Post No. 15,414
Date uploaded in Sydney, Australia – 11 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 H- ல் துவங்கும் சொற்கள்
Words beginning with the English letter ‘H’
நாளைய தினம் தமிழில் வரும்; It will be posted in Tamil Tomorrow.
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Halayudha
1) an epithet of Balarāma.
2) Name of the author of अभिधान-रत्नमाला (abhidhāna-ratnamālā).
Derivable forms: halāyudhaḥ (हलायुधः).
Halāyudha is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms hala and āyudha (आयुध).
Halāyudha (हलायुध).—A Sanskrit poet who lived in the 10th century A.D. A mahākāvya called Kavirahasya is his most important work The hero in the great poem is Krṣṇa III. A King of the Rāṣṭrakūṭa dynasty, and poet Halāyudha was a courtier of his.
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Hala
Hala was a satavahana king who lived around first century CE. His wife was Malayavathy, Hala started composing poems. His Prakrit poems are part of Gatha Sapta Sati. He was called Kavi Vatsala, one who was a great patron of poets. He gave them gold coins for beautiful verses like his predecessor Emperor Vikaramaditya. He imitated Vikramaditya in all his deeds. Like Vikramaditya he started an era in his name, Salivahana Shahapta, though he did not win any big wars. Like Vikramnaditya who was the patron of great poet Kalidasa he was the patron of Gunatya and others. We can see the inspiration he got from Kalidasa and Vikramaditya. Many poets of Gatha Sapta Sati have imitated Kalidasa, but they are not very popular.
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Hampi
Hampi was the capital of the Hindu Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th-century.
Set amid dramatic boulder strewn hills and the calm flow of the Tungabhadra River, Hampi is one of Karnataka’s tourist destinations. Once the capital of the powerful Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi today stands as a vast open air museum. The closest railway station is in the city of Hospet (Hosapete), 13 km away.
Hampi spreads across a large landscape, with monuments. Important places include Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Hampi Bazaar, Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, Matanga Hill and Tungabhadra Riverbanks.
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Hariharan
Harihara is a composite Hindu deity representing the synthesis of Lord Vishnu (Hari) and Lord Shiva (Hara), symbolizing the ultimate unity of Vaishnavism and Shaivism. Depicted with Shiva on the right and Vishnu on the left, this form embodies the harmony between creation and destruction. It highlights that the two deities are one supreme, indivisible reality. Sankara Narayanan is another name.
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Harijan
First recorded in 1930–35; from Neo-Sanskrit Harijana “person of Hari” (a name for Vishnu), hence, in Gandhi’s conception, a child of God. (in India) a member of a group formerly known as the untouchables.
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Havis
Havis (Sanskrit: हविस्) primarily refers to an oblation, Cooked rice offering, or sacrifice in Hindu rituals, commonly consisting of ghee, grain, rice, or milk offered to gods in a Yagya/ Yaga/Havan. It represents items offered into fire, often used to signify dedication in sacred ceremonies. When they offer it, they say Idam na mama – It is not mine.
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Hatha yoga
Haṭhayoga (हठयोग) pays particular attention to the acquisition of supernatural powers and the conquest of disease and death. Majority of the extant texts of Haṭhayoga are associated with the Nāth siddhas. The Tamil Siddhas of about the 10th to 15th century also wrote poems on the concepts of Haṭhayoga. Hatha-yoga is the physical aspect of the practice of yoga. There are 3 main factors involving practice of hatha-yoga: asanas (practice of postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and dhyana (meditation).
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Harsha vardhana ( 606 to 647 CE)
King Harshavardhana was also known as Harsha. He was the son of Prabhakar Vardhana. He built a huge empire that extended from north & northwestern India till the Narmada in the South. His capital was Kannauj. Harsha was a great patron of the arts. He himself was an accomplished writer. He is credited with the Sanskrit works Ratnavali, Priyadarshika and Nagananda. Banabhatta was his court poet and he composed the Harshacharita which gives an account of Harsha’s life and deeds. Harsha generously supported the Nalanda University. His deeds were praised by Chinese Buddhist traveller Xuanzang in his writings.
