Vedic Sanskrit Glossary - T -

Tad-ekātma-rūpa — forms of the Lord which are nondifferent from His original form, but which have different bodily features and specific activities.

* tadīya — everything belonging to the Lord.

* tahini — a semi-liquid sesame butter used in Middle Eastern cuisine. This cream-gray paste has the consistency of runny peanut butter and is the basis of various salad dressings and mezze (entrees) throughout Greece, Cyprus, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria where it is known as tahina.

Takṣaka — A winged snake who was protected by his friend Indra from the conflagration of the Khāṇḍava forest and who later, by the curse of Śṛṅgi, was fated to kill Mahārāja Parīkṣit. Kaśyapa Muni tried to stop Takṣaka from approaching Parīkṣit, but Takṣaka managed to carry out his mission by bribing the sage.

* Takṣaka — the king of the snakes. He killed Mahārāja Parīkṣit.

* takuwan — Japanese white daikon radish, pickled in rice bran and salt.

tamāla — Garcinia xanthochymus, cinnamomum tamala, a tree with blackish blue bark resembling the color of Kṛṣṇa. It is sacred to Vaiṣṇavas and is featured in many of the pastimes of Kṛṣṇa and His associates.

* tamāla — a tree whose color resembles Lord Kṛṣṇa's. It is found mostly in Vṛndāvana, India.

* tamarillo — sometimes called the tree tomato, this glossy plum-red egg-shaped fruit is a native to South America and the Peruvian Andes. It is now grown commercially in New Zealand. Tamarillos have a juicy, slightly acid flesh, and can be used raw, after peeling, for fruit salads or cooked in purees and chutneys. It is available at selected produce markets and greengrocers.

* tamarind — the pulp extracted from the brown pods of the tamarind tree, Tamarindus indica. The fresh pulp has a sour fruity taste and is popular in Indian and Indonesian cooking. Tamarind is available in different forms commercially. The crudest consists of blocks of partly dried, unpitted, broken, sticky, fibrous pods. They should be macerated in water to extract the sour brown tamarind juice, as should another form, in blocks of fibrous pulp without seeds. The most convenient is tamarind concentrate, which can be used straight from the jar. Tamarind makes excellent sweet-and-sour chutneys or sauces, and can be used in vegetable dishes and curries. Tamarind in its various forms is available at Indian and South East Asian grocery stores.

tamas — Ignorance; one of the modes of material nature.

* tamas — the material mode of ignorance.

* Tamasaḥ — the coverings of the universe.

tamboura — (tanpura) A stringed instrument played in classical Indian music.

tāmbūla — Betel nut.

tamo-guṇa — Among the three modes of material nature, the mode of darkness. It causes ignorance, delusion, foolishness, and inertia.

* tamo-guṇa — the mode of ignorance, or darkness of material nature. It is controlled by Lord Śiva.

* tānava — the ecstatic symptom of thinness.

* Tāṇḍava-nṛtya — Lord Śiva’s dance, which he performs at the time of universal devastation, and at other times also.

tantras — Scriptures that teach mantra chanting and Deity worship, especially for persons not initiated into study of the original Vedas. There are separate tantras for Vaiṣṇavas and Śaivites. The most important Vaiṣṇava tantras are the Pañcarātra Āgamas.

* Tantras — minor scriptures describing various rituals, mostly for persons in the mode of ignorance; Vedic literatures consisting mostly of dialogues between Lord Śiva and Durgā. They contain instructions on Deity worship and other aspects of spiritual practice; special hymns for conjuring magic or producing mystical effects.

* tapaḥ — the acceptance of hardships for spiritual realization.

tapas — Lit., “heat.” Austerity, or trouble undertaken voluntarily for a higher purpose.

Tapas — (Tapoloka) The planet of renounced sages, above Svarga, Jana, and Mahar, where exalted persons such as the four Kumāras reside.

* tapas — austerity or penance. There are many rules and regulations in the Vedas which apply here, like rising early in the morning and taking a bath. Sometimes it is very troublesome to rise early in the morning, but whatever voluntary trouble one may suffer in this way is called penance. Similarly, there are prescriptions for fasting on certain days of the month. One may not be inclined to practice such fasting, but because of his determination to make advancement in the science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, he should accept such bodily troubles when they are recommended.

tapasvī — One who performs tapas (austerities).

* tapasvīs — persons who undergo severe penances for elevation to higher planets.

tapasya — Austerity.

* tapasya — austerity; voluntary acceptance of some material trouble for progress in spiritual life.

* Tapoloka — a heavenly planet.

Tapoloka-vāsīs — The residents of Tapoloka.

* Tārā — the wife of Bṛhaspati. She was kidnapped by the moon-god.

* tarragon — this famous gourmet culinary herb with long slender leaves and pungent, bittersweet, tangy flavour is popular in French cuisine, especially as one of the four fresh herbs found in fines herbes (along with parsley, chives, and chervil) and in butters, soups, sauces, creams, and salads. French tarragon (Artemesia dracunculus) is stronger in flavour than Russian tarragon (Artemesia dracunculoides). Tarragon is available at select greengrocers and produce markets.

