Svedaja (Devanagari: स्वेदज; ISO 15919: svedaja) literally means "born from sweat" or "moisture-born." It refers to the category of living beings that originate from moisture, heat, or perspiration. Common examples include lice, bugs, and bacteria. Further Reading and Reference * Related Concepts: andaj, udbhij, Types

Swati Nakshatra (Devanagari: स्वाति नक्षत्र; ISO 15919: svāti nakṣatra) is a constellation in Vedic astrology. It is visually represented by symbols such as a sword, a blade of grass, or a young sprout. This star constellation holds special significance: * The Chataka Bird: It is believed that

Svarupavarika Maya (Devanagari: स्वरूपावारिका माया; ISO 15919: svarūpāvārikā māyā) refers to the veiling power of Maya. Its primary function is to cover or obscure the true nature (Svarupa) of the soul. Because it creates ignorance of one's true identity, it is synonymous

Svarupananda (Devanagari: स्वरूपानंद; ISO 15919: svarūpānanda) refers to the bliss of the Divine Self (or the bliss inherent in God's own form). Shri Krishna is both the embodiment of supreme bliss and the enjoyer of that bliss. It is through His Svarupa Shakti (intrinsic

Same as yogamaya shakti. Further Reading and Reference * Related Concepts: yoga, kusang, Why Seek A Saint When You Can Pray to God * Reference: Who am I? Who is Mine? Vol. 1, Ch. 2

svagatabheda (Devanagari: स्वगतभेद ISO15919: svagatabheda) means the entity has internal distinctions. For example, human beings have a material body and a divine soul. Jagadguru Shri Ramanujacharya propagated that God has simultaneous internal distinctions which are the individual souls (jiva) and the world (samsar). Further Reading and Reference * Alternate

Svadhyaya (Devanagari: स्वाध्याय; ISO 15919: svādhyāya) refers to the self-study of scriptures. However, the scriptures contain numerous concepts that appear contradictory on the surface. While reading scripture is not inherently wrong, attempting to interpret them without proper guidance often leads an already confused mind into deeper

Svabhavik (Devanagari: स्वभाविक; ISO 15919: svabhāvika) signifies natural, innate, or inherent. It describes qualities that are intrinsic to the essential nature of an object or being, as opposed to traits acquired through practice or habit. Examples * The capacity to burn is svabhavik to fire; it is not

A cosmetic of antimony or lead sulphide applied to the rims of the eyes. Further Reading and Reference * kajal * anjana * Prema Rasa Madira - The Intoxicating Bliss of Divine Love, Vol. 2, Ch. 14

Sukshma Sharira (Devanagari: सूक्ष्म शरीर; ISO 15919: sūkṣma śarīra) refers to the subtle body (also known as the astral body). Situated between the gross body (Sthula) and the causal body (Karana), it consists of eighteen elements, including the mind, intellect, ego, five vital airs (pranas), and

Suhagini (Devanagari: सुहागिनी; ISO 15919: suhāginī) refers to a married woman whose husband is living. In devotional contexts, Shri Radha is revered as Sada Suhagini (Eternally Unwidowed). This title signifies that because Her beloved, Shri Krishna, is eternal, Her auspicious status can never diminish. Further Reading and

Suhag (Devanagari: सुहाग; ISO 15919: suhāga) refers to the husband of a married woman, symbolizing her marital auspiciousness. For example, Shri Ram is revered as the suhag of Mother Sita. Further Reading and Reference * Related Concepts: suhagini (Married woman), Sindoor (Symbol of Suhag). * Reference: Prema Rasa Madira -

Sthula Sharira (Devanagari: स्थूल शरीर; ISO 15919: sthūla śarīra) refers to the gross body (or physical body). It is the perceptible, physical form composed of the five gross elements (Pancha Mahabhuta): earth, water, fire, air, and space. It is the outermost of the three bodies (Trisharira) that

Smarana (Devanagari: स्मरण; ISO 15919: smaraṇa) refers to remembrance—specifically, the loving absorption of the mind in God. It is considered the very life force of devotion. Without Smarana, the other practices of Navadha Bhakti (nine forms of devotion) are akin to a lifeless body. In the context of

sindura (Devanagari: सिंदुर ISO15919: siṁdura) refers to vermillion, a brilliant red powder (traditionally made from red lead). In Hindu tradition, it is applied by a married woman along the parting of her hair (maang). This mark serves as a sacred symbol signifying her married status. Further Reading and

siddha (Devanagari: सिद्ध ISO15919: siddha) generally signifies "perfected," "accomplished," or "fulfilled." The term carries specific nuances depending on the context: * Spiritual Status: It refers to a Siddha Mahapurush—a God-realized saint who has attained the ultimate goal of life. * Metaphorical (Ripening): It

shukla paksha (Devanagari: शुक्ल पक्ष ISO15919: śukla pakṣa) refers to the waxing phase of the moon (literally the "bright fortnight"). It encompasses the fifteen-day period starting from the New Moon (Amavasya) and culminating in the Full Moon (Purnima), during which the moon's illumination

Shruti prasthana (Devanagari: श्रुति प्रस्थान ISO15919: śruti prasthāna) refers to the Upanishads that serve as the final and irrefutable authority on spiritual matters. Of the estimated 1,130 original Upanishads, only 108 are available in the present age. Among these, nine are considered the most

Shrotriya (Devanagari: श्रोत्रिय; ISO 15919: śrotriya) refers to one who possesses a thorough theoretical knowledge of the scriptures. Qualifications of a Guru While being Shrotriya is a fundamental condition for a spiritual teacher, knowledge alone is insufficient. One should not settle for a Guru who is

Shrivatsa (Devanagari: श्रीवत्स; ISO 15919: śrīvatsa) is same as dakshinavarta. Further Reading and Reference * Reference: Practise Powerful Meditation, Ch. 8

Shringara Rasa (Devanagari: श्रृंगार रस; ISO 15919: śr̥ṅgāra rasa) refers to the divine selfless amorous sentiment. It is revered as the topmost or supreme expression of divine love. Unlike mundane romance, this amorous sentiment is characterized by absolute selflessness. Further Reading and Reference * Alternate Spelling: shringaar

shringara (Devanagari: श्रृंगार; ISO 15919: śrr̥ṅgāra) is adornment, decoration or ornamentation. In a devotional context, it refers to the loving act of decorating the Divine form using beautiful garments, flowers, and jewelry to express your sweet sentiments. Further Reading and Reference * Alternate Spelling: shringaar * Related Concepts:

Shreya Marga (Devanagari: श्रेय मार्ग; ISO 15919: śreya mārga) refers to the Path of the Ultimate Good (the path of attaining God). Its eternal counterpart is preya marga (Devanagari: प्रेय मार्ग; ISO 15919: preya mārga), the Path of the Pleasant. Both paths

Shraddha (Devanagari: श्रद्धा; ISO 15919: śraddhā) signifies unwavering faith. It specifically refers to having absolute trust in the words of the Guru and the authority of the Vedas. In the progression of sadhana bhakti (devotional practice), this is recognized as the foundational first step. Further Reading and Reference

Shmashana Vairagya (Devanagari: श्मशान वैराग्य; ISO 15919: śmaśāna vairāgya) signifies "cremation ground detachment," a form of temporary renunciation. It refers to the momentary realization of life's impermanence that arises when one accompanies a body to the cremation ground, understanding for a