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Haridwar
The holy city of Haridwar (Gateway to God) in Uttarakhand is a breathtaking city, replete with temples. it is a magnet for religious pilgrims from all over the globe. Important temples include the Har ki Pauri and the Chandi Devi Temple.
Haridwar also termed as ‘Gateway to Gods’ is known as Mayapuri, Kapila, Gangadwar as well. Haridwar is also one of the four places; where Kumbh Mela occurs after rotation of every twelve Years and Ardh Kumbh after every six years. Haridwar is one of the first towns where Ganga emerges from the mountains to touch the planes. It is one of the Seven Holy Cities of India.
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Heramba
Heramba is five-headed and ten-armed form of the Hindu deity Ganesha, symbolizing the protector of the weak, fearful, and oppressed. Seated on a lion (simha-vahana), this form represents supreme power, fearlessness, and the removal of inner and outer obstacles. The name is derived from He (weakness/helplessness) and ramba (protection), defining him as the saviour of the meek. Heramba Ganapati is one of 32 forms of Ganesha;it is depicted with five heads (representing the five senses or elements) and ten arms holding various weapons and symbols like a noose, beads, battle axe, and a broken tusk. Unlike the traditional mouse, Heramba rides a lion, symbolizing mastery over ego and primal instincts.
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Himalaya
Himālaya (हिमालय):—means ‘abode of snow’; the Himālaya range of mountains in the north of India has the highest elevations in the world; in mythology personified as husband of Menā or Menakā .
KALIDASA used the following name for the Himalayas:-
Himalaya ,Himadhri ,Adhrinatha ,Bhutaresvara,
Ekapingala, Gauriguru, Girichakravartin, Kuberasaila,
Nagendra, Sailaraja, Hemakuta, Kailasa, Krauncha,
Inndhamadana, Kshiddarapati, Pralayadhri
This mountain is referred to in over 150 Sanskrit books covering all subjects including herbs, medicine, gems and animals. But the references in the Vedas, Ramayana , Mahabharata , Kautilya Arthashastra , Jataka Tales and 2000 year old Sangam Tamil Literature are important.
From Sangam Tamil literature, we have the following references :
Puranaanooru – 2-24; 34-21; 39-15; 132-7; 166-33; 214-11; 369-24; 39-15
Akanaanooru – 127-4; 265-3
Paripatal 8-11; 8-12; 1-51; 5-48
Sirupan – line 48;
Natrinai – 356, 369,
Kurunt – 158;
Pathitruppaththu – 11-23; 43-7;
Perum- line 429
Kali – 38-1; 92-18; 105-75
POST SANGAM SILAPPADIKAARAM- in about 20 places
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Hindu
1. Geographical and Historical Origin
Sindhu to Hindu: The term stems from the Sanskrit word Sindhu (river/Indus), which Persians changed to ‘Hindu’. They have n H in their language.
Boundaries: Ancient texts, such as the Brihaspati Agama quoted on the site, define the land of Hindus as spanning from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean (Himalayamh samarabhya yavat indu sarovaram).
2. Definition of a Hindu (Scriptural & Cultural)
a Hindu is one who is virtuous, shuns unnecessary violence but is capable of destroying anarchic elements, and is a protector of the Vedas and cows. It is the oldest religion in the world.
Beliefs: A Hindu is defined as one who accepts the “Pranava Mantra Om and the authority of the Vedas, believes in rebirth and Karma Theory; he worships the cow, and the River Ganga, and considers the Vedic Rishis as their Gurus.
3. “Hindu” in the Context of Tamil Culture Sangam Tamil literature has references to Hindu Gods, their flags, Vahanas, weapons, origins and their special attributes
Vedic gods, such as Raka, Muka, and Maha Maya, are worshipped in Tamil Nadu villages as Rakayee, Mukayee, and Mahamayee.
