Written by London Swaminathan
Post No. 15,443
Date uploaded in Sydney, Australia – 21 February 2026
Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com
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ஆங்கில எழுத்து J- ல் துவங்கும் சொற்கள்
Words beginning with “J”.
Tamil version will be posted tomorrow
J
JANARDHANA
Janardhana (Sanskrit: जनार्दन) appears as the 126th name in the Vishnu Sahasranama. It is a highly significant epithet of Lord Vishnu (and specifically Krishna), highlighting his role as the protector of devotees and the destroyer of evil
Meaning- “One Who Bestows Boons On One And All”
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JAGADGURU
Meaning: “Preceptor of The Universe”
used as an epithet of Brahmā and Siva in Siva Purana.
Used as an epithet of a name of Brahman, Viṣhṇu, Śiva, Rāma, [Rāmāyaṇa] 3, 6, 18.
Jagadguru is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms jagat and guru (गुरु).
In Tamil Nadu Kanchi Shankaracharya (1894-1994) was also called Jagadguru
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JAINA
Meaning – A Jaina, a follower of Jaina doctrines.
In Tamil they are called Samana or Amana. Because of their political involvement in converting Pallava and Pandya kings, they were severely criticised by Saivite saints who lived 1400 years ago. They have made a huge contribution to Tamil Literature in the middle period. Earlier Tamil epic Silappadikaram praised them.
JAINISM
A heterodox school of Indian philosophy that perceives the world as transitory and does not advocate dependence on an almighty God for existence. It views the world as transitory and self-existent, rejecting the notion of an almighty God who dictates existence.
In Jainism there are 24 Tirtankaras; a Tirthankara is a highly revered spiritual teacher. They are enlightened beings who establish a path to liberation, guide followers, and found a “tirtha,” or ford, to help individuals cross the cycle of rebirths. These figures, like Mahavira, are considered the highest order of spiritual teachers, with 24 recognized for their teachings. They are often associated with significant dreams, and their birth and teachings are central to the spiritual tradition, representing the pinnacle of spiritual attainment.
List of 24 Tirthankars
No Name Father Mother Birth Place
1. Rishabhadev or Adinath Nabhi Maru Devi Ayodhya
2. Ajitnath JitSatru Vijaya Ayodhya
3. Sambhavnath Jitari Sena Shravasti
4. Abhinandan Swami Samvar Siddhartha Ayodhya
5. Sumatinath Megharath Mangla Devi Ayodhya
6. Padmaprabha Shridhar Susima Devi Kaushambhi
7. Suparshvanath Pratishtha Prithvi Devi Varanasi
8. Chandraprabha Mahasen Lakshmana Chandrapuri
9. Suvidhinath Pushpadanta Sugriva Rama Rani Kakandi
10. Shitaltnath Dradharath Nanda Rani Bhadrilpur
11. Shreyansnath Vishnu Vishnu Devi Simhapuri
12. Vasupujya Swami i Vasupujya Jaya Devi Champapuri
13. Vimalnath Krutavarma Shyama Devi Kampilyapur
14. Anantnath Simhasen Suyasha Ayodhya
15. Dhramnath Bhanu Suvrata Ratnapur
16. Shantinath Vishvasen Achira Hastinapur
17. Kunthunath and Surasen Shree Devi Hastinapur
18. Arahnath Sudarshan Devi Rani Hastinapur
19. Mallinath Kumbha Prabhavati Mithila
20. Munisuvrat Sumitra Padmavati Rajgruhi
21. Naminath Vijay Vipra Mithila
22. Arishtanemi Samudravijay Shiva Devi Dwarka
23. Parshvanath and Ashvasen Vama Devi Varanasi
24. Mahavir Siddharatha Trishala Kshatriya Kund
Mahavir was senior to Buddha and lived in the Sixth Century BCE.
There are two sects in Jainism- Digamabaras, and Svetambaras
Meaning —Digambara (“sky-clad”) and Śvētāmbara (“white-clad”)—which separated around the 4th century BCE due to differences in ascetic practices and scriptural interpretation. Digambara monks renounce all clothing, while Śvētāmbara monks wear white robes
Jains are strict vegetarians.
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JAMBHUDWIPA
Mentioned in Mahabharata, Asokan inscriptions and Sangam Tamil Literature. One of the seven regions on earth.