* tāruṇyāmṛta — the nectar of youth.

* taṭastha-śakti — the living entities, the marginal potency of the Supreme Lord.

* tattva — truth.

* tattva-darśī — one who has seen the truth.

tattva-jñāna — “Scientific knowledge” of one’s relationship with the Supreme, the means of reviving that relationship, and the perfection achieved by that means.

Tattva-sandarbha — One of the seven sandarbhas written by Śrīla Jiva Goswami as his commentary on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.

* tattvas — the Absolute Truth’s multifarious categories.

* Tattvavādīs — the followers of Madhvācārya.

* tattvavit — one who knows the Absolute Truth in His three different features.

* tava — a slightly concave cast-iron frying pan used for cooking chapatis and other flat Indian breads.

 Teachings of Lord Caitanya — Śrīla Prabhupāda’s summary study of Lord Caitanya’s instructions.

tejas — Strength or power.

* tempo — three-wheeler vehicle used like a small bus.

 Tenth Canto — The part of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam describing the most confidential pastimes of Lord Kṛṣṇa.

* thai rice — a long-grain, aromatic white rice from Thailand. Sometimes called Jasmine rice, it cooks to large, soft, fluffy grains.

* Ṭhākura Haridāsa — see: Haridāsa Ṭhākura

* ṭhākurāṇīs — the wives of devotees.

* thali — vegetarian meal which includes many different preparations, usually all you can eat; a low-rimmed metal plate.

* Theodore Parker (1810-1860) — an American Unitarian clergyman and social reformer who promoted the antislavery cause.

* thyme — this attractive herb is grown in Mediterranean regions and Asia Minor. There are more than one hundred species of thyme, but common or garden thyme, Thymus vulgaris, is frequently used. Others include lemon, mint, orange, golden-lemon, caraway-scented, woolly-stemmed, and the silver thyme. Used fresh or dried, thyme imparts a distinctively warm, pleasant, aromatic flavour and is popular as one of the great European culinary herbs. It is used alongside bay and parsley in bouquet gami, and goes into many soups and vegetable dishes (especially potatoes, zucchini, eggplants, and sweet peppers). It is available fresh at selected greengrocers and dried at grocery stores and supermarkets.

ṭīkā — Commentary.

* ṭīkā — a commentary.

tilaka — Auspicious marks, of sacred clay and other substances, applied daily on the forehead (and sometimes on various limbs as well) to dedicate one’s body to God.

* tilaka — sacred clay markings placed on the forehead and other parts of the body to designate one as a follower of Viṣṇu, Rāma, Śiva, Vedic culture, etc.

* timiṅgila — a huge aquatic monster that can swallow whales.

* Tīrtha (teertha) — a sacred place of pilgrimage associated with a pastime of an incarnation of God, such as a holy river, a temple of the Lord, or the residence or place of meditation of a holy sage or saintly person.

tīrtha — Literally, the ford of a river. A holy place, especially one at which pilgrims bathe for purification.

Tīrtha-śrava — Name of Viṣṇu meaning one who receives prayers offered at holy places.

* tithis — days of the Vedic calendar measured according to the phases of the moon.

* titikṣā — tolerance; endurance of unhappiness.

* tofu — soybean curd, or tofu, is used in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Indonesian cooking. This white, almost tasteless and odourless substance is produced from soya beans that have been successively crushed, boiled in water, strained, and pressed into a mould. Tofu is low in calories and is cholesterol-free. High in protein, tofu is becoming increasingly popular in western kitchens. Standard Chinese tofu, which is lightly pressed, is sold fresh in most Chinese grocers. It has the consistency of firm custard. A firmer variety of tofu is also available at Chinese shops. Japanese style tofu is the variety usually sold in health food shops in Australia. Being firmer, it is good for slicing, cubing, and deep-frying. Dried beancurd sheets and sticks are also used in Chinese cooking and are available at Chinese grocery shops.

* tonga — two-wheeled horse carriage.

* toovar dal — also called arhar dal, toor dal, or pigeon peas, these cream-coloured split lentils, which are paler in colour, flatter, and larger than yellow split peas, are widely used for cooking in Northern and Southwestern India. They have a delightful, slightly sweet flavour and are easy to digest, especially in the famous South Indian soup-like dishes rasam and sambar. Toovar dal is available at Indian grocers.

* tortilla — a thin, round, flat bread made from white cornmeal, or mesa. Tortillas are the national breads of Mexico and are cooked on a griddle. They're eaten fresh and are also the basis of Mexican dishes such as Enchiladas and Tacos.

Toṭa-gopīnātha temple — Atemple in Jagannātha Purī near the tomb of Haridāsa Ṭhākura.

