, i.e. food without sugar, salt and condiment. (A kind of Tapascharya).

Âvahan - Invocation of Deity.

Balivaishva - The first morsels of cooked food offered in fire to express one’s gratitude to the Creator. (cf. saying of grace at meals).

Basant Panchami - The fifth lunar day of bright half of the eleventh month (Magh) of ancient Indian lunar calendar is celebrated as the social festival of Basant Panchami. This day heralds advent of spring when multi-coloured flowers appear on the trees and plants; yellow flowers of mustard appear all around; the mango trees (in India) begin to spread fragrance  of buds and Indian cuckoos begin to sing. The advent of spring affects all the biological systems including human beings. The influence is not only on the  physical exterior but also (specially) on the mental state, which on this occasion becomes fully charged for future planning. In India, this occasion is considered most suitable for taking up new projects.

Brahman - An individual of high character dedicated to simple living, utilizing maximum savings of time, labour, resources and talents for welfare of society. In scriptures, the word “Brahman” has a different connotation than the one in vogue today for the caste Brahman.     

Brahmbhoj -  In an Anushthan, the last ritual is Brahmbhoj after Purnahuti in the Havan. It requires feeding Brahmans or young maidens. Now-a-days, Brahamdan i.e. dissemination of spiritual wisdom (Sadgyan) is considered a better substitute for Brahmbhoj.

Brahmdan - Dissemination of spiritual wisdom through sharing of soul-elevating literature amongst the deserving persons.

Brahmi - The motivating aspect of ‘Shakti’ governing creative powers of Almighty in the universe, symbolised as a female deity with four faces (the four streams of wisdom). An emanation of Gayatri.

Brahm Parayan -  One who is fully dedicated to righteous living.

Chandan - It is oblation or application of sandalwood paste which symbolises utilisation of one’s capabilities for social good. Like a sandal tree, which spreads its fragrance all around and even as dead wood is used for incense sticks and germicides, a Sadhak  is expected to constantly remember to use his physical and mental capabilities for social wellbeing.

Chintan (Âtm-chintan) - Introspection or self-reflection for inner purification and transformation. 

Dattatreya - The name of an ancient Indian Rishi. See Rishi.

Diksha - Initiation by a Guru. During the initiation, the Sadhak  pledges to follow the rules of Sadhana  throughout his life. On the other hand, the Guru establishes an abiding extra-sensory link with the physical, astral and causal bodies of Sadhak  for guidance.

Devis - Goddesses- Various emanations of the supreme Goddess - Gayatri. 

Dhoti -Dupatta - Loose cotton garment worn by Sadhaks.

Durga Saptashati - Seven hundred verses (mantras) sung in the praise of Goddess Durga - an emanation of Supreme-Divine Shakti.       

Gurukul - Ancient Indian residential school which all children of the society had to attend irrespective of their social status. In Gurukuls, they were given education and training in all aspects of life including religious doctrines.

Guru-Poornima - The full-moon day of month of ancient Indian lunar calendar Ashadh (July). Guru-poornima is commemorated each year to dedicate oneself to high ideals- i.e. to have a total and unshakable faith in eternal moral values and high ideals. Inculcation of these attributes transforms an ordinary person into an enlightened soul.

Havan - Same as Agnihotra, Yagya.

Havan Kund - A receptacle made of metal or earth for performing Havan. 

Idol worship - Utilizing a symbol for meditating on God. (e.g., a picture or idol of a deity, a crucifix, a natural object like sun, moon, a piece of rock or earth from a sacred place). It is to be remembered that in each case the prayer is made to the omnipresent and impersonal God head.

Jap - Uninterrupted chanting of a mantra or name of God for a specified period and number.

Karan sharir - Causal body.

Kamdhenu - A cow in ‘Swarga’ (heaven) which grants all wishes. A symbolic representation of Gayatri.

Kalash - Spherical vessel filled with water used during Upasana ; symbolic of creative forces of divinity engaged in maintenance of harmony and protection of virtues.

Kalmash - Evil or immoral thoughts; evil habits.

Kalpavrikcha - A tree in ‘Swarga’ (Heaven) All wishes  made under its shade are fulfilled. A symbolic representation of Gayatri.

Kavach-Kilan - Mandatory mantras chanted at the beginning of certain scriptural texts like Durga Shaptashati.   

