Reference · उच्चारण
Pronunciation guide
उच्चारणSanskrit terms on this site are written in IAST — the standard Latin transliteration with diacritics. This page gives you a quick legend for every mark that appears, plus an A–Z glossary of terms with a plain-English reading you can play aloud.
Diacritics at a glance
Sanātana → sa-NAA-ta-na
Long 'aa' as in father — hold twice as long as a short 'a'.
Gītā → GEE-taa
Long 'ee' as in machine.
Sūrya → SOOR-ya
Long 'oo' as in food.
Ṛgveda → RIG-vay-da
Vocalic r — closer to 'ri' in modern Hindi ('rishi').
pitṝ → pi-TRII
Long vocalic r — rare; sustain the 'ri'.
kḷp → klip
Vocalic l — very rare; a brief 'li'.
oṃ → ohm
Anusvāra — nasalises the vowel; often heard as 'm' or 'n' at word-end.
namaḥ → na-ma-ha
Visarga — a soft breath echoing the preceding vowel: 'aḥ' → 'aha'.
Śiva → SHI-va
Palatal 'sh' — tongue near the hard palate.
Viṣṇu → VISH-noo
Retroflex 'sh' — tongue curled back; sharper than ś.
Rāmāyaṇa → raa-MAA-ya-na
Retroflex n — tongue curled back; softer, deeper than plain n.
haṭha → HUT-ha
Retroflex t — tongue curled back to the roof of the mouth.
ḍamaru → DUM-a-roo
Retroflex d — tongue curled back.
jñāna → gyaa-na
Palatal n — in 'jñ' clusters, commonly pronounced 'gy' in Hindi.
liṅga → LING-ga
Guttural n — the 'ng' sound in 'sing'.
candra → CHUN-dra
Always 'ch' as in church — never a hard 'k'.
chāyā → CHHAA-yaa
Aspirated 'ch' — a stronger puff of breath after ch.
A–Z glossary
A
- Abhedaअभेद
sayuh-BHAY-duh
Non-difference, absolute oneness, or non-dual integrity.
- Abhinayaअभिनय
sayuh-bhee-NUY-yuh
The expression or communication of emotion in classical arts.
- ācāryasआचार्य
sayaa-char-yaa-s
Teacher or Guru
- Acintyaअचिन्त्य
sayuh-CHIN-tyuh
Inconceivable, incomprehensible, or beyond mental computation.
- Adhiṣṭhānaअधिष्ठान
sayuh-dhish-THAH-nuh
The solid architectural substrate foundation, seat, or basis.
- Adhyātmaअध्यात्म
sayudh-YAHT-muh
Relating to the spiritual self or internal consciousness.
- ādiआदि
sayaa-di
Etcetera
- Ādi Śaṅkarāchāryaआदि शङ्कराचार्य
sayAH-dee shung-kuh-rah-CHAHR-yuh
The 8th-century philosopher who consolidated Advaita Vedanta.
- Ādiśaआदिश
sayAH-dee-shuh
The primary instruction, original root source, or directive.
- Aditiअदिति
sayuh-DEE-tee
The infinite, boundless cosmic mother of the Aditya devas.
- ādiyogiआदियोगी
sayaa-di-yog-ee
The first Yoga practitione usually referred to Lord Shiv
- Advaitaअद्वैत
sayuhd-VYE-tuh
Non-duality; the philosophy that Atman and Brahman are one.
- Agamaआगम
sayAH-guh-muh
Sectarian text manuals dictating active temple methodology.
- Agamasआगम
sayAH-guh-muhz
The plural collective layout manual system for temple grids.
- Āgamasआगम
sayAH-guh-muhz
Non-Vedic scripture collections dictating ritual and temple practices.
- Aitareyaऐतरेय
sayaye-tuh-RAY-yuh
An ancient branch, Brahmana, and Upanishad of Rigveda.
- Ajātivādaअजातिवाद
sayuh-jah-tee-VAH-duh
The radical doctrine of non-origination taught in Gaudapada.
- Alvārआलवार
sayAHL-vahr
The twelve ancient poet-saints of South India devoted to Vishnu.
- Āmbhṛṇīआम्भृणी
sayahm-bhri-NEE
The female seer (daughter of Sage Ambhrina) of the Vak Sukta.
- ānandaआनंद
sayaan-un-duh
Pleasure
- Anandamayaआनन्दमय
sayah-nun-duh-MUH-yuh
Full of bliss; the innermost sheath of the soul.
- Anant Caturdaśīअनन्त चतुर्दशी
sayuh-nun-tuh chuh-toor-duh-SHEE
The fourteenth lunar day of Bhadrapada dedicated to worshipping Vishnu on Ananta.
- Anantaअनन्त
sayuh-NUN-tuh
The infinite, endless, or boundless reality; epithet of Vishnu and his serpent.
- Anantaśayanaअनन्तायन
sayuh-nun-TAH-yuh-nuh
The sacred movement or resting cycle connected to the infinite lord.
- Angkor Watअंगकोर वाट
sayUNG-kor-waht
The massive, historic Hindu-Buddhist temple complex in Cambodia.
- Animateचेतन
sayCHAY-tun
Possessing life, consciousness, or organic movement.
- anśāvatārasअंशावतार
sayun-shaa-vat-aar
partial incarnation
- Antardhyānaअन्तर्ध्यान
sayun-turd-HYAH-nuh
Inner meditative absorption or mystical disappearance.
- Anugrahaअनुग्रह
sayuh-NOO-gruh-huh
The divine act of down-pouring grace, favor, or salvation.
- Apauruṣeyaअपौरुषेय
sayuh-pow-roo-SHAY-yuh
Not of human origin; authorless divine revelations.
- araṇyaअरण्य
sayur-un-ya-uh
forest
- Ardhanārīśvaraअर्धनारीश्वर
sayurdh-uh-nah-REESH-wuh-ruh
The composite androgynous manifestation of Shiva and Shakti.
- Arthaśāstraअर्थशास्त्र
sayuhr-thuh-SHAHS-truh
The famous classical treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy.
- āryaआर्य
sayaar-ya
Arya
- āryabhaṭaआर्यभट्ट
sayaar-ya-bhut-ta
The famous sage who is believed to have defined Zero (0)
- Āryabhaṭīyaआर्यभटीय
sayahr-yuh-bht-EE-yuh
The foundational mathematical treatise written by Aryabhata.
- āṣāḍhaआषाढ
sayaa-sha-d-huh
fourth month of the Hindu lunar calendar, typically falling between June and July in the Gregorian calendar
- āśramaआश्रम
sayaash-rum
a place of spiritual exertion
- Asuraअसुर
sayuh-SOO-ruh
A class of powerful cosmic beings often in opposition to the benevolent Devas.
- atharvaśīrṣaअथर्वशीर्ष
sayath-arva-sheer-sha
The Crown/Head of the Atharvaveda - the one who is the supreme intellect
- Atharvavedaअथर्ववेद
sayuh-thur-vuh-VAY-duh
The Veda of everyday life, spells, medicine, and philosophy.
- Atmanआत्मन
sayAHT-mun
The innermost immortal soul or true self in living beings.
- ātmanआत्मन
sayaat-mun
self, soul, innermost essence
- avadhīअवधी
sayav-adh-ee
A dialect of Hindi near modern day Ayodhya and Lucknow
- Avata-rasअवतार
sayuh-vuh-TAH-ruhz
The earthly descents or incarnations of the divine to restore world order.
- avatāraअवतार
sayava-taa-ruh
Avatar
- avatārasअवतार
sayava-taa-ruh
Avatar (plural)
- Avatāravādaअवतारवाद
sayuh-vuh-tah-ruh-VAH-duh
The doctrine of divine descent or incarnation of God on Earth.
