Brahmana, Brāhmaṇa, Brahmaṇa: 40 definitions

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Introduction:

Brahmana means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, Marathi, Hindi, biology. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

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In Hinduism

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Source: Wisdom Library: Nāṭya-śāstra

Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण).—The Brāhmaṇas caste should always be represented by a reddish yellow (gaura) color when painting the limbs (aṅgaracanā), according to Nāṭyaśāstra chapter 23. The painting is a component of nepathya (costumes and make-up) and is to be done in accordance with the science of āhāryābhinaya (extraneous representation).

Source: archive.org: The mirror of gesture (abhinaya-darpana)

One of the Hands denoting the Four Castes.—Brāhmaṇa: Śikhara with both hands, as if holding the sacred thread, the right hand moved to and fro.

context information

Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: archive.org: Puranic Encyclopedia

1) Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण).—(BRĀHMIN). Origin. Brāhmaṇas, Kṣatriyas, Vaiśyas, and Śūdras are the caturvarṇas or the four castes. The Purāṇas say that the four castes originated from different parts of the body of Brahmā. See Manusmṛti, Chapter 1, Stanza 87

"sarvasyāsya tu sargasya guptyarthaṃ sa mahādyutiḥ mukhabāhūrūpajjānāṃ pṛthakkarmāṇyakalpayat."

(With a view to sustain the world, Brahmā ordered activities, for the four castes (Brāhmaṇa Kṣatriya, Vaiśya, and Śūdra) who were born from his face, arms, thighs and feet). From this statement it is seen that the Brāhmaṇas were born from the face, Kṣatriyas from the arms, Vaiśyas from the thighs and Sūdras from the feet of Brahmā. The activities of a Brāhmaṇa. The duties of a Brāhmaṇa are, performing sacrifice, and encouraging others to perform sacrifice, learning Vedas and teaching Vedas, giving gifts and getting remuneration. A Brāhmaṇa has two births in one life. Till the time of investiture with the sacred string is one birth and from that period onwards is the second birth. So a Brāhmaṇa is called 'dvija' or twice-born.

The Brāhmaṇas were allowed to do the works of agriculture, keeping cows, trade and commerce and Kusīda (money-lending). Living on the interest of money giving out as loan is Kusīda. But they should not trade on products from cow, jaggery, salt, lac and flesh. The suffix 'Śarmā' should be added to the name of Brāhmaṇa. A Brāhmaṇa can have four wives. (See full article at Story of Brāhmaṇa from the Puranic encyclopaedia by Vettam Mani)

2) Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण).—See Veda.

Source: archive.org: Nilamata Purana: a cultural and literary study

Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण) is the name of a caste (varṇa) mentioned in the Nīlamatapurāṇa.—The Brāhmaṇas were entrusted with the duty of preserving the intellectual and spiritual culture of the society. Of course one cannot dogmatise whether the Brāhmaṇas carried on Vedic studies, in the period under reference, with the same spirit of selflessness as was expected of them in earlier times or not, it seems certain that for officiating as priests at the sacrifices they had to study the Vedas and the Sūtras dealing with ritualism. In connection with the two sacrifices viz. Koṭihoma and Lakṣahoma, the Nīlamata refers to the Ātharvaṇas and the Kalpas. The mantras dedicated to Viṣṇu, Śakra, Savitā, Brahmā, Rudra and Varuṇa are also referred to.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: The Purana Index

1) Brahmaṇa (ब्रह्मण).—A Kādraveya Nāga.^*

* Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 7. 36.

2a) Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण).—Came out from the face of the Puruṣa; Brahmavādins; a portion of Hari's body;¹ considered to be equal to Gods, spoken so by Viṣṇu; views of Kṛṣṇa on; none equal to their greatness;² an embodiment of the Vedas and deserving of veneration and worship; the mouth of Hari as embodying all the Vedas; disregard to them would result in the defacement of the Vedic teachings and Vedic Gods;³ characteristics of; by birth a Brāhmaṇa is a guru; to live by studying the Vedas; some devoted to karma, some to tapas, some to Vedic studies, some to teaching and others to jñāna and yoga;⁴ Kṛṣṇa on the need for keeping them contented;⁵ Kṛṣṇa on their property; however small it should not be touched, but should be considered poison since its enjoyment leads to shortness of life and hell;⁶ their words always become true;⁷ showed to Nābhi Yajñeśa himseslf;⁸ helped Ṛṣabha in his administration;⁹ Kaṃsa decided to kill all of them and ordered his men to that effect.¹⁰ Prohibited from agriculture, trade, tending of cattle and from selling the Vedas; from taking liquor but may take meat in times of danger.¹¹ in Kali, in the service of Śūdras and Mlecchas and become Śivasūlas;¹² adopt Śūdra practices.¹³

