Moksha
Ultimate liberation from the process of transmigration, the continuous cycle
of birth and death.
|
Rig
Veda
The first scripture of Hinduism, containing spiritual and scientific knowledge.
|
|
Murti
Form. The image or deity used as a focus of worship.
|
Samsara
The world – the place where transmigration (the soul’s passage through a
series of lives in different species) occurs.
|
|
Navaratri
The Nine Nights Festival preceding Dassehra, and held in honour of the goddess
Durga.
|
Samskar
Sacraments designed to initiate a new stage of life.
|
|
Nirvana
The cessation of material existence.
|
Seva
Service, either to the divine or to humanity.
|
|
Parvati
The consort of Shiva, also known by other names such as Durga, Devi, etc.
|
Shiva
A Hindu god. The name means kindly or auspicious.
|
|
Prahlada
Devotee of Vishnu, connected with the festival of Holi.
|
Shiva
Natarajah
An image of Shiva involved in a cosmic dance of destruction.
|
|
Prashad
Sacred or sanctified food
|
Sita
The divine consort of Rama. |
|
Puja
Worship. General term referring to a variety of practices in the home or
mandir. |
Trimurti
The three deities. Refers to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, who personify and
control the three gunas. They represent and control the three functions
of creation, preservation and destruction. ‘Trinity’ should be avoided.
|
|
Raja
Yoga
Path of self-control and meditation to realise God.
|
Varanasi
City on the river Ganges, sacred to Shiva. It is one of the holiest pilgrimage
sites and also an ancient centre of learning.
|
|
Rakhi
A bracelet, usually made out of silk or cotton, tied to give protection
and to strengthen the bond of mutual love.
|
Varnas
The four main visions in Hindu Society.
|
|
Raksha
Bandhan
The birthday festival of Rama
|
Vishnu
A Hindu God. With Brahma and Shiva forms the Trimurti.
|
|
Rama
The incarnation of the Lord, and hero of the Ramayana.
|
Yoga
Communion; union of the soul with the Supreme, or a process which promotes
that relationship. The English word ‘yoke’ is derived from yoga. |
|
Ramayana
The Hindu epic that relates the story of Rama and Sita, composed by the
sage Valmiki thousands of years ago.
|
|
|
Rangoli
Patterns
Elaborate patterns made to celebrate Divali. |
|
|