- Avyākṛtaअव्याकृत
sayuhv-YAH-kruh-tuh
The unconditioned, unevolved, or unmanifest seed state of the cosmos.
- Avyaktaअव्यक्त
sayuhv-YUK-tuh
The unmanifested, subtle, or undifferentiated state of matter or divine reality.
- Ayodhyāअयोध्या
sayuh-YOH-dhyah
The sacred, unassailable city on the Sarayu river, birthland of Lord Rama.
B
- bālaबाला
saybaa-luh
Child
- balarāmaबलारामा
saybala-rama
Balarama - elder brother of Lord Krishna
- Bhādrapadaभाद्रपद
sayBHAH-druh-puh-duh
An autumn lunar month known for Ganesh Chaturthi and ancestral rituals.
- Bhagavadgītāभगवद्गीता
saybhuh-guh-vudh-GEE-tah
The sacred song of God delivered by Krishna to Arjuna.
- Bhagavānभगवान्
saybhuh-guh-VAHN
The personal Supreme Lord possessed of all grand cosmic majesties.
- Bhāgavataभागवत
sayBHAH-guh-vuh-tuh
A devotee of the Supreme Lord or a text dedicated to the glories of Vishnu and Krishna.
- bhārataभरत
saybhaa-ruh-ta
the ancient name of India
- bhāṣāभासा
saybhaa-shaa
language
- bhāvaभाव
saybhaa-va-uh
expressions
- bhīmaभीमा
saybhee-muh
the 2nd Pandava brother - physically very strong
- Bhūmiभूमि
sayBHOO-mee
The sacred earth element or personified earth goddess.
- Brahmaब्रह्म
sayBRUH-mah
The four-faced creator god within the Hindu Trimurti lineage.
- Brahmāब्रह्मा
saybra-uh-maa
The four headed God who is the creator of everything we know
- Brahmanब्रह्मन्
sayBRUH-mun
The ultimate, unchanging, infinite, and absolute reality.
- brāhmaṇaब्राह्मण
saybraa-hum-ana
Brahmin
- brahmavādinīब्रह्मावादिनी
saybru-hum-vaa-dini
a woman who strives for the highest philosophical knowledge of Brahm and can composes Vedic text
- Bṛhadāraṇyakaबृहदारण्यक
saybri-huh-dah-RUN-yuh-kuh
"Great Forest Upanishad," one of the oldest mystical texts.
- Brihadaranyakबृहदारण्यक
saybri-huh-dah-RUN-yuh-kuh
"Great Forest Upanishad," one of the oldest mystical texts.
- Buddhismबौद्धधर्म
sayBOHDH-dhuh-dhur-muh
The ancient, non-Vedic spiritual tradition founded on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama.
C
- cālīsāचालीसा
saychalice-aa
a prayer made of 40 verses
- Caturānanaचतुरानन
saychuh-too-RAH-nuh-nuh
The four-faced deity; a classic epithet of Lord Brahma.
- caupāīचौपाई
saychau-paa-ee
a verse made of 4 lines
- Celukaचेलुक
saychay-loo-KUH
A specific garment style or structural band detail noted in classical texts.
- Chālīsāचालीसा
saychah-LEE-sah
A popular devotional prayer consisting of forty rhyming verses.
- Chandasछन्दस्
sayCHUN-dus
The study of poetic meter, one of the six auxiliary Vedangas.
- Chandogyaछान्दोग्य
saychahn-DOH-gyuh
One of the oldest and most vital primary Upanishads belonging to the Sama Veda.
- Chaturyugaचतुर्युग
saychuh-toor-YOO-guh
The collective cycle of four world ages spanning truth down to discord.
- Cidambaramचिदम्बरम
saychee-DUM-buh-rum
The sacred temple site of Shiva as Nataraja in Tamil Nadu.
D
- Damayantiदमयन्ती
sayduh-muh-YUN-tee
The legendary, virtuous princess of the Nishadha kingdom.
- darśanaदर्शन
saydar-shun-uh
Vision or sight - usually used for Deities
- Darśanasदर्शन
sayDUR-shuh-nuhz
Worldviews or the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy.
- dāsaदासा
saydaa-s-uh
servant
- Daśāvatāraदशावतार
sayduh-shah-vuh-TAH-ruh
The ten principal, classic incarnations of Lord Vishnu on Earth.
- dashāvatārasदशावतार
saydu-shaa-vat-aar
Dashavatara - a name for Lord Vishnu who is belived to have 10 avatars
- Devakīदेवकी
sayDAY-vuh-kee
The divine biological mother of Lord Krishna.
- Devanāgarīदेवनागरी
sayday-vuh-NAH-guh-ree
The elegant alpha-syllabic script used for writing Sanskrit, Hindi, and several other South Asian languages.
- Deviदेवी
sayDAY-vee
The generic, high-utility title for any Hindu goddess or the Divine Mother personified.
- devīदेवी
sayde-vee
Goddess
- Dhanurvedaधनुर्वेद
saydhuh-noor-VAY-duh
The auxiliary Veda governing archery, warfare, and physical mastery.
- Dharmaधर्म
sayDHUR-muh
The cosmic law, duty, righteousness, and moral order that sustains existence.
- dharmānधर्मान
saydh-ur-maan
Dharm - religious principles, duty, righteous path
- Dhatriधातृ
sayDHAH-tree
The supporter, bearer, cosmic creator, or nurturer deity.
- Dhrधृ
saydhree
To hold, sustain, support, or uphold (root of Dharma).
- Dhvajastambhaध्वजस्तम्भ
saydhwuh-juh-STUM-bhuh
The sacred flagstaff standing at the entrance of a temple.
- dhyānaध्यान
saydh-ya-na-uh
Attention or state of meditation
- Dhyānaslokaध्यानश्लोक
saydhyah-nuh-SHLOH-kuh
A meditative verse describing the visual form of a deity.
- Dīpadānaदीपदान
saydeep-uh-DAH-nuh
The ritual offering of lighted oil lamps to deities or sacred waters.
- Dīpāvalīदीपावली
saydeep-AH-vuh-lee
The festival of rows of lights celebrating the triumph of good.
- Divyaprabandhaदिव्यप्रबन्ध
saydiv-yuh-pruh-BUN-dhuh
The collected four thousand devotional verses of the Alvars.
- dohāदोहा
saydo-haa
couplet
- draupadīद्रौपदी
saydra-oo-pud-ee
The queen of the 5 Pandava brothers
- dṛśदृश्
saydrish
The verbal root meaning to see, perceive, or visualize.
- Durgāदुर्गा
sayDOOR-gah
The fierce, protective warrior goddess who destroys demonic forces and restores peace.
- Dvāparaद्वापर
saydwah-PUH-ruh
The third of the four cyclic world ages.
- Dvāraद्वार
sayDwa-aar-uh
The door, gate
E
- Ekādaśīएकादशी
sayay-KAH-duh-shee
The eleventh lunar day of every fortnight, strictly observed with fasting.
- Ekārṇavaएकार्नव
sayay-KAHR-nuh-vuh
The single, undifferentiated cosmic ocean during dissolution.
G
- Ganapatiगणपति
sayguh-nuh-PUH-tee
The lord of the celestial hosts; the elephant-headed remover of obstacles.
- gaṇapatiगणपति
sayga-Na-pat-ee
Another name for Lord Ganesh
- Gaṇapatyaगाणपत्य
saygah-nuh-PUT-yuh
The Hindu sect that considers Lord Ganesha as the supreme god.
- gāṇapatyaगाणपत्य
saygaan-pat-ya
a major sect of Hinduism that worships Ganesha as the Supreme
- Gāndhārīगांधारी
saygahn-DHAH-ree
The virtuous princess of Gandhara, queen consort of Dhritarashtra, who blindfolded herself out of devotion.