Kchatriya - In ancient Indian fourfold classification of society, the class which was responsible to work as administrators and warriors. Today, however, this refers to a particular caste.

Mala - A rosary of 108 beads used for counting the number of Japs.

Manan - Contemplation - reflection.

Mantra - A scientifically composed verse in Sanskrit with specific syntax and intonations for invocation of divine powers.

Muni - Person contemplating on ways and means for progressive evolution of human mind for temporal and spiritual wellbeing of society. 

Mukh, Tantrik - A specialised form of Yagya, at times performed for worldly gains. A Tantrik practice.

Naivedya (prasad) - Sweets offered to the deity. A reminder to imbibe loving kindness in all situations and spread happiness all around. 

Nirakar -  Without shape or form, impersonal.

Onkar - Pronounced as ‘O-O-M’ from deep down the larynx resonating like sounding of a large bell. An acoustic representation of God (Same as ‘Amen’ of Christianity or ‘Aameen’ of Islam). Om is used as a prefix or suffix to all mantras, as a mark of reverence.

Panchopchar - The five mandatory rituals preceding Upasana  are: (i) Purification of body with consecrated water. (ii) Âchman. See Âchman. (iii) By touching Shikha (see Shikha ) with consecrated water invoking support of divine powers for wise control over thoughts and emotions. (iv) Through a timely coordinated procedure of inhalation and exhalation Pranayam, augmentation of Prañ (life force) and expulsion of vices from the mind. (v) With the help of consecrated water, symbolic of purification of nerve centres controlling speech, respiration, audition, vision and locomotion.

Paraprakriti - Extrasensory phenomena elements of nature (ESP, Psycho kinetics, precognition etc.) fall in this domain - Higher Realms of Nature.

Parva - Days of socio-religious celebrations e.g. Basant Panchami Dussehra, Diwali etc.

Prañ - The unit of sum and total of all forces in the universe mental or physical, resolved to one unified force. The Hindu scriptures profess endless cycles of “Shrishti” and “Pralaya”. According to Hindu cosmology energy and matter are eternal, though inter-convertible (Cf. Einstein’s formula E=MC2). At the end of each cycle of “Creation” all matter (Solid, liquid, gas, stars, planets, flora and fauna) becomes contracted into its unit “Âkash”, whereas all forms of forces and energy (gravitation, magnetism, electricity, bio-energy, thought, force etc.) become unified into the unit “Prañ”. At the end of each cycle of creation the energies  in the universe merge back into the absolute. At the beginning of the next cycle they become ‘Kinetic’, strike down on the primordial “Âkash” which evolves into various animate and inanimate forms of energy. This concept of “creation” is compatible with modern science which regards matter and energy as inter-convertible and indestructible. 

Prasad - See Naivedya.

Purñahuti - The last of the series of oblations in an Agnihotra. A pledge before Almighty (symbolized in the flame of Havan) is taken to work persistently and selflessly for highest good of society.

Purascharan - The highest level of Upasana  Sadhana seeking Divine grace for some specific noble objective. Associated with ten million times chanting of Mantra in a fixed time-frame.

Riddhi - Invisible boons showered by Divine grace such as social recognition, divine help in need, contentment etc.

RiÌi - Awakened souls performing Tapascharya in their physical as well as astral bodies for the wellbeing of humankind.

Rishika - A woman rishi (Seer scholar).

Sadgyan - Spiritual wisdom.

Sadhak - One who is engaged in Sadhana. 

Sadhana- Literally meaning “Harnessing”. In spiritual parlance it means harnessing the inner faculties of mind and emotions which control the sensory organs, so that all thoughts, words and deeds of the Sadhak are righteous. In practice, it requires keeping a constant watch on one’s mental and emotional states and actions flowing therefrom (introspection) for progressive self -evolution. Also a synonym for worship or Upasana  (since worship is also carried out for the same purpose).

Sakar - Having a shape or form.

Sandhya Vandan- Performance of Upasana  at dusk time.

Sanyam - Conservation and proper utilization of physical, emotional and mental energy; resources and time.

Sati - Shambhavi - The Transforming Power of Divine governing transformation of elements in the universe. Symbolised as a female deity. An emanation of Gayatri. 