No Founder: Hinduism is emphasized as a religion without a single founder, often referred to as Sanatana Dharma (Eternal Law).
Hindu culture is unique in its consistent worship of the Goddess and high regard for women ; only religion where Women and Goddeses are worshipped till this day.
Holy Books- Vedas; Epics Ramayana , Mahabharata (Bhagavad Gita); Tamil and other vernacular language Hymns.
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Hiranya dhana
Hiranya denotes gold, a precious metal associated with gods and prosperity, frequently mentioned in hymns praising donations (Dhana Stuthis). It is one of the Sixten Dhanas mentioned in Hindu scriptures. Vedic literature describes the donation of gold alongside cattle and horses.
Mahādāna (महादान).—There are sixteen Mahādānas or “Great gifts”. They are: (1) Tulāpuruṣadāna, (2) Hiraṇyagarbha dāna, (3) Brahmāṇḍa dāna, (4) Kalpakavṛkṣadāna, (5) Gosahasradāna, (6) Hiraṇyakāmadhenudāna, (7) Hiraṇyāśva dāna, (8) Hiraṇyāśvaratha dāna, (9) Hemahastiratha dāna, (10) Pañcalāṅgalakadāna (11) Dhārādāna, (12) Viśvacakradāna (13) Kalpalatā dāna, (14) Saptasāgaraka dāna, (15) Ratnadhenu dāna, (16) Mahāpūtaghaṭa dāna. (Agni Purāṇa, Chapter 210). Hindu king Mulavarman of Indonesia of fourth century CE and Krishna Devaraya of 14th century did 16 Gifts Ceremony.
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Hinayana
The term “Hinayana,” meaning “Lesser Vehicle,” is used to describe the 18 earlier schools of Buddhism, with Theravada as the main surviving branch. This tradition focuses on individual salvation through strict adherence to monastic codes and views the Buddha as a human who attained Nirvana, contrasting with Mahayana’s later development and view of the Buddha as divine.
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Hiranyakasipu
Hiranyakashipu, a powerful Asura king and brother to the slain Hiranyaksha, sought vengeance against Vishnu by obtaining a near-invincible boon from Brahma. Consumed by pride and hatred, he banned Vishnu worship in his kingdom, but was eventually killed by Vishnu’s Narasimha (man-lion) avatar at twilight on a threshold, bypassing his boon. His son was Prahlada.
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Homa/ havan
Homa, also known as Havan, is an ancient Vedic fire ritual performed to purify the environment, remove negative energy, and offer prayers. The ceremony typically involves preliminary and concluding rituals, utilizing specific materials and symbolic items, with fire (Agni) acting as a witness and carrier of prayers. There are 400 types of Homas. Asvamedha, Rajasuya, Soma Yaga, Vajapeyam and Maha Rudram are some of the major Yagas. Ganapati Homam, Sudrasana Homam, Navagraha Homam are common sacrifices.
Huna
Kalhana was the author of Rajatarangini. Here is his report on the cruel Huna king Mihirakula who rolled 100 elephants down the hill and enjoyed their death.
Mihirakula was the Huna king who ruled North India from 515 CE to 530 CE. He was a son of Toramana. We know that his rule extended from Afghanisatan to Madhya Pradesh. But Kalhana says that he killed 30 million people and he attacked Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu. He was a king from the race of White Hunas. He decimated Buddhism in Afghanistan, but supported Saivism in Kashmir. Earlier he was defeated by Malawa King Yasovarman or Baladitya, the last Gupta king. Then he conquered Kashmir and Afghanisatan. Kalhana’s report about his expedition to Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu is not corroborated by secondary sources.
To be continued……………………………..
Tags-HINDU DICTIONARY IN ENGLISH AND TAMIL-௩௨, இந்துமத கலைச்சொல் அகராதி–32
Tamil and Vedas 