In Tamil it is called Naavalam Tivu. Name is derived from Jambu Tree (Indian Blackberry; in Tamil Naaval)
One of the Purāṇically famous Saptadvīpas (seven continents). These seven continents are embankments separating the seven seas. Jambūdvīpa, Krauñcadvīpa, Śākadvīpa and Puṣkaradvīpa are included in the seven islands.These are the seven major mountains in Jambūdvīpa:
Himavān, Hemakūṭa, Niṣadha, Meru, Nīla, Gandhamādana,Mālyavān.
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JAMADAGNI
Jamadagni (जमदग्नि):—Son of Satyavatī (daughter of king Gādhi) and sage Ṛcīka. He married Reṇukā, the daughter of Reṇu. Many sons, headed by Vasumān, were born from the womb of Reṇukā. The youngest of them was named Rāma, or Paraśurāma. (see Bhāgavata Purāṇa 9.15.4-11)
Also mentioned in the Mahābhārata (cf. I.60.46) and represents one of the many proper names used for people and places.
Renuka was such very devoted wife and the power of her chastity was manifest. Such was this power, that she used to fetch water from the river in a pot made of unbaked clay every day. The pot would hold together because of her devotion to her husband.
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JANAKA
Janaka (जनक) is the name of a famous king of Videha or Mithilā, foster-father of Sītā. He was remarkable for his great knowledge, good works, and holiness. After the abandonment of Sītā by Rāma, he became an anchorite-indifferent to pleasure or pain-and spent his time in philosophical discussions. The sage याज्ञवल्क्य (yājñavalkya) was his priest and adviser.
Shatapatha Brahmana and the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad mention King Janaka (c. 8th century BCE) as a great philosopher-king of Videha, renowned for his patronage of Vedic culture and philosophy, and whose court was an intellectual center for Brahmin sages such as Yajnavalkya
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JANAKI
Daughter of Janaka; another name of Sita Devi.
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JANAMEJAYA & JARATKARU
Many people and places had this name according to Mahabharata. But the most famous was the son of Parikshit.
Name of a celebrated king of Hastināpura, son of Parīkṣit, the grandson of Arjuna. [His father died, being bitten by a serpent; and Janamejaya, determined to avenge the injury, resolved to exterminate the whole serpent-race. He accordingly instituted a serpent sacrifice, and burnt down all serpents except Takṣaka, who was saved only by the intercession of the sage Astika, at whose request the sacrifice was closed. Brahmins recite a mantra in the daily Sandhyavandana recalling this anecdote.
The first of the four sons of Parīkṣit and Irāvatī.1 Father of Śatānīka.2 Finding that the death of his father was predicted to be by the snake Takṣaka, he performed a sarpa yāga to destroy all snakes. All except Takṣaka came, the latter being sheltered by Indra. At this Takṣaka and Indra were invoked together. Advised by Bṛhaspati to refrain from the cruel yāga, Janamejaya agreed; with the aid of Tura, the priest, he performed Aśvamedha and other sacrifices; after anointing his son on the throne he went into the woods for penance.
Sandhya Vandana mantra
The snakes acceded to his request and said, “He who recites the following need not have any fear from us:
‘I call to mind the famous Astika born of Jaratkaru, that Astika who saved the snakes from the snake-sacrifice. Therefore it behoves you not to bite me. O snakes of virulent poison, remember the words of Astika after the snake sacrifice of Janamejaya. You shall be blessed‘.
That snake who does not cease from biting even after hearing such mention of Astika, shall have his hood divided a hundredfold like the fruit of Sinsa tree”.
(Source: Adi Parva, Chapter 58)
नर्मदायै नमः प्रातः नर्मदायै नमो निशि
नमोऽस्तु नर्मदे तुभ्यं त्राहि मां विषसर्पदः
सर्पापसर्प भद्रं त गच्छ सर्प महाविष।
Alternative line
Apasarapa sarapa bhadram te duram gachcha mahaayasaah
जनमेजयस्य यज्ञान्ते आस्तीकवचं स्मर।।
जरत्कार्वोर्जरत्कर्वां समुत्पन्न महायशाः
अस्तीक सत्यसन्धो मां पन्नगेभ्यो अभिरक्षतु
पन्नगेभ्यो अभिरक्षतु om nama iti.