- Gaṇeśaगणेश
sayguh-NAY-shuh
The lord of hosts; the elephant-headed remover of obstacles.
- Gaṅgāगंगा
sayGUNG-gah
The holiest personified river of India flowing from Shiva's locks.
- Garudaगरुड
sayguh-ROO-duh
The divine eagle king and celestial mount of Lord Vishnu.
- garuḍaगरुड़
sayga-rurd-uh
Garuda, the huge eagle bird, the vahana of Lord Vishnu
- gauḍīyaगौड़ीय
sayga-ordi-ya
Gaudiya a form of Vaishnavism
- Gāyaगय
sayGUH-yuh
An ancient royal sage; also related to Gaya, the sacred city for ancestral rites.
- gāyatrīगायत्री
saygaa-ya-three
a prayer that protects the one who sings/chants it
- Gharbhagṛhaगर्भगृह
saygur-bhuh-GRU-huh
The innermost womb-chamber sanctuary of a Hindu temple.
- Gītāगीता
saygee-TAH
"The Song"; specifically refers to the sacred Bhagavad Gita.
- Gopuramगोपुरम्
sayGOH-poo-rum
The monumental, ornate gateway tower of South Indian temples.
- Gorakhnāthaगोरखनाथ
saygoh-rukh-NAH-thuh
The historic guru who formalized the Nath Siddha tradition.
- gosvāmīगोस्वामी
saygo-swa-mee
who owns cows
- guṇaगुण
saygoo-N-uh
attribute/quality
- guṇasगुणों
saygoo-N-uh-s
qualities
- Guruगुरु
sayGOO-roo
The spiritual teacher who dispels darkness and grants illumination.
H
- Halāyudhaहलायुध
sayhuh-LAH-yoo-dhuh
Plow-armed; an epithet of Balarama, Krishna's older brother.
- haṃहं
sayhum
the seed-syllable
- Hanumānहनुमान
sayhuh-noo-MAHN
The monkey-deity who embodies supreme selfless devotion to Lord Rama.
- Hariharaहरिहर
sayhuh-ree-HUH-ruh
The synchronized, combined iconographic depiction of Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Hara).
- Harivamshaहरिवंश
sayhuh-ree-VUM-shuh
The crucial epic appendix to the Mahabharata focusing on the life of Krishna.
- Hayagrīvaहयग्रीव
sayhuh-yuh-GREE-vuh
The horse-headed avatar of Lord Vishnu who recovered stolen Vedic scriptures.
- Hiraṇyagarbhaहिरण्यगर्भ
sayhee-run-yuh-GUR-bhuh
The golden womb or egg from which the universe and creation manifested.
- Homaहोम
sayHOH-muh
The sacred Vedic ritual invocation offering oblations to fire.
- hṛdayaहृदय
sayhri-da-ya-uh
Heart
I
- icchāइच्छा
sayich-haa
Desire
- iśvaraईश्वर
sayish-va-ra
God
- Īśvaraईश्वर
sayEESH-wuh-ruh
The Personal God, supreme ruler, or cosmic Lord.
- Itihāsaइतिहास
sayee-tee-HAH-suhz
Epic histories ("thus it happened"), specifically Rāmāyaṇa and Mahābhārata.
- Itihāsasइतिहास
sayee-tee-HAH-suhz
The plural collective form for epic historic accounts.
J
- jīvaजीव
sayjeev-uh
creature(s)
- Jñānaज्ञान
sayGYAH-nuh
Transcendental knowledge, wisdom, or absolute awareness.
- Jyotirliṅgaज्योतिर्लिङ्ग
sayjyoh-tir-LING-guh
The radiant, devotional pillar representation of Lord Shiva across twelve holy shrines.
- Jyotiṣaज्योतिष
sayJYOH-tee-shuh
Vedic astronomy and astrology, studied as one of the six auxiliary limbs of the Vedas.
K
- kailāsaकैलाश
saykae-laa-sh-uh
The Mount Kailash believed to be the abode of Lord Shiv
- Kaivalyaकैवल्य
saykye-VUL-yuh
Absolute isolation, ultimate independence, or liberation in Yoga.
- Kalaकला
saykuh-LAH
A small segment, art form, mechanical skill, or limitation of power.
- Kalāकला
saykuh-LAH
The limitation of agency or creative action; also a generic term for an art form.
- Kālaकाल
sayKAH-luh
The cosmic constraint of time, sequence, and duration upon the soul.
- Kāleśvaraकालेश्वर
saykah-LAY-shwuh-ruh
The Lord of Time and Destiny; a powerful localized form of Shiva.
- Kaliकलि
sayKUH-lee
The final, current cyclic age of discord, spiritual darkness, and materialism.
- Kālīकाली
sayKAH-lee
The fierce, dark goddess of time, transformation, empowerment, and ultimate destruction.
- Kali-yugaकलियुग
sayKUH-lee-yoo-guh
The current age of spiritual darkness, quarrel, and moral decline.
- Kālidāsaकालिदास
saykah-lee-DAH-suh
The legendary classical Sanskrit poet and playwright famed for works like Shakuntala.
- Kālikāकालिका
sayKAH-lee-kah
The intense dark goddess form related to transformation and time.
- kāloकालो
saykaa-lo
Time or Darkness or to eat
- Kalyāṇaकल्याण
saykul-YAH-nuh
Spiritual welfare, prosperity, bliss, or auspiciousness.
- Kāmaकाम
sayKAH-muh
The god of love and desire; also the pursuit of sensual pleasure and emotional fulfillment.
- Kañchukasकञ्चुक
sayKUN-choo-kuhz
The five limiting cloaks or constraints that restrict universal consciousness into an individual soul.
- Kañcukasकञ्चुक
sayKUN-choo-kuhz
The five limiting jackets or constraints that bind pure consciousness.
- kāṇḍaकाण्ड
saykaan-Da
Event or happening
- Kaṅkālaकङ्काल
saykun-KAH-luh
The skeletal frame or an ascetic form assumed by Lord Shiva.
- Kāntiकान्ति
sayKAHN-tee
Splendor, supreme beauty, or divine effulgence.
- Kapiñjalaकपिञ्जल
saykuh-PIN-juh-luh
A Vedic seer sage or a sacred bird mentioned in lore.
- Kārtikaकार्तिक
sayKAHR-tee-kuh
A sacred lunar month in the Hindu calendar associated with light and major festivals.
- Kārttikeyaकार्त्तिकेय
saykahr-tee-KAY-yuh
The god of war; son of Shiva also known as Murugan or Skanda.
- Kaśyapaकश्यप
sayKUSH-yuh-puh
An ancient Vedic progenitor sage from whom many living beings descended.
- kathāकथा
sayka-thaa
Story
- Kaṭhaकठ
sayKUH-thuh
A key school and famous Upanishad discussing death's secrets.
- Kauṣītakiकौषीतकि
saykow-SHEE-tuh-kee
An ancient branch and principal Upanishad of the Rigveda.
- Kevalaकेवल
saykay-vuh-LUH
Pure, isolated, absolute, or uncompounded spiritual liberation.
- Khaṇdeltaखण्ड
sayKHUN-duh
A division, chapter, structural fragment, or section of text.
- kiṣkindhāकिष्किंधा
saykish-kin-dha
A mountain where Lord Ram met his Vaanar army
- kośaकोशा
sayko-sh-uh
treasure or collection
- Kṛṣṇaकृष्ण
saykrish-nuh
The eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, central to the Mahabharata and the speaker of the Bhagavad Gita.
- Kṛtaकृत
sayKRU-tuh
The golden age or Satya Yuga, marking the era of supreme righteousness and truth.
- Kṛttikāकृत्तिका
sayKRIT-tee-kah
The Pleiades star cluster; the third Nakshatra.
