Page 53 - Sri Canakya Niti

Glossary

times as the best place for performing piṇḍa (offerings to the
forefathers).
Gāyatrī—the most prominent Vedic mantra, recited thrice daily by
brāhmaṇas.
Giri Govardhana—a sacred hill in Vṛndāvana that is nondifferent
from Lord Viṣṇu.
Ghāṭa—stone steps built on a riverbank or around lakes to facilitate
easier access to the water for bathing.
Ghee—butter that has been cooked and strained to remove the milk
protein and thus can be used even as a medium for frying. An age-old
traditional ingredient in cooking, it is most healthy and tasty.
Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmī—one of the Six Gosvāmīs (direct disciples
of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu who recorded His teachings).
Gopī—a cowherd damsel in Vṛndāvana and the prototype form of
those souls who are the most advanced and surrendered to Lord Kṛṣṇa.
Gośālā—(1) a cowshed; (2) a traditional dairy farm where cows are
protected from slaughter.
Goṣṭhy-ānandī—(lit. “one who takes pleasure in associating with
fellow devotees”) a devotee who is committed to preaching and
associating with other devotees (in contrast to the bhajanānandī, who
prefers solitary bhajana).
Gotra—a line of descent from one of the great Vedic sages.
Gṛhamedhī—a householder who is excessively attached to home
and family.
Gṛhastha—a married person who follows the Vedic religious
principles for the purpose of spiritual advancement.
Gṛhastha-āśrama—regulated married life, the second āśrama of
Vedic spiritual life.

Grim Reaper—death personifi ed.
Guṇas—(the three modes of material nature) the three general

influences that are discernible in a person’s character, behavior, and

411