MEANING
O Narmada, I offer you salutations in the morning & night (during sandhya vandana); Protect me from poisonous snakes
Astika, born of muni Jaratkaru and his wife of the same name, was a great soul. He, the protector of the truth, will protect me from the serpents.
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JAPA
Japa (जप):—n. recitation; the practice of reciting mantras quietly/silently on prayer beads;Japa (जप).— Muttering, whispering.
2) Repeating passages of the Veda or names of deities &c.; Manusmṛti 3.74; Y.1.22.
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JATAKARMA
Jātakarman (जातकर्मन्).—n. a ceremony performed at the birth of a child; Manusmṛti 2.27,29; R.3.18. A ceremony performed when the navel string is divided, touching the infant’s tongue thrice with ghee, with appropriate prayers.
One of the Forty Samskaras (or Sixteen/Shodasa) from Birth to Death of a Hindu.
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JATI
Jāti (जाति).—1) Birth, production, सङ्कुलं जलजातिभिः (saṅkulaṃ jalajātibhiḥ) Rām.3.11.6; Pañcatantra (Bombay) 1.38; Manusmṛti 2.148;
2) The form of existence fixed by birth. 3) Race, family, lineage, rank.
4) A caste, tribe or class (of men); (the primary castes of the Hindus are only four :-brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya and śūdra).
5) A class, genus, kind, species
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JAYADRATHA
Jayadratha (जयद्रथ).—A king of the Sindhu district and brother-in-law of Duryodhana, having married Duhśalā, daughter of Dhṛtarāṣṭra. [Once while out on hunting, he chanced to see Draupadī in the forest, and asked of her food for himself and his retinue. Draupadī, by virtue of her magical sthālī, was able to supply him with materials sufficient for their break-fast. Jayadratha was so much struck with this act, as well as her personal charms, that he asked her to elope with him. She, of course, indignantly refused, but he succeeded in carrying her off, as her husbands were out on hunting. When they returned they pursued and captured the ravisher and released Draupadī, and he himself was allowed to go after having been subjected to many humiliations. He took a leading part in compassing the death of Abhimanyu, and met his doom at the hands of Arjuna in the great war.
What happened on the 13th day of Mahabharata war? Jayadratha, the king of Sindhu Desa (Indus Valley King) killed Abimanyu, son of Arjuna on the 13th day of the war. Arjuna was furious and vowed to kill Jayadratha before the sunset next day. The whole Kaurava army gave Jayadratha full protection. When the sun appeared to set, Jayadratha poked his head out to show that he was victorious. Suddenly the sun reappeared in the sky and Arjuna shot Jayadratha down. The story goes that Krishna hid the sun with his Sudarsana chakra. Actually Krishna tricked Jayadratha with the knowledge of the solar eclipse happening on that day. Arjuna’s brothers Nakulan and Sahadevan were experts in such calculations.
People were told for a long time that the war started on a new moon (Amavasya) day. Latest research by scholars with computer software shows that it started on a full moon day. Another interpretation is that though it was started on New Moonday it was fought on alternate days.
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JAYADEVA
Name of the author of Gītagovinda with 24 Ashtapathis. He made Buddha one of the Ten Avatars of Vishnu.
Jayadeva (जयदेव).—A Sanskrit poet who lived in the 13th century A.D. He is the author of the play ‘Prasannarāghavam’. The famous work ‘Candrāloka’, a treatise on rhetorical figures, was written by this poet Jayadeva. His most important work is ‘Gītagovinda’, the theme of which is the early life of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, especially the love between Śrī Kṛṣṇa and Rādhā, which is very touchingly described. He used to sing lyrics before the image of Kṛṣṇa while his wife danced according to the beat.
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JIVA
Meaning- A creature, living being. The principle of life, the vital breath, life, soul. Jiva Atma is self; Parama Atma is God; Jiva is corrupted as Eve and Atma is corrupted as Adam in the Bible.
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JIVAN MUKTA
Jīvanmukta (जीवन्मुक्त).— Liberated Soull.a. ‘liberated while living’, a man who, being purified by a true knowledge of the Supreme Spirit, is freed from the future birth and all ceremonial rites while yet living.
