Naadee Jyotish

Naadikaa
Make a pot of 6 Pal (46.4 gms x 6 =  278.4 gms) copper, which can hold 1 Prasth (12 handfuls x 4 = 48 double handfuls) water. Make a golden rod of 4-finger length weighed 4 Maashaa and make the hole from that needle in that pot. Drop that pot in water. Whatever time it will take to fill that pot with water and sink in the water is called one Naadikaa time.

Naag Mani

Naag Paash
(1) Naag means snake, and Paash means noose. Naag Paash means a serpent which is used as a noose.  (2) A noosed to capture the enemy or the lover.

Naag Stambh    see also   Tadaag
When a tank is first dug out, a thick column or piece of wood is driven into its center, that is called Naag Stambh or Yoop.

Naamkaran
One of the 16 main Sanskaar, through which a name is given to a newborn child. This is normally done 11th or 12th day of the birth.

Naaraayan Sookt

Naaraayan and Satya-Naaraayan

Naaraayanee
(1) Another name of Durgaa.  (2) Name of a river.

Naaraayaneeyam

Naarad Ghaat
Naarad haat is on the banks of Gangaa River in Vaaraanase. This is the only Ghaat on which people don't bathe because it is believed that a couple bathing on this Ghat will start fighting amongst themselves!. In mythology, Naarad Jee is depicted as the naughty saint who always creates trouble (with the best motives of course!), that is why people do not take bath there.

Naarad Puraan      see also      Puraan
Naarad Jee is one of the 10 Maanas Putra (brain children) of Brahmaa Jee. This Puraan is on his name.

Naariyal or Naarikel

Naasdeeya Sookt
This Rig Ved Sookt reflects on the creation of the Universe. According to it God created the Universe by manifesting Himself through the power of His own fervor. Later on, in the Upanishad, God is considered both the efficient and the material cause of the Universe.

Naastik   see also   Aastik
Atheist. Who does not believe in God.

Naatak

Naath
(1) Protector, such as Jagan+Naath means who protects the world.  (2) Lord.  (3) Husband, such as Jaanakee+Naath means who is the husband of Jaanakee, means Raam.  (4) Naath Sampradaaya - there is a Naath Sampradaaya also

Naath Sampradaaya

Naayikaa

Nadee

Nagar or Nagaree
Town.

Naimittik Kaaran    see also   Kaaran
There are two Kaaran - Upaadaan and Naimittik. Upaadaan Kaaran is Material cause and Naimitt Kaaran is Instrumental or Efficient cause, as opposed to Upaadaan or Material Cause.

Nairritya    see also    Dishaa
Southwest direction.

Naivedya
It may be any kind of food offered to God while worshipping Him, but mostly it is fruits, or sweets, or dry fruits. According to Agni Puraan, p 381, Naivedya is all what is offered to Bhagavaan before His Visarjan. But as soon as the Visarjan is done, it immediately becomes Nirmaalya.

Nakshatra   see also   Astrology

Nakshatra by Aaryabhatt

Nakshatra Devtaa

Nakshatra Sookt
Kakshatra Sookt is a wonderful hymn for Nakshatra and is part of Ved. There is a minor variation or difference in the texts of Rig Ved and Atharv Ved but both narrate the benefits these stars bestow on Earth. Hence natives may expand their belief to stars also besides planets, for even stars too are indicators or givers of benefit. Nakshatra Shaanti, Nakshatra Hom, Nakshatra Poojaa etc are normal in southern parts of India but is not so popular in its other parts.

Nakt Vrat    see also   A-Yaachit Vrat,   Ek-Bhukt Vrat,   Vrat and Fasts
In this type of fast one eats only once a day - only in the night. After that nothing is eaten until next sunrise.

Nalin
Lotus flower.

Nalinee
(1) Kamalinee.  (2) Lotus stalk.

Nam or Namah (in Sanskrit)
(1) To bow.  (2) To pay homage.  (3) To greet.

Namakam Chamakam    see    Rudra Chamakam

Namaskaar or Namastey   see also    Abhivaadan

Namastey or  Namaskaar
This is a joint word, Namo + Astu; meaning "I bow to you". It is the same as Namaskaar given above - greeting the other person by pressing one's palms together and bowing head; and by pronouncing or not pronouncing "Namaskaar" or "Namastey".

Nandan
(1) Delighter.  (2) Son, such as Devakee-Nandan means Devakee's son (Krishn).

Nandinee
(1) Durgaa.  (2) Daughter, such as Janak-Nandinee means Janak's daughter (Seetaa)

Nandan Van
This garden is in Indra Puree or Swarg (Heaven) and belongs to Indra.

Nandee
Name of the bull of Shiv. The stone sculpture of Nandee in sitting posture is found in almost all Shiv temples in India. Some of these statues are gigantic in size, such as one in Chaamundee Hill on the road, leading to the temple of Mahishaasur-Mardinee.

Nar
(1) Man.  (2) Human being.