- Kūrmaकूर्म
sayKOOR-muh
The divine tortoise incarnation of Lord Vishnu who supported the churning of the ocean.
- Kurukṣetraकुरुक्षेत्र
saykour-uk-shai-tra-uh
The site of the great war- The Mahabharat
L
- lakṣmaṇaलक्ष्मण
saylak-sha-man-uh
Laxman the younger brother of Lord Ram
- lakṣmīलक्ष्मी
saylax-mee
The Goddess of wealth
- Lakulīśaलकुलीश
sayluh-koo-LEE-shuh
The prominent 2nd-century ascetic regarded as an avatar of Shiva.
- Lalitāललिता
sayluh-lee-TAH
The playful or beautiful supreme goddess forms in Shaktism.
- laṅkāलंका
saylan-ka
Lanka - The kingdom of Ravana
- Liṅgodbhavaलिङ्गोद्भव
sayling-gohdh-BHU-vuh
The manifestations of Lord Shiva out of the primeval column of cosmic flame.
- Liṅgodbhavamūrtiलिङ्गोद्भवमूर्ति
sayling-gohdh-bhuh-vuh-MOOR-tee
The classic iconographic form of Shiva emerging from a pillar of cosmic fire.
- Lokaलोक
sayLOH-kuh
A realm, plane of existence, or world within Hindu cosmology.
- Lokamayaलोकमय
sayloh-kuh-MUH-yuh
Pervading the manifest world; cosmic or universal in scope.
M
- Madgalaमुद्गल
sayMOOD-guh-luh
An ancient sage or a minor Purana text focusing on Ganesha.
- Madhvācāryaमध्वाचार्य
saymudh-vah-CHAHR-yuh
The 13th-century philosopher who founded Dvaita (dualism).
- Māghaमाघ
sayMAH-ghuh
The auspicious late winter lunar month famed for holy river baths.
- mahāमहा
sayma-haa
big
- Mahā Śivarātriमहाशिवरात्रि
saymuh-HAH shuh-vuh-RAH-tree
The great annual festival night celebrating the cosmic marriage and grace of Lord Shiva.
- Mahābhārataमहाभारत
saymuh-hah-BHAH-ruh-tuh
The great epic history of India detailing the Kurukshetra war and the Gita.
- Mahādevaमहादेव
saymuh-hah-DAY-vuh
"Great God"; a primary epithet used for Lord Shiva.
- Mahāpralayaमहाप्रलय
saymuh-HAH-pruh-luh-yuh
The great cosmic dissolution at the end of a universe's life cycle.
- Mahāpurāṇaमहापुराण
saymuh-hah-poo-RAH-nuh
The eighteen primary, principal great collections of ancient myth and lore.
- Mahāpurāṇasमहापुराण
saymuh-hah-poo-RAH-nuhz
The eighteen main, primary mythological texts of ancient lore.
- Mahatमहत्
saymuh-HUT
The cosmic intellect or the primary principle of intelligence emerging in creation.
- Māhātmyaमाहात्म्य
saymah-HAHT-myuh
Text detailing the greatness, majesty or merits of a deity/shrine.
- Mahāvidyāsमहाविद्या
saymuh-hah-vid-YAHZ
The group of ten cosmic tantric manifestations of the Goddess.
- Mahāyugaमहायुग
saymuh-HAH-yoo-guhz
Great cosmic ages, each consisting of 4 cyclic Yugas.
- Mahāyugasमहायुग
saymuh-HAH-yoo-guhz
A great world cycle comprised of four successive world yugas.
- mahimāमहिमा
sayma-hee-maa
Glory
- Mālinīमालिनी
saymah-lee-NEE
The garlanded goddess form; also a highly prominent tantric text.
- Mālinīvijayottaraमालिनीविजयोत्तर
saymah-lee-nee-vee-juh-YOT-tuh-ruh
A foundational tantric text highly revered in Kashmir Shaiva philosophy.
- māṃमां
saymaa-un
Mother
- Mānasāraमानसार
saymah-nuh-SAH-ruh
A foundational classical architectural treatise detailing structural layouts.
- Mandukyaमाण्डूक्य
saymahn-DOO-kyuh
A concise primary Upanishad discussing the four states of consciousness and the syllable OM.
- Māṇḍūkyaमाण्डूक्य
saymahn-DOO-kyuh
The shortest Upanishad revealing the mystery of OM.
- Manojavamमनोजवम्
saymuh-NOH-juh-vum
Swift as the mind; a classic quality applied to Hanuman.
- mantrīमंत्री
saymun-three
Minister
- Māntrikaमान्त्रिक
sayMAHN-tree-kuh
A practitioner or text tradition dealing heavily in mantras.
- Manusmṛtiमनुस्मृति
saymuh-noo-SMRIT-ee
The traditional legal and ethical framework text attributed to Manu.
- Mārgaśīrṣaमार्गशीर्ष
saymahr-guh-SHEER-shuh
The winter lunar month dedicated heavily to spiritual practice and devotion.
- Markandeyaमार्कण्डेय
saymahr-kun-DAY-yuh
An ancient sage; name of a major Purana containing the Devi Mahatmya.
- Mārkaṇḍeyaमार्कण्डेय
saymahr-kun-DAY-yuh
An ancient sage; name of a major Purana containing the Devi Mahatmya.
- maryādāमर्यादा
saymar-yaa-daa
dignity
- mātāमाता
saymaa-taa
Mother
- mathurāमथुरा
saymuth-oora
Mathura - the birthplace of Lord Krishna
- Mātrāमात्रा
sayMAH-trah
A standard unit of measure, verse meter length, or atomic particles.
- Matsyaमत्स्य
sayMUT-syuh
The divine fish incarnation of Lord Vishnu who saved cosmic life from the deluge.
- Matsyendraमत्स्येन्द्र
saymut-syayn-DRU-huh
The historic yogic master who co-founded Hatha Yoga.
- mayāमाया
saymaa-yaa
illusion, magic, that can cause attachment to people, power or wealth
- Māyāमाया
sayMY-yah
The cosmic illusion or creative power that projects the manifold universe as real.
- Mīmāṃsāमीमांसा
saymee-MAHM-sah
The orthodox school of reflection exploring Vedic ritual hermeneutics and philosophy.
- mokṣaमोक्ष
saymok-shaa
salvation
- Mukti-dāyinīमुक्तिदायिनी
saymook-tee-dah-YEE-nee
She who bestows spiritual liberation or ultimate freedom.
- mūlādhāraमूलाधार
saymool-aadh-aar
foundation or the root Chakra
- Muniमुनि
sayमोओ-नेइ
An enlightened sage, ascetic, or silent meditator.
- Mūrtiमूर्ति
sayMOOR-tee
A sacred physical icon, form, manifestation, or image of a deity.
N
- Nādaनाद
sayNAH-duh
Sacred cosmic sound vibration; primordial resonance.
- nāgaनागा
saynaa-gaa
A sect who dont wear any external clothing
- nagarīनगरी
saynug-ar-ee
city
- Nakṣatrasनक्षत्र
saynuk-SHUH-truhz
Lunar mansions or star constellations used in Vedic astrology.
- Nandikeśvaraनन्दिकेश्वर
saynun-dee-KAY-shwuh-ruh
The ancient master or celestial bull guarding Shiva's gates.
- Nandīśvaraनन्दीश्वर
saynun-DEESH-wuh-ruh
The lord of Nandi; another title for Lord Shiva or his mount.
- Nāradaनारद
sayNAH-ruh-duh
The immortal celestial sage who travels realms singing praise.
- Narahariनरहरि
saynuh-ruh-HUH-ree
The man-lion incarnation of Vishnu; also Narasimha.
- Nārāyaṇaनारायण
saynah-RAH-yuh-nuh
Name of Vishnu as the refuge and source of all beings.