1) Bhāgavata-purāṇa II. 1. 37; VIII. 5. 41; X. 4. 39; Viṣṇu-purāṇa I. 6. 6, 34.
2) Bhāgavata-purāṇa III. 16. 4-11; VII. 14. 42; X. 81. 39, 41; V. 5. 23.
3) Ib. III. 16. 23-4; VIII. 16. 9; X. 64. 32-43; 86. 53-57.
4) Ib. VII. 11. 21; 15. 1; X. 8. 6; 24. 20; XI. 17. 16.
5) Ib. X. 52. 30-34.
6) Ib. X. 64. 32-43.
7) Ib. V. 3. 17.
8) Ib. V. 4. 7.
9) Ib. V. 4. 16.
10) Ib. X. 4. 39-45.
11) Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa II. 29. 55; III. 15. 45.
12) Ib. II. 31. 40-50.
13) Vāyu-purāṇa 58. 41.

2b) Superior to all castes; anger of, more troublesome than even a venomous serpent and all burning fire and more dreadful than a firearm;¹ for, it results in wholesale destruction;² to honour Brāhmaṇas is useful; to dishonour them is dangerous;³ warriors with Pramati god incarnate of Kali;⁴ observe ten day's pollution for father's death;⁵ created from face;⁶ those who spoke the truth became Brāhmaṇas; teaching, sacrifice, receiving and making of gifts, their chief duties; go to the abode of Brahmā;⁷ can take to Vaiśya and Kṣatriya duties;⁸ established in the kingdom of Māghada.⁹

1) Vāyu-purāṇa 27. 19; 30. 232; 45. 83; 54. 111; 59. 141; 100. 246; 101. 5, 352; 104. 13.
2) Matsya-purāṇa 30. 23-25. 30.
3) Ib. 93. 80.
4) Ib. 114. 12; 144. 53.
5) Ib. 18. 2.
6) Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa I. 5. 108.
7) Ib. II. 7. 155, 161 and 165.
8) Viṣṇu-purāṇa III. 8. 22-5, 39.
9) Ib. IV. 24. 62.

2c) A branch of the Vedic literature with ten vidhis;¹ starts in dvāpara.²

1) Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa II. 31. 14; 33. 1, 12; 35. 73; Vāyu-purāṇa 59. 132-9; 68. 12-14.
2) Matsya-purāṇa 144. 13.

context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Mīmāṃsā (school of philosophy)

Source: Srimatham: Mīmāṃsa: The Study of Hindu Exegesis

Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण) refers to the second section of Vedic literature.—The Brāhmaṇas and Araṇyakas are ritual texts based upon the practical application and usage of the Saṃhita portion in rituals (yajñas).

context information

Mimamsa (मीमांसा, mīmāṃsā) refers to one of the six orthodox Hindu schools of philosophy, emphasizing the nature of dharma and the philosophy of language. The literature in this school is also known for its in-depth study of ritual actions and social duties.

Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma)

Source: Prabhupada Books: Sri Caitanya Caritamrta

Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण).—The brāhmaṇas are the intellectuals who can understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead. They are always engaged in the cultivation of knowledge. It does not matter whether one is born in India or outside India. The divisions of brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya and śūdra are natural divisions within society. Indeed, everyone has a prescribed duty according to the varṇāśrama-dharma. Those who properly execute their prescribed duties live peacefully and are not disturbed by material conditions.

Source: Pure Bhakti: Bhagavad-gita (4th edition)

Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण) refers to “(1) One who realizes brahma; one of the four varṇas (2) Social divisions, in the varṇāśrama system; priest or teacher”. (cf. Glossary page from Śrīmad-Bhagavad-Gītā).

Source: Pure Bhakti: Bhajana-rahasya - 2nd Edition

Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण) refers to:—The highest of the four varṇas (casts) in the varṇāśrama system; a priest or teacher. (cf. Glossary page from Bhajana-Rahasya).