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JNANA
1) Jnana (ज्ञान): Knowledge of the eternal and real. Knowing, understanding, becoming acquainted with, proficiency;
2) Knowledge, learning; 3) Consciousness, cognizance, knowledge; ज्ञानतोऽज्ञानतो वापि (jñānato’jñānato vāpi) Manusmṛti 8.288 knowingly or unknowingly, consciously or unconsciously.
4) Sacred knowledge; especially, knowledge derived from meditation on the higher truths of religion and philosophy which teaches man how to understand his own nature and how he may be reunited to the Supreme Spirit.
Jnana/does not mean a proficiency in a subject like chemistry or history. It is not mere learning but inward experience or awareness of a truth. In Advaita is the realisation of that one is inseparably united with the supreme.
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JNANENDRIYA
Jñānendriya (ज्ञानेन्द्रिय).—an organ of perception; (these are five tvac, rasanā, cakṣus, karṇa and ghrāṇathe skin, tongue, eye, ear and nose.
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Jatavedas:
One of the names of Agni.
He who knows all; Heat creates everything e.g. sun, body heat
The fire god Agni is extremely important in the Vedic religion. He is the messenger of the gods. He takes all the offerings poured into the fire to the gods. He is everywhere. He is in the sun and moon and as ‘jataragni’ in the stomach, says Sayana in his commentary. Jataragni is the metabolic activities in the body that produce heat. He is in the sea as Badava Agni. All the girls are possessed by him before the marriage. This means that all the girls must be married in front of him (sacrificial fire) as he gives them like a father gives his daughter to the bridegroom. The couple have to walk around the fire. It is called Saptapadi.
Orthodox Hindus keep fire in a pot from the birth to death and use it for all occasions. The ‘aupasana’ pot contains paddy husk burning forever. It is never extinguished. When a baby is born it is lighted and the same fire is used to light the funeral pyre when the person dies at an old age.
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JVARADEVA
Jvaradeva is a form of Lord Shiva. He destroyed Bhasmaasura . He is described in the Agamas as having three legs, three heads nine eyes and six arms. His images are found in many shiva temples including Madurai, Tirupparankundram, Mayiladuthurai, Kumbakonam, Tirunelveli, Bhavani etc.
Jvaradeva or Jurakareśvara is depicted in the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple (Ādi Kumbheśvara) in Kumbakonam (Kumbhakonam), representing a sacred place for the worship of Śiva.—Jvvradeva is a three-headed image of Śiva with four hands. The three heads include two animal heads emerging laterally from behind the human head. The head on the right is that of a lion while the other one seems to be that of an antelope. He holds triśūla (trident) in the right hand and small vessel in the left hand.
Jvāra-deva is also depicted in the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai .
Later Vaishnava texts like Harivamsa gives a sectarian view of Krishna encounter with Jvara deva wherein the leader of the Vrishnis created a Narayana-jvara to fight against the original Jvara deva.
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JYOTISHA
Means Light.
Jyotiṣa (ज्योतिष).—Astronomy and astrology. One of the six Vedāṅgas.
Jyotiṣa is a Sanskrit technical term used in ancient Indian sciences such as Astronomy, Mathematics and Geometry. It is part of Vedic School Syllabus for thousands of years.
it is the science about the stars and heavenly bodies. The heavenly bodies are the sun, the moon, the other planets and the stars etc. From the very ancient days men believed that these planets and stars in the sky played an important part in controlling the growth and activities of all the living and non-living things in the world.
1) Jyotiṣa (ज्योतिष) or Jyotiṣaka refers to an “astrologer” (one who is versed in Saṃhita, Astronomy and Horoscopy), according to the Bṛhatsaṃhitā (chapter 2), an encyclopedic Sanskrit work written by Varāhamihira mainly focusing on the science of ancient Indian astronomy astronomy (Jyotiṣa).—Accordingly, “We shall now proceed to give a brief description of (the qualifications of) a jyotiṣaka. He must be of noble birth and of agreeable appearance; meek, truthful and without jealousy; of proportional limbs; of joints well built and of good growth; have no physical defects; be of fine hands, feet, nails, eyes, chin, teeth, ears, forehead, eye-brows and head; of fine physique and of high, sonorous voice”.
–Subham—
Tags- Jatavedas, Jnana, Jamadagni, Jayadeva, HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL 36; இந்துமத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி-36 , Jyotisha, Astrologer
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