- Nāsadīyaनासदीय
saynah-suh-DEE-yuh
The famous Hymn of Creation found in the Rigveda.
- Naṭarājaनटराज
saynuh-tuh-RAH-juh
Lord Shiva represented as the supreme cosmic dancer.
- Nateśaनटेश
saynuh-TAY-shuh
The Lord of Actors or Dancers; a dynamic sculptural representation of Lord Shiva.
- Natiनति
saynuh-TEE
Reverence, bowing down, humility, or modest salute.
- Niḥśvasitaनिःश्वसित
saynihsh-wuh-SEE-tuh
Exhalation or breath; metaphor for Vedas as divine breath.
- Nirguṇaनिर्गुण
sayNIR-goo-nuh
Unconditioned, formless, without qualitative attributes.
- Niruktaनिरुक्त
saynee-ROOK-tuh
The Vedanga branch covering etymology and interpretation of Vedic words.
- niṣkāmaनिष्काम
sayni-sh-kaam
selfless
- Niyatiनियति
saynee-YUH-tee
The restriction of space, destiny, causality, and fixed cosmic order.
- Nyāyaन्याय
sayNYAH-yuh
The orthodox school of logic and analytical reasoning in classical Hindu philosophy.
O
- omkāraओंकार
sayom-car
Omkar or Om the priemval sound
P
- Padmanābhaपद्मनाभ
saypud-muh-NAH-bhuh
An epithet of Lord Vishnu, meaning 'He who has a lotus emerging from his navel'.
- pañcaपञ्च
saypunch
Five
- Pañca-bhūtaपञ्चभूत
saypun-chuh-BHOO-tuh
The five gross physical elements that compile material matter.
- Pāñcarātraपाञ्चरात्र
saypahn-chuh-RAH-truh
Ancient Vaishnava texts outlining temple worship, ritual, and philosophy.
- Pañcāyatanaपंचायतन
saypun-chah-YUH-tuh-nuh
A system of worship centering around five major deities.
- pañchabrahmaपंचब्रह्मा
saypunch-brahm-aa
fivefold manifestation or the "five faces" of Lord Shiva (Para Brahman) that oversee the primary actions of the universe
- pañchamukhīपंचमुखी
saypunch-mu-khee
Five headed
- Pañcharātraपाञ्चरात्र
saypahn-chuh-RAH-truh
An ancient esoteric text system detailing Vaishnava temple worship, rituals, and philosophy.
- pāṇḍavaपाण्डव
saypa-and-av-uh
The 5 protagonists of Mahabharat who are said to be the good side fighting the evil
- pāṇiniपाणिनी
saypaa-nee-nee
The sage who defined the grammar of the scientific language Sanskrit
- Paraपर
sayPUH-ruh
Supreme, transcendental, ultimate, or beyond.
- parāपरा
saypa-raa
supreme, transcendent, the ultimate
- paraṃपरम्
saypa-rumh
supreme, highest, ultimate or absolute
- Paramaśivaपरमशिव
saypuh-ruh-mah-SHI-vuh
The unconditioned, absolute supreme reality in Shaivism.
- Paramāśivaपरमशिव
saypuh-ruh-mah-SHI-vuh
The absolute, transcendent supreme reality in Shaiva philosophy.
- Paramparāपरम्परा
saypuh-rum-puh-RAH
The unbroken lineage of teacher-to-disciple succession.
- pariṇāmaपरिणाम
saypari-Naam
Result
- Pariṣadपरिषद्
saypuh-REE-shud
An assembly, council, or traditional academy of scholars.
- pārthaपार्थ
saypaar-thuh
A name used for Arjun of the Mahabharat
- Pārthivaपार्थिव
sayPAHR-thee-vuh
Earthen or terrestrial; commonly used for hand-molded clay Shiva-lingams.
- Pārvatīपार्वती
saypahr-vuh-TEE
The divine mother goddess of power and devotion, consort of Lord Shiva.
- Pāśupataपाशुपत
saypah-shoo-PUH-tuh
One of the oldest, major ascetic schools of Shaivism.
- pātālaपाताल
saypaa-taal
denotes a subterranean realms of the universe, which is as rich and opulent as the Paradise, in Indian cosmic philosophy
- Patañjaliपतञ्जलि
saypuh-TUN-juh-lee
The celebrated ancient sage who synthesized and compiled the Yoga Sutras.
- Patraपत्र
sayPUH-truh
A leaf, page, or written document used for recording text or offering ritual praise.
- Paurāṇicपौराणिक
saypow-RAH-nik
Pertaining to or derived from the ancient Purana texts.
- Piṅgalāपिङ्गला
sayPING-guh-lah
The solar, right-side subtle energy channel running along the spine.
- Pracaṇḍaप्रचण्ड
saypruh-CHUN-duh
Exceedingly fierce, intense, majestic, or powerful.
- pradhānaप्रधान
saypru-dh-aan
Prime
- Pradyumnaप्रद्युम्न
saypruh-DYOOM-nuh
The mind emanation of the Vyuha system; son of Krishna.
- Prahlādaप्रह्लाद
saypruh-LAH-duh
The saintly young devotee of Lord Vishnu whose absolute faith triggered the Narasimha avatar.
- Prajāpatiप्रजापति
saypra-ja-pati
King
- Prakāśaप्रकाश
sayprak-aash-uh
Light
- Prakṛtiप्रकृति
saypruh-KRU-tee
Primordial physical matter, nature, or the active energy of the universe.
- Pralayaप्रलय
saypruh-LUH-yuh
Dissolution, destruction, or absorption of the cosmos.
- Pranaप्राण
sayPRAH-nuh
The cosmic vital life-force or breath animating all living systems.
- prāṇaप्राण
saypraa-Nuh
Life
- Prāṇamayaप्राणमय
sayprah-nuh-MUH-yuh
The vital energy breath layer within the individual soul.
- Prasthānatrayīप्रस्थानत्रयी
sayprush-thah-nuh-truh-YEE
The triple canon of Vedanta: Upanishads, Brahma Sutras and Gita.
- Pratāpaप्रताप
saypruh-TAH-puh
Majesty, internal fire, brilliant valor, or dignity.
- Pratibandhakaप्रतिबन्धक
saypruh-tee-BUN-dhuh-kuh
An obstacle, block, or factor that prevents perception.
- Pratibhāप्रतिभा
saypruh-tee-BHAH
Intuitive genius, brilliant spiritual illumination, or insight.
- Pratyabhijñāप्रत्यभिज्ञा
saypruh-tyuh-bhee-GYAH
The philosophy of sudden spiritual recognition or remembrance of one's divine nature.
- Pūjāपूजा
sayPOO-jah
Ritual adoration worship or devotional offerings to a deity.
- Purāṇaपुराण
saypoo-RAH-nuhz
"Of ancient times"; vast texts on cosmology, myths, and history.
- Purāṇasपुराण
saypoo-RAH-nuhz
A vast genre of encyclopedic Indian scriptures containing mythology, cosmology, and genealogies.
- Purāṇicपौराणिक
saypau-raa-nik
From the times of the Puranas
- Pūrṇimāपूर्णिमा
saypoo-ur-ni-ma
Full moon Night
- Purusaपुरुष
saypoo-ROO-shuh
The primordial cosmic person, pure consciousness, or supreme spiritual essence.
- puruṣaपुरुष
saypu-roo-sh
Male
R
- Rāgaराग
sayRAH-guh
The limitation of desire, attachment, or passion for specific material things.
- Rāginīरागिणी
sayrah-gee-NEE
A melodic framework or female personification of a musical raga.
- rājaराजा
sayraa-jaa
King
- rājāराजा
sayraa-jaa
King
- Rajas Guṇaरजोगुण
sayruh-joh-GOO-nuh
The quality of passion, activity, motion, and desire driving worldly creation.