Source: Pure Bhakti: Brhad Bhagavatamrtam

Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण) refers to:—Highest of the four varnas, or social orders of life, in the varṇāśrama system; priest or teacher; one who has realized Brahman. (cf. Glossary page from Śrī Bṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta).

context information

Vaishnava (वैष्णव, vaiṣṇava) or vaishnavism (vaiṣṇavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Dharmashastra (religious law)

Source: Sacred Texts: The Grihya Sutras, Part 2 (SBE30)

Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण) refers to category of literature containing rules for sacrifices (yajña), according to the Āpastamba-yajña-paribhāṣā-sūtras.—“the rule for the sacrifice are the Mantras and Brāhmaṇas. The name Veda belongs both to the Mantras and Brāhmaṇas. The Brāhmaṇas are the precepts for the sacrifice. The rest of the Brāhmaṇa, that which does not contain precepts, consists of explanations, i.e. reproof, praise, stories, and traditions. All the rest are Mantras”.

Source: Shodhganga: The saurapurana - a critical study (dharma)

Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण) refers to one of the “four castes” (varṇa) of ancient India, according to the 10th century Saurapurāṇa: one of the various Upapurāṇas depicting Śaivism.—In ancient India the society was divided into four principal castes, namely Brāhmaṇa, Kṣatriya, Vaiśya and Śūdra; and the dharmaśāstras employ the term varṇa to designate these castes.—The first three varṇas [viz.
Brāhmaṇa], who had the right to perform the upanayana and to study the Vedas, were called dvijas (twice-born).

context information

Dharmashastra (धर्मशास्त्र, dharmaśāstra) contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Vedanta (school of philosophy)

Source: Shodhganga: Siva Gita A Critical Study

Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण) or Brāhmaṇagītā refers to one of the sixty-four Gītās commonly referred to in Hindu scriptures.—Gītā is the name given to certain sacred writings in verse (often in the form of a dialogue) which are devoted to the exposition of particular religious and theosophical doctrines. Most of these Gītās [i.e., Brāhmaṇa-gītā] originate from the Mahābhārata or the various Purāṇas.

context information

Vedanta (वेदान्त, vedānta) refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Source: SOAS University of London: Protective Rites in the Netra Tantra

Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण) (=Brahmin) is the name of a Caste considered of equal nature as any other caste, according to the Svacchanda-tantra.—Accordingly, [verse 4.539c-545]—“O fair-faced one, all those who have been initiated by this ritual are of equal nature, whether they be Brahmins, Kṣatriyas, Vaiśyas, Śūdras, or others [of lower castes]. [For] they have been brought into a state of fusion with the nature of Śiva. All are said to be [Śivas,] wearers of [his] braids, their bodies dusted [like his] with ash. All Samayins should sit in a single row. Putrakas, Sādhakas, and Cumbakas [Ācāryas] should do the same. They may not sit according to the divisions of their former castes [e.g., Brāhmaṇas]. [For] they are said to form but a single caste of Bhairava, auspicious and eternal. [...]”.

context information

Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.

Shilpashastra (iconography)

Source: Shodhganga: Elements of Art and Architecture in the Trtiyakhanda of the Visnudharmottarapurana (shilpa)

Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण) or “Brahmins” refers to a certain class of personalities which follows specific guidelines in the tradition of ancient Indian Painting (citra), according to the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, an ancient Sanskrit text which (being encyclopedic in nature) deals with a variety of cultural topics such as arts, architecture, music, grammar and astronomy.—In the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, the rules of Painting of different classes have been elaborately discussed. According to this work, the personalities like [e.g., Brāhmaṇa], [...] are to be drawn to project them as noble and polite. Moreover, the costumes and accessories of different personalities in a picture are also described. The painter should adorn the picture of sages and Brahmins with the skin of black antelope and white garments respectively. Thus the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa establishes the fact that even in the pictures; the people belonging to different class and profession [e.g., Brāhmaṇa] were projected with specific attire so that general people can equate the picture with the practical character.

context information

Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, śilpaśāstra) represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

General definition (in Hinduism)

Source: Apam Napat: Indian Mythology

Brahmanas are the priests and scholars in the classification according to the Varna system. They are said to have sprang forth from the face of the primordial man Purusha, who was sacrificed as an offering to himself. They are the highest of the four classes.

Source: Hindupedia: The Hindu Encyclopedia

The Brahmana portion of the Veda deals with Karma kānda. Specifically, out of the four Vedas, Yajurveda is the primary Veda concerned with yajña. It is called Yajurveda because it is composed of Yajus or the mantras used for yajña.

Source: India Facts: Exploring the World of Varna

A brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण) is a person with natural aptitude for learning, analyzing, researching, and teaching.

