Page 95 - GOTIL (ENG) Sample

Glossary

Words explained herein may also have other meanings. The
definitions given are as apply to usage within this book and are
thus not comprehensive.

Abhiśeka — ritual bathing of a Deity or exalted person.
Ācārya — one who teaches by example; a guru. It may
refer to any spiritual master but especially denotes (a)
a head of a religious institution or (b) an exceptionally
prominent and influential spiritual leader.
Advaita philosophy — See Māyāvāda.

Ajāmila — a sinful person who was saved from hell by
chanting the holy name of Nārāyaṇa. His story is told
in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
Akṣata — unbroken, uncooked rice. Considered
auspicious, it is often mixed with turmeric and/or
kumkum powders and thrown by exalted persons upon
the heads of those approaching for blessings, as a
benediction.
Ārati — formal ceremony of worship, in which a Deity
or venerable spiritual personage is offered various
paraphernalia (particularly a ghee lamp, and often
also incense, water, and other items).
Arcakar — temple priest; in South India, commonly used
as the equivalent of pūjārī in North India.

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