- rājyaराज्य
sayraaj-yuh
State
- Rākṣasaराक्षस
sayRAHK-shuh-shuh
A class of powerful titanic beings or nocturnal spirits.
- Rāmaराम
sayRAH-muh
The seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu and the exemplary protagonist of the epic Ramayana.
- Rāmacandraरामचन्द्र
sayrah-muh-CHUN-druh
The radiant moon-like prince avatar of the Raghu clan.
- rāmacaritamānasरामचरितमनस
sayraam-cha-ri-ta-maan-us
The Ramayana story in the indian dialect Awadhi
- Rāmacaritamānasaरामचरितमानस
sayrah-muh-chuh-rit-uh-MAH-nuh-suh
The celebrated Awadhi retelling of the Ramayana by Tulsidas.
- Rāmānujaरामानुज
sayrah-MAH-noo-juh
The influential 11th-century theologian who championed Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism).
- Rāmānujācāryaरामानुजाचार्य
sayrah-mah-noo-jah-CHAHR-yuh
The great teacher who founded Vishishtadvaita Vedanta philosophy.
- Rāmāyaṇaरामायण
sayrama-yan
the epic scripture - the story of Lord Rama
- rāmcharitmānasरामचरितमानस
sayram-cha-rit-maan-us
The story of Lord Ram in the indian dialect Awadhi
- Rāsaरास
sayRAH-suh
The ecstatic, aesthetic flavor of divine sport, notably the round dance of Krishna with the Gopis.
- Rasalakṣaṇaरसलक्षण
sayruh-suh-LUK-shuh-nuh
The architectural or aesthetic definition of emotional essence.
- Rāvaṇaरावण
sayRAH-vuh-nuh
The highly learned yet arrogant ten-headed king of Lanka who abducted Sita.
- Ṛgvedaऋग्वेद
sayrig-VAY-duh
The oldest Veda, consisting of hymns of praise to deities.
- ṛgvedicऋग्वैदिक
sayrig-ve-dic
of the Rigved
- Rigvedaऋग्वेद
sayrig-VAY-duh
The oldest and primary collections of sacred hymns dedicated to cosmic deities.
- Ṛṣiऋषि
sayREE-shee
An ancient seer, sage, or enlightened rishi who directly perceived Vedic truths.
- ṛṣikāऋषिका
sayri-she-kah
Female Rishi (spiritual Seer, Sage)
- ṛṣikāsऋषिकाएँ
sayri-she-kaa-yen
Rishikas
- Ṛṣisऋषि
sayREE-sheez
The plural collective grouping of ancestral seer sages.
- Rudraरुद्र
sayROOD-ruh
Lord Shiva is also called Rudra.
- Rudramरुद्रम्
sayROOD-rum
A powerful Vedic hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva as Rudra.
- Rudraśirasरुद्रशिरस्
sayrood-ruh-shuh-RUS
An esoteric, ancient name or Upanishad related to Shiva.
- Rūpaरूप
sayROO-puh
Form, visible beauty, external shape, or structural image.
S
- Śabdapalaशब्दपाल
sayshub-duh-PAH-luh
The guardian or protector of the cosmic primordial sound.
- ṣaḍषड्
sayshu-d-uh
Six
- Sadaśivaसदाशिव
saysuh-DAH-shi-vuh
The eternal, highest aspect of Shiva who continuously acts out five functions.
- Sadāśivaसदाशिव
saysuh-DAH-shi-vuh
The highest five-fold active blueprint form of Lord Shiva.
- Sāgaraसागर
saySAH-guh-ruh
The vast ocean, sea, or boundary waters within ancient geography.
- Saguṇaसगुण
saySUH-goo-nuh
Manifested reality possessing forms, qualities, and attributes.
- Sahasranāmaसहस्रनाम
saysuh-huhs-ruh-NAH-muh
A sacred hymn listing the one thousand names of a specific deity.
- Śaivaशैव
saySHAI-vuh
Relating to Shiva; a devotee of Lord Shiva.
- Śaivismशैवमत
saySHAI-vi-zum
Major Hindu tradition focused on the worship of Lord Shiva.
- Śākaṃbharīशाकम्भरी
sayshah-kum-bhuh-REE
The nurturing form of the Divine Mother who sustains life by providing nourishing vegetables and herbs.
- Śāktaशाक्त
saySHAHK-tuh
Relating to Shaktism; a devotee who worships the Supreme as the Divine Mother.
- Śaktiशक्ति
saySHUK-tee
The dynamic divine feminine power, energy, and creative force of the universe.
- Śāktismशक्ति-ज़म्
saySHAHK-ti-zum
Tradition focused on worshipping the Goddess (Shakti/Devi).
- Samādhiसमाधि
saysuh-MAH-dhee
Meditative absorption, deep concentration, or spiritual liberation.
- samājसमाज
saysam-aa-juh
Society
- Sāmanसामन्
saySAH-mun
A sacred melody, chant, or verse from the Sama Veda.
- samānaसमान
saysum-aa-nuh
Similar or same
- Samavedaसामवेद
saysah-muh-VAY-duh
The Veda of melodies, chants, and sacred songs.
- Sāmavedaसामवेद
saysah-muh-VAY-duh
The Veda of melodies, chants, and sacred songs.
- Samayaसमय
saysuh-MUH-yuh
Time, proper occasion, conventional covenant, or doctrine within a tradition.
- Samhitaसंहिता
saysum-hee-TAH
Structured collections of hymns, prayers, and mantras in individual Vedas.
- Samhitāसंहिता
saysum-hee-TAH
The core foundational text collection inside a specific Veda.
- Saṃhitāसंहिता
saysum-hee-TAH
Structured collections of hymns, prayers, and mantras in individual Vedas.
- Saṃnyāsaसंन्यास
saysum-NYAH-suh
The final stage of formal renunciation and monastic life.
- Sampradāyaसम्प्रदाय
saysum-pruh-DAH-yuh
An established lineage, tradition, or school of spiritual thought.
- Saṃskārasसंस्कार
saysum-SKAH-ruhz
The key sacramental life rituals or deep mental impressions.
- Samudraसमुद्र
saysuh-MOO-druh
The wide collection of ocean waters or cosmic space sea.
- Sanandanaसनन्दन
saysuh-NUN-duh-nuh
One of the pristine four mind-born youth sons of Brahma.
- Sanat-Kumāraसनत्कुमार
saysuh-nut-koo-MAH-ruh
The eternal child sage who instructs paths of liberation.
- Sanātanaसनातन
saysuh-NAH-tuh-nuh
Eternal, timeless, or permanent.
- Śaniशनि
saySHUH-nee
The celestial deity personifying the planet Saturn, delivering karmic justice based on actions.
- śaṅkaraशंकर
saysh-un-karuh
Another name for Lord Shiv
- Śaṅkarācāryaशंकराचार्य
sayshung-kuh-rah-CHAHR-yuh
The master philosopher who consolidated Advaita Vedanta philosophy.
- sāṅkhyaसांख्य
saysaan-kh-ya
Literal - enumeration - one of the six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy, famous for its dualistic and analytical framework
- Ṣaṇmataषण्मत
saySHUN-muh-tuh
The six-fold system of worship popularized by Adi Shankara.
- Saptarṣiसप्तर्षि
saysup-TUR-shee
The constellation of seven grand primordial rishi seers.
- Saptarṣisसप्तर्षि
saysup-TUR-sheez
The collective grouping of seven timeless master sages.
- Sarasvatīसरस्वती
saysuh-rus-vwuh-TEE
The brilliant goddess of learning, music, and divine speech.
- Śarvaṇaशर्वण
sayshur-vuh-NUH
An epithet of Shiva or place associated with his lineage.