Shikha - The tuft of hair at the top of the head, knotted on the back of the cranium. This part of the hair on the head is known to be sensitive to extra-sensory transmissions of divine vibrations. Besides, Shikha, being situated on top of the head is also symbolic of keeping the flag of ancient Indian culture high. Shikha constantly reminds one  of the pledge taken for keeping watchful eye on one’s thoughts and emotions for righteous actions in life.

Siddhi - Paranormal faculties developed through Upasana, Sadhana, Aradhna  .

Sukchm -Subtle, extra sensory. Not perceivable by human senses.

Sootak - Periods of quarantine during births and deaths in the family.

Sthool sharir - Physical body.

Suryarghyadan - Offering of consecrated water poured in a continuous stream while facing the Sun. Here, Sun symbolises Supreme Godhead and the stream of water - human life. It is a pledge made to God that just as the water evaporates and spreads as vapour all over the atmosphere returning later again in water to sustain life, the Sadhak seeks helps of the divinity in distributing his inherent capabilities and worldly resources amongst the masses.

Tamoguñ - One of the three Gunas (qualities) of Nature. It is the quality of dullness, inertia and darkness. It results in ignorance.

Tantra Shastra / Tantrik Mantra - The science of capturing and using bio-energy of living beings for creation, transformation and destruction of material things without the help of man-made objects. The practice is difficult and hazardous. Hence, not recommended.

Tantrik - One who practices Tantra Shastra. 

Tap - Making the body accustomed to hardships through an austere way of living. An essential ingredients of  Upasana  Sadhana. An abbreviation of Tapascharya

Tapascharya - Literally means heat, motion, activity, friction, struggle. When purification of any object is required for fruitful utilization, it is subjected to one of the foregoing process. This also holds true for the human being. For purification of mind of animal instincts acquired from previous lives (which unknowingly motivate him to commit evil deeds), Tap is carried out. ‘Tapascharya’ stands for toleration of the inconveniences on being deprived of accustomed comforts.  

Tilak-chhap - Vermillion or sandal-wood paste applied on  the forehead in a particular pattern. Used to distinguish various religious sects during the medieval period.

Titikcha - A type of Tap  in which the Sadhak endeavours to endure extremes of discomforts.

Trikal-sandhya - Performance of Upasana   three times a day. During the day the periods recommended are: at sunrise midday and sunset. 

Upasana - (Literally meaning “sitting in proximity”). Coming closer to God, ultimately becoming one with the Creator, like fuel, which on coming in contact with fire, loses its identity. Since God is considered as an “ Repository of all virtues”, Upasana stands for expelling evil tendencies from one’s thoughts, words and deeds and imbibing virtues. In nutshell moral upliftment by personal endeavour and prayer. 

Vashistha - A rishi who had performed fifteen million Japs  of Gayatri mantra. In ancient times, only a Vashistha was considered worthy of appointment as Guru of the royal family. 

Vaishnavi - An Emanation of Supreme Divine Shakti Gayatri governing preservation of the universe. Symbolised as a female deity.

Ved Mantra - A mantra from the Vedas - the primary four doctrines revealed by the Creator. Vedas are the documentation of the most ancient spiritual doctrines. The vedas are divine revelations.

Visarjan - Taking leave of the deity.

Vishwamitra - Literally, a friend of the universe. Rishi Vishwamitra made  science and practice of Gayatri Sadhana accessible to the masses.

Vrat - Literally meaning a pledge, a vow. Voluntary restrictions in kind and frequency of diet during Tapascharya. 

Vyahritis - The primordial forms of energy manifesting at the beginning of each cycle of creation (Shrishti). 

Yagyopaveet - A thin garland of threads worn across the torso on the left shoulder by the Sadhak. It is a symbolic representation of Gayatri. The objective of wearing it near the heart is to consistently keep in mind the doctrines of Gayatri. The three strands of Yagyopaveet represent the three clauses of Gayatri mantra. Nine threads are representative of the nine words of  the  mantra comprising 24 letters. Three knots indicate three Vyahritis (Bhur, Bhuvaha, Swaha)? And the principal knot the ‘Prañ’ (life force).

Yug Nirmañ - Plan for establishment of a NEW WORLD ORDER by moral, ethical and spiritual transformation of humanity.

Yajurveda - One of the four Vedas. It broadly encompasses all attributes related to heroic endeavour - industry (work), courage, bravery, leadership, fame, victory, status, honour, etc..