* Ṭoṭā-gopīnātha temple — a temple in Jagannātha Purī housing a Deity which was found by Lord Caitanya and given to Gadādhara Prabhu to worship. He also gave Gadādhara a place to live in the garden of Yameśvara, where the temple was later built. Gadādhara Prabhu stayed there for the duration of his life, absorbing himself in the service of Lord Caitanya and Gopīnātha.

* trāsa — shock, a vyabhicāri-bhāva.

* Trayī — the three Vedas. (Ṛg, Sāma and Yajur), which explain fruitive activities for material benefits.

* Trayodaśī — the thirteenth day after the new and full moons.

Tretā — (-yuga) The second of the four repeating ages that form the basic cycles of universal time. During its 1, 296,000 years, the mode of passion comes into prominence. The system of Vedic fire sacrifices is developed elaborately during the Tretā-yuga.

* Tretā-yuga — the second in the cycle of the four ages of the universe or mahā-yuga. It lasts 1,296,000 years. In this age Lord Rāmacandra appeared.

* tri-daṇḍa — a staff, made of three rods, carried by Vaiṣṇava sannyāsīs who are devotees of Lord Kṛṣṇa, signifying service with mind, body and words.

tribhaṅga — Lit., “bent in three places.” Refers to the three curves of Lord Kṛṣṇa’s posture as He plays upon His flute.

* Tribunga — Lord Kṛṣṇa’s famous three-curved stance.

tridaṇḍi — Lit., “three sticks.” The daṇḍa, or staff, composed of three long sticks tied together, carried by Vaiṣṇava sannyāsīs.

tridaṇḍi-bhikṣu swami — A Vaiṣṇava sannyāsī who lives by begging.

* tridaṇḍi-sannyāsī — a member of the renounced order of life who accepts the personal nature of the Absolute Truth.

* Trigarta — a province in ancient Bharata. The King of this country, Suśarma, fought on the side of Duryodhana and was killed by Arjuna.

Tripura — Three flying cities built by Maya Dānava for the three sons of the demon Tāraka. These aerial fortresses rendered the enemies of the demigods invincible, until the secret was discovered that Lord Śiva could destroy the cities with a single arrow at the rare moment when they conjoined in a straight line.

* Tripura — a large district on the far eastern side of Bengal, just south of the Śrī Hatta (Sylhet) area of Assam. In olden times Tripura was part of Bengal. The kings of Tripura had a long-standing relationship with Ṭhākura Bhaktivinoda and later with Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura.

* Triveṇī — the confluence of the three sacred rivers Ganges, Yamunā and Sarasvatī at Prayāga.

* Trivikrama — a name for the Supreme Lord indicating His incarnation as the dwarf brāhmaṇa Vāmanadeva. Meaning literally “He who took three big steps,” this name recalls the Lord's pastime of extending His foot through the coverings of the material universe and into the Causal Ocean.

* Triyuga — a name of Viṣṇu meaning one who appears in only three yugas.

* Triyugī — a name for the Supreme Personality of Godhead meaning “He who appears in three yugas,” namely Satya, Tretā, and Dvāpara. The Lord appears in a covered incarnation in Kali-yuga, as Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

Tṛṇāvarta — A demon friend of Kaṁsa’s who assumed the form of a whirlwind and entered Vraja to kill Kṛṣṇa but instead was killed by Him.

* Tṛṇāvarta — a whirlwind-shaped demon who was sent by Kaṁsa to kill Kṛṣṇa, but whom Kṛṣṇa killed instead.

* Try-adhīśvara — the proprietor of the three worlds.

Tulādhāra — A saintly businessman of ancient Kāśī who taught religious principles to the sage Jājali, earning them both entry into Vaikuṇṭha.

tulasī — The sacred plant most beloved of Kṛṣṇa. Tulasī is a form of the gopī  Vṛndā, the expansion of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī who owns the Vṛndāvana forest. Without the leaves of the tulasī plant, no offering of food is accepted by Lord Viṣṇu, and no worship to Him is complete.

* Tulasī — a pure devotee in the form of a basil plant held sacred by the Vaiṣṇavas and is very dear to Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Its leaves and mañjarīs (buds) are always offered to His lotus feet. See also: Mañjarī

tulasī-mālā — A strand of beads made of wood from the sacred tulasī plant, which is very dear to Kṛṣṇa. Vaiṣṇavas wear a small mālā on their necks as a sign of submission to Kṛṣṇa and carry a larger mālā with which to count the Lord’s names they have vowed to recite.

* tumeric — the rhizome, or underground stem, of the tropical herb Curcuma longa. The short, waxy, orange-yellow rhizomes are boiled, cleaned, sun-dried, and then ground to a fine aromatic, yellowish powder that is used as an essential ingredient in Asian and, especially, Indian cooking. Turmeric adds a brilliant yellow colour to cooked dishes and imparts a slightly bitter, pungent flavour. Used in vegetable, legume, bean, and dal dishes, it introduces colour and warmth to a dish, although overuse produces excessive colour and bitterness. Turmeric powder is available at Indian grocers and specialty stores.

* turnip, preserved — see: Choy boh

* tyāga — renunciation of activities performed with material consciousness.