- Śāstraशास्त्र
saySHAHS-truh
A foundational sacred scripture, treatise, or book of authoritative knowledge.
- Śatarudrīyaशतरुद्रीय
sayshuh-tuh-rood-REE-yuh
The sacred Vedic hymn from the Yajur Veda praise-worshipping Rudra in a hundred forms.
- Sattvaसत्त्व
saySUT-vwuh
The quality of purity, light, truth, harmony, and spiritual clarity.
- Sattvavithiत्त्ववीथि
saysut-vwuh-VEE-thee
The explicit platform or avenue of light and purity.
- Sattvāyanaसत्त्कायन
saysut-vwah-YUH-nuh
The path or moving platform of pure goodness and spiritual light.
- sāvitrīसावित्री
saysaa-vit-ree
the divine light and life-giving energy of the sun
- sāwanसावन
saysaa-vun
The monsoon month of rains
- Sayanaसायण
saySAH-yuh-nuh
The monumental 14th-century commentator on the Vedas.
- sāyaṇaशयन
saysha-yan-uh
sleeping
- śeṣaशेष
saysh-esha
Remanent
- Śeṣanāgaशेषनाग
sayshay-shuh-NAH-guh
The primordial king of serpents who supports the worlds and forms the bed of Vishnu.
- Siddhāntaसिद्धान्त
saysidh-DHAHN-tuh
An established conclusion, definitive textbook doctrine, or absolute truth within a tradition.
- Śikṣāशिक्षा
saySHIK-shah
The auxiliary Vedic science focusing on phonetics, pronunciation, and accents.
- Śilpaशिल्प
saySHIL-puh
Arts, crafts, iconography, and mechanical skill guidelines within tradition.
- sindūrसिंदूर
saysin-duur
Vermilion
- śiṣyaशिष्य
sayshi-sh-yuh
Disciple
- sītāसीता
saysee-taa
Sita - wife of Lord Ram
- Śivaशिव
saySHI-vuh
The Auspicious One; cosmic transformer, destroyer, and yogi.
- śivarātriशिवरात्रि
sayshiv-raat-ri
The Night of Shiva - the night when the Lord performed the Tandav dance
- Ślokaश्लोक
saySHLOH-kuh
A classic metered two-line verse stanza in Sanskrit texts.
- Smārtaस्मार्त
saySMAHR-tuh
Relating to Smriti texts or a follower of the Smarta system.
- Smārtismस्मार्त-ज़्म
saySMRUHR-ti-zum
Orthodox tradition worshipping five or six deities equally.
- Smrtiस्मृति
saySMRIT-ee
That which is remembered; secondary, tradition-based scriptures.
- smṛtiस्मृति
saysm-ri-tee
Memory, Commemoration
- Solarisसौर
saySOW-ruh
Relating to the solar systems or solar-powered deities.
- somvārसोमवार
saysom-vaa-ruh
monday
- sorṭhāसोरठा
saysor-th-aa
a popular, traditional poetic meter (Chhanda) widely used in medieval Hindi, Braj, and Awadhi literature
- śramaṇaश्रमण
sayshra-mun-uh
Shramana
- Śrīश्री
sayshri
Goddess of Wealth Laxmi, a respectful salutation to a man
- Śrī Vaiṣṇavaश्रीवैष्णव
sayshree VAISH-nuh-vuh
The prominent orthodox lineage worshipping Vishnu alongside Goddess Lakshmi.
- Śrīmadश्रीमद्
saySHREE-mud
An honorific prefix denoting divine, radiant, or highly revered scripture.
- śrīrāmacaritamānasश्रीरामचरितमानस
saysh-ree ram-cha-rit-maan-us
The story of Lord Ram in the indian dialect Awadhi
- śrīvijayaश्रीविजय
sayshri-vij-aya
powerful, wealthy maritime empire based on the Indonesian island of Sumatra
- Sṛṣṭiसृष्टि
saySRISH-tee
Creation, manifestation, or cosmic emission.
- Śrutiश्रुति
saySHROO-tee
That which is heard; primordial revealed Vedic literature.
- Sthapatyaस्थापत्य
saysthah-PUT-yuh
The auxiliary Vedic mechanical discipline of architecture.
- Sthitiस्थिति
saySTHIT-ee
Maintenance, preservation, or sustenance of the universe.
- stotraस्तोत्र
saySTOH-truh
A hymn of praise, prayer, or ode addressed to a specific deity.
- Sudarśanaसुदर्शन
saysoo-dur-SHU-nuh
The spinning cosmic discus weapon utilized by Lord Vishnu.
- Sudarśanacakraसुदर्शनचक्र
saysoo-dur-shuh-nuh-CHUK-ruh
The fully completed title for the celestial wheel of Vishnu.
- sugrīvaसुग्रीव
saysug-ree-va-uh
The king of the Vaanar army that helped Lord Ram in his war against Ravana
- Sūktaसूक्त
saySOOK-tuh
"Well spoken"; a Vedic hymn or praise song.
- Sūktamसूक्तम्
saySOOK-tum
Accented individual Vedic praise song or text block.
- Śulbaशुल्ब
saySHOOL-buh
The auxiliary geometry sutras detailing sacrificial fire altars.
- Sūryaसूर्य
saySOOR-yuh
The Sun god; the visible solar source of light and life.
- Sūrya Siddhāntaसूर्यसिद्धान्त
saySOOR-yuh sidh-DHAHN-tuh
A foundational ancient treatise on Indian astronomy.
- Sūtraसूत्र
saySOO-truh
An aphorism, thread, or condensed rulebook of philosophical truths.
- Sūtrātmanसूत्रात्मन
saysoo-TRAHT-mun
The thread-soul that links all individual minds and objects in the cosmos together.
- Svayambhūस्वयम्भू
saysvuh-yum-BHOO
The self-existent, uncreated eternal being, often applied to Brahma or Shiva.
- Śvetāśvataraश्वेताश्वतर
sayshway-tahsh-wuh-TUH-ruh
A foundational Upanishad notable for highlighting Shiva and Bhakti.
T
- Taittirīyaतैत्तिरीय
saytye-tee-REE-yuh
A school and Upanishad belonging to the Black Yajurveda.
- Tāṇḍavaताण्डव
sayTAHN-duh-vuh
The vigorous, wild cosmic dance of destruction performed by Lord Shiva.
- Tantraतंत्र
saytun-tra
philosophy / instrument of expanding consciousness
- Tantrālokaतंत्र लोक
saytun-tra-loke
Land of Tantra
- tathāतथा
sayta-thaa
And
- Tattvārthaतत्त्वार्थ
saytut-vwaht-thuh
The essential, foundational meaning of cosmic elements.
- Tīrthaतीर्थ
sayTEER-thuh
A holy river crossing, pilgrimage ford, or stepping stone.
- Tīrthaṅkarasतीर्थङ्कर
sayteer-thung-KUH-ruhz
The twenty-four supreme enlightened saviors within Jainism.
- Tretāत्रेता
saytray-TAH
The second of the four cyclic world ages.
- Trikaत्रिक
sayTREE-kuh
The triad system of non-dualistic Kashmir Shaivism focusing on Shiva, Shakti, and Nara.
- Trimūrtiत्रिमूर्ति
saytree-MOOR-tee
The triad of supreme functions: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
- Tripiṭakaत्रिपिटक
saytree-PI-tuh-kuh
The canonical three baskets collection of Buddhist scripture.
- Trivikramaत्रिविक्रम
saytree-VIK-ruh-muh
The gigantic form of Lord Vishnu's Vamana avatar who measured the universe in three steps.
- Tukārāmतुकाराम
saytoo-kah-RAHM
The prominent 17th-century Marathi poet-saint of devotion.