Narak

Narasinh (Avataar)
The 4th Avataar of Vishnu in man-lion form taken to kill Hiranyakashyap.

Nataraaj
(1) Another name of Shiv who is considered the cosmic dancer.  (2) The temple of Shiv, built around 850 AD, located in Chidaambaram (Tamilnaadu). This pose of Shiv is so popular that it has been copied a million times in bronze in all sizes and it adorns the living room of many Hindoo families.

Natavar
(1) Another name if Shiv.  (2) Another name of Krishn.

Nava
(1) New.  (2) Nine

Nava Grah
Nine planets - (1) Prithvi (Earth), (2) Soorya (Sun), (3) Chandra (Moon), (4) Budh (Mercury), (5) Brihaspati (Jupiter), (6) Shukra (Venus), (7) Shani (Saturn), (8) Raahu, and (9) Ketu. Athough there is no Vaidik support for worshipping them but many people worship them.

Nava Nidhi

Nava Ratn
Nine gems - (1) Heeraa (Diamond), (2) Laal or Chunnee (Ruby), (3) Topaz, (4) Pannaa (Emerald), (5) Neelam (Sapphire), (6) Lapis-lazuli, (7) Motee (Pearl), (8) Moongaa (Coral), and (9) Firozaa (Turquoise).

Nava Ratn
Nine members in the court of the King Vikramaaditya (c 80 BC) and the Emperor Akbar (1556-1605 AD).

Nava Raatri
First nine days of the month of Chaitra Shukla Paksh, and Aashwin Shukla Paksh. During these nine day nine Devee are worshipped. Many people keep fast on those days. The Aashwin Nava Raatri is called "Shaaradotsav" also - the vernal worship being called Vaasantee.

Neel Mani
Gem. A precious stone. Sapphire. Neelam.

Neelam

Neeraajan
Offering water oblations to Deity.

Neeraj    see    Kamal
A compound word - Neer + aj - which is born from water (masculine).

Neerajaa
A compound word - Neer + ajaa - which is born from water (feminine).

Neeti
(1) Policy.  (2) Guidelines.

Neeti Shaastra
Ethics.

Neetishatakam
Name of a book of 100 verses on moral law written by Bhartrahari.

Nemi
(1) Rim.  (2) Felly of a wheel.

Neptune

Neti-Neti
Literally "not this, not that". God is not this, God is not that. According to Upanishad, those who try to define God or claim that they know Him, do not know Him. Those who say that they are ignorant about Him, are somewhat better. This expression suggests that nothing in our experience cn enable us to define or describe God.

Nidhaan
In whichever form all Bhoot get absorbed in Pralay Kaal, that form is called Nidhaan.

Nidhi

Nigam    see also   Aagam
(1) Ved.  (2) Scriptures.

Nigraha
Control, for example Indriya Nigraha means to control Indriyaan.

Nimesh   see also   Unmesh
(1) Closing of the eyes, while winking.   (2) It represents Pralaya - the destruction of the Creation. In this state the whole Universe subsides in Brahm power.

Nimitta
That is "Instrumental" or Efficient Cause, as opposed to Upaadaan or Material Cause. Prakriti is latter, whilst Purush is the former. Prakriti cannot move without the Purush. The proximity of the Prakriti affects the Raj Gun or stirring passionate quality in Prakriti; and with this string the Evolution of matter commences. Under the influence of the gaze o Purush, Prakriti commences the world dance.
[Tantra of the Great Liberation, p 49]

Nindaa
Censure.

Nine Idols
The nine idols which Vaishnav people worship are of : (1) Vaasudev, (2) Sankarshan, (3) Pradyumn, (4) Aniruddh, (5) Naaraayan, (6) Hayagreev, (7) Varaah, (8) Narasinh, and (9) Brahmaa.

Nir   see also   Sa,  
Nir is a prefix which means "without" (as A).
Nir-Aadhaar - which has no basis
Nir-Aakaar - which has no form. Formless.
Nir-Aakul - Serene
Nir-Aamaya - Without sickness, healthy.
Nir-Anjan - see below
Nir-Dosh - Faultless.
Nir-Gun - Without attributes - Bhagavaan (see also Sa-Gun) - see below "Nir-Gun and Sa-Gun".
Nir-Jal - Without water.
Nir-Jeev - Lifeless.
Nir-Lipt - Which is not Lipt (attached), means detached, like the drop of water on a lotus leaf
Nir-Vikaar - (1) Unimpaired.  (2) Unchanged.  (3) Uniform
Nir-Vikalp - devoid of false imaginings (see also Vikalp and Nir-Vikalp)
Nir-Vishesh - which does not change

Nir-Anjan
Anjan means a substance which is applied to eyes (Kaajal).
(1) Nir-Anjan means incomprehensible to the ignorant;   (2) The one from ignorance as been driven out - means the perfect knower.