- tulsīdāsतुलसीदास
saytu-la-si-das
Tulsidas - creator of the most popular story of Lord Ram - Ramcharitmanas
- Turiyaतुरीय
saytoo-REE-yuh
The fourth transcendent background state of consciousness.
- tvaṃत्वं
saytwa-um
the Sanskrit pronoun for you
- tyāgaत्याग
sayty-aag-uh
Sacrifice
U
- Udaharaṇaउदाहरण
sayoo-dah-huh-RUH-nuh
An illustrative example, case, or paradigm used in logic.
- Upanisadउपनिषद्
sayoo-puh-nee-shud
The secret mystical texts closing out the Vedic operational system.
- Upaniṣadउपनिषद्
sayoo-puh-NEE-shud
Mystical and philosophical treatises marking the end of Vedas.
- upaniṣadicउपनिषदिक
sayup-an-ish-ad-ic
of the Upanishad
- Upaniṣadsउपनिषद्
sayoo-puh-nee-shudz
The final philosophical and mystical sections of the Vedas dealing with the nature of ultimate reality.
- Upapurāṇaउपपुराण
sayoo-puh-poo-RAH-nuh
The secondary or minor suite of eighteen mythological texts.
- Uṣasउषस्
sayOO-shus
The radiant Vedic goddess representing the dawn, lighting up the sky.
V
- Vācaspatiवाचस्पति
sayvah-CHUS-puh-tee
The Lord of Speech; title for Brihaspati or master scholars.
- Vaikuṇṭhaवैकुण्ठ
sayvye-KOON-thuh
The supreme, heavenly spiritual abode of Lord Vishnu.
- Vaiṣṇavaवैष्णव
sayVAISH-nuh-vuh
Relating to Vishnu; a devotee of Lord Vishnu.
- Vaiṣṇavismवैष्णवमत
sayVAISH-nuh-vi-zum
Major Hindu tradition focused on the worship of Lord Vishnu.
- Vāk Sūktaवाक्सूक्त
sayvahk SOOK-tuh
A Rigvedic hymn where Speech personified proclaims divinity.
- Vālmīkiवाल्मीकि
sayvahl-MEE-kee
The primordial poet sage who authored the core Ramayana.
- Vāmaवाम
sayVAH-muh
The left-hand path or progressive aspect of tantric worship.
- Vāmanaवामन
sayVAH-muh-nuh
The dwarf-brahmin incarnation of Lord Vishnu who outwitted King Bali.
- vānaraवानर
sayvaan-ur-uh
monkey
- Varāhaवराह
sayvuh-RAH-huh
The wild boar avatar of Lord Vishnu who lifted the drowning Earth out of cosmic waters.
- Varuṇaवरुण
sayvuh-ROO-nuh
The ancient Vedic deity of cosmic waters and moral sky laws.
- Vaśiṣṭhaवसिष्ठ
sayvuh-SISH-thuh
The celebrated master rishi and lineage sage of Raghu kings.
- Vāstusāstraवास्तुशास्त्र
sayvahs-too-SHAHS-truh
The classical systematic text science of space architecture.
- Vāstuvidyāवास्तुविद्या
sayVAHS-too-vid-yah
The ancient science and sacred technology of architecture and environmental layout.
- Vātsyāyanaवात्स्यायन
sayvaht-SYAH-yuh-nuh
The ancient sage best known for writing the authoritative Kama Sutra.
- vāyuवायु
sayvaa-yu
Air
- Vedāngaवेदाङ्ग
sayvay-DAHNG-guh
The six auxiliary disciplines or limbs essential for understanding and practicing Vedic rituals.
- vedāṅgasवेदांग
sayved-aang
six auxiliary disciplines in Vedic culture designed to properly understand, preserve, and chant the ancient texts
- Vedantaवेदान्त
sayvay-DAHN-tuh
The philosophical system analyzing the end segments of the Vedas (the Upanishads).
- Vedāntaवेदान्त
sayvay-DAHN-tuh
The end of the Vedas; the culmination of philosophy focused on Brahman.
- vedānticवेदांतिक
sayved-aan-tic
of the Vedas
- Vidyāविद्या
sayvid-ya-ha
Learning or education
- Vidyāśaraṇaविद्याशरण
sayvid-yah-shuh-ruh-nuh
Taking refuge in knowledge, wisdom, or learning.
- Vimānaविमान
sayvee-MAH-nuh
A flying chariot or the towering tiered sanctuary structure atop a temple shrine.
- Vimarśaविमर्श
sayvee-MUR-shuh
The reflective consciousness or active kinetic self-awareness of the supreme.
- Virāṭविराट्
sayvee-RAHT
The cosmic, universal body or macrocosmic physical manifestation of the Divine.
- Virūpākṣaविरूपाक्ष
sayvee-roo-PAHK-shuh
An epithet of Lord Shiva, meaning 'He with oblique or misaligned eyes'.
- viṣविष्
sayvish
To pervade
- Viṣṇuविष्णु
sayVISH-noo
The All-Pervading deity; the cosmic maintainer and preserver.
- Visvarūpaविश्वरूप
sayvishwuh-ROO-puh
The almighty, all-encompassing multi-form of God.
- viśvarūpaविश्वरूप
sayvish-va-roo-puh
Universal Form believed to be shown by Lord Krishna when teaching the Gita to Arjun in the battlefield of Mahabharat
- Vithalaविठ्ठल
sayvit-tuh-LUH
A popular form of Lord Vishnu worshipped predominantly in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
- Vivartaविवर्त
sayvee-VUR-tuh
The doctrine of apparent or illusory modification in reality.
- Vivekānandaविवेकानन्द
sayvee-vuh-KAH-nun-duh
The brilliant monk who introduced Yoga and Vedanta to the West.
- Vṛtraवृत्र
sayVRU-truh
The dragon or drought demon defeated by Indra in the Vedas.
- vyaktaव्यक्त
sayVYUK-tuh
The fully manifested, perceptible, or differentiated material universe.
- Vyāsaव्यास
sayVYAH-suh
The legendary sage who classified the single Veda into four.
Y
- yaḥयः
sayy-ah
Yes
- Yajñaयज्ञ
sayyuh-g-yuh
The ancient fire ritual from the Vedas where offering is made to the sacred fire
- Yajñavalkyaयाज्ञवल्क्य
sayyahg-nyuh-VUL-kyuh
The ultimate master sage of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad.
- yājñavalkyaयाज्ञवल्क्य
sayya-gya-val-ak-ya
one of the greatest Vedic sages, philosophers, and spiritual seers of ancient India
- Yajurvedaयजुर्वेद
sayyuh-joor-VAY-duh
The Veda of ritual formulas and sacrificial mantras.
- Yajurvedicयजुर्वेदिक
sayyuh-joor-VAY-dik
Related to / from the Yajurveda
- yamunāयमुना
sayyum-unaa
The north Indian holy river
- Yāskaयास्क
sayYAHS-kuh
The ancient grammarian and sage who authored the Nirukta text.
- yathāयथा
sayya-th-aa
as
- Yātraयात्रा
sayYAH-trah
A holy pilgrimage, procession, or sacred foot journey.
- Yogaयोग
sayYOH-guh
The practice of physical, mental, and spiritual union.
- yogeśvarasयोगेश्वर
sayyog-esh-var
Lord of Yoga - referred for Lord Shiv as well as Lord Krishna
- Yojanaयोजन
sayYOH-juh-nuh
An ancient Indian measure of long distance equivalent to about 8-9 miles.
- Yugaयुग
sayYOO-guh
An epoch or cosmic age within a cyclic four-stage world cycle.
Audio uses your browser's built-in speech engine. On most devices this reads the plain-English phonetic hint aloud — a close approximation, not a native Sanskrit voice. We'll add Sanskrit-native audio in a future pass.