Nir-Gun and Sa-Gun
They literally mean "without attributes" and "with attributes". HIndu elieve that God is formless and without attributes. He is best defined as the Supreme Soul or the Supreme Being. He is also Parameshwar, He is Creator, He is destroyer. But at the same time Hindoo believe that God in His mercy takes on human incarnation and when He does so, He is with attributes He does so to let people know Him better and love Him more.

Nir-Jalaa Ekaadashee or Nir-Jalaa Vrat
Nir-Jalaa means without water. Anything Nir-Jal is without water. Nir-Jalaa Ekaadashee is the day that falls on Jyeshth Shukla Ekaadashee. On this day a fast is undertaken without taking any water. In the same way any Vrat (fast) may be called Nir-Jalaa when no water is sipped on that day till one breaks the fast.

Niranjan
Another name of Shiv.

Nirmaalya
Nirmaalya is the remains of the offerings made to Devtaa. The flowers etc, other leftover after the worshi or ceremony. These are also sacred and Nirmaalya-Vaasinee is the Devee of it. Normally, Nirmaalya means flowers, but in some temples (as in Puree),food offerings are so called. The word is from Nir-mal=stainless or dirtless. Things offered to the Devtaa become stainless.

Nirukt
The etymological explanation of words. It is especially related to Ved study. Name of one and the most famous books on etymology by Yaask (700-620 BC), which deals with the origin and meaning of the Vaidik words.

Nirvaan
Emancipation. The end of this materialistic life. Moksh.

Nirvaan Shatak
A six-stanzas poem written by Aadi Shankarachaarya at the age of eight, when his Guru asked him "Who are you?" It is called Aatm Shatakam too.

Nirved
Vairaagya. Detachment. There are three kinds of Nirved -
(1) Jaati-Nirved (produced by the feeling of being born) - When one feels Vairaagya from his body thinking about the pains and sorrows because of being born, it is called "Jaati-Nirved".
(2) Karm-Nirved (produced by Karm) - When one feels Vairaagya thinking about the pains and sorrows of Narak and being born in various species because of Karm, it is called "Karm-Nirved".
(3) Sarv-Nirved - When one feels Vairaagya from all around thinking about the immortality of everything in this world, it is called "Sarv-Nirved".

Nish
Nish means "without" as "Nir", thus
Nish-Kaam - (1) Desireless.  (2) Unselfish.
Nish-Paap - Sinless.

Nishaad
(1) Name of a tribe living in Vindhya mountains.    (2) The seventh and the last note in North Indian music. There are seven notes in North Indian music - Shadaj, Rishabh, Gandhaar, Madhyam, Pancham, Dhaivat, and Nishaad.

Nishk   see also    Money
Gold coin in very ancient days in Bhaarat Varsh. It was used in MBH times also.

Nishthaa
(1) Loyalty.  (2) Trust.  (3) Faith.

Nispraha
Without any desire.

Nitya
Eternal.

Nitya Karm
Daily rites as written in scriptures.

Nityaa Devee    see    Chandramaa's 16 Kalaa

Niveet
A Yagyopaveet worn like garland is called "Niveet".

Nivritti and Pravritti
Ni means no, and Vritti means living. So Nivritti means not doing anything for living; or non-indulging in something, or washing away one's hands from something. When one has nothing to do with any of his actions that is called Nivritti. Abstention from actions is called superior state to Pravritti. Efforts made to enjoy worldly comforts and  pleasures, or to make living, or acts done in pursuance of the religion is called Pravritti

Niyam    see also     Yog
(1) Control.  (2) Restraint.  (3) Regulation.  (4) A part of Ashtaang Yog.

Niyati
(1) Which keeps something in order or discipline.   (2) Control.   (3) Fate.   (4) Destiny. The predetermined course of events, Destiny, fate. The Manu Smriti (7-205) describes Niyati like thus - In this world happenings are either in the hands of Destiny or in the power of man. Destiny seems to decide those things which are the results of our previous deeds. Over these we have no control. Yet, man can influence those happenings which are related to the present and the future. Men should, therefore, act righteously in regard to happenings over which they still have power. Thus according to Manu Smriti man himself is the architect of his Niyati.

Niyog

Nritya (Dance)

Nritya, Taandav

Numbers    see also   Numbers;   Numbers 1-5;   Numbers 6-9;   Numbers 10-108;   Numbers-9;   Importance of Number 108;   According to Bhaagvat Puraan, 9/12,  a Baddh = 13,084.

Nyaas

Nyaaya
(1) Justice. (2) comparing with something. Such as. With the simile of. [by Bimb-Pratibimb Nyaayaa there were father and son]

Nyagrodh    see also    Names of Trees
Banyan tree. This tree shoots new trunks downwards and in so doing becomes extremely large. In Chhaandogya Upanishad, Shwetketu's father gives the example of the seed of Nyagrodh tree which is so small as to be almost invisible and yet contains in it a giant tree. He compares God to this seed saying that God is subtle and yet all things exist in Him.