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण) according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter 32.—The Buddha lived in the Indian kingdoms where there were always many Brahmins in whose religion virtuous men were all reborn among the Brahmadevas. The gods who have cut through sexual desire (rāga) are all called Brahmā, and it is said that these Brahmās dwell in the form realm (rūpadhātu). And so the fact of having cut through sexual desire is called brahmacarya ‘celibacy’ and those who have cut through are called Brāhmaṇas.

The Brāhmaṇas represents one of the seven destination of rebirths in kāmadhātu, according to chapter XLIX, “someone else is attached to books of knowledge (the Vedas?) and does not torment beings: by his generosity and morality, he is reborn in the families of the Brāhmaṇas”.

context information

Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.

Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)

Source: academia.edu: The Structure and Meanings of the Heruka Maṇḍala

Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण) is the name of a Vīra (hero) who, together with the Ḍākinī named Brāhmaṇī forms one of the 36 pairs situated in the Guṇacakra, according to the 10th century Ḍākārṇava chapter 15. Accordingly, the guṇacakra refers to one of the four divisions of the sahaja-puṭa (‘innate layer’), situated within the padma (lotus) in the middle of the Herukamaṇḍala. The 36 pairs of Ḍākinīs and Vīras [viz., Brāhmaṇa] are whitish red in color; they each have one face and four arms; they hold a skull bowl, a skull staff, a small drum, and a knife.

context information

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.

General definition (in Buddhism)

Source: Buddhist Door: GlossaryOne of the four types of Vedic literature in ancient India. The portion of the Veda that deals with ceremony and rituals.

Biology (plants and animals)

Source: Google Books: CRC World Dictionary (Regional names)

Brahmana in India is the name of a plant defined with Clerodendrum indicum in various botanical sources. This page contains potential references in Ayurveda, modern medicine, and other folk traditions or local practices It has the synonym Siphonanthus indicus L. (among others).

Example references for further research on medicinal uses or toxicity (see latin names for full list):

· Revisio Generum Plantarum (1891)
· Rep. Bot. Exch. Cl. Brit. Isles (1913)
· Hortus Kewensis (1812)
· FBI (1885)
· Phytologia (1971)
· Species Plantarum (1753)

If you are looking for specific details regarding Brahmana, for example extract dosage, side effects, chemical composition, diet and recipes, pregnancy safety, health benefits, have a look at these references.

context information

This sections includes definitions from the five kingdoms of living things: Animals, Plants, Fungi, Protists and Monera. It will include both the official binomial nomenclature (scientific names usually in Latin) as well as regional spellings and variants.

Languages of India and abroad

Pali-English dictionary

Source: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionary

brāhmaṇa : (m.) a man of the Brahman caste.

Source: Sutta: The Pali Text Society's Pali-English Dictionary

1) Brāhmaṇa, ² (nt.) (for brahmañña) state of a true brahman, “holiness supreme” Th. 1, 631. (Page 495)

2) Brāhmaṇa, ¹ (fr. brahma; cp. Vedic brāhmaṇa, der. fr. brahmán) a member of the Brahman caste; a Br. teacher. In the Buddhist terminology also used for a man leading a pure, sinless & ascetic life, often even syn. with arahant.—On brāhmaṇas as a caste & their representation in the Jātaka collection see Fick, Sociale Gliederung; esp. ch. 8, pp. 117—162.—Var. fanciful etymologies, consisting of a word-play, in P. definitions are e.g. “sattannaṃ dhammānaṃ bāhitattā br.” (like def. of bhikkhu) Nd¹ 86=Nd² 464^a (cp. Sn. 519); ye keci bho-vādikā Nd¹ 249=Nd² 464^b; brahā — sukhavihāra — jhāna — jhāyin Miln. 226; pāpaṃ bāhesuṃ D. III, 94; bāhita-pāpattā br. DhA. III, 84; ariyā bāhita-pāpattā br. DA. I, 244.—pl. brāhmaṇāse Sn. 1079 sq.—Var. ref^Q in the Canon to all meanings of the term: D. I, 90, 94, 104, 119 sq. , 136 (mahāsālā), 150 (°dūta), 247; III, 44 sq. , 61, 83 sq. , 94 sq. (origin of), 147, 170, 258 (°mahāsālā), 270; M. I, 271 (°karaṇā dhammā), 280; II, 84, 148, 177; III, 60, 270 (a bhikkhu addressed as br.); S. I, 47, 54, 94 sq. , 99 (°kumāra), 117, 125, 160 sq. ; II, 77, 259; IV, 157; V, 194; A. I, 66, 110, 163 (tevijjā); 166; II, 176; III, 221 sq. (brāhmaṇa-vagga); It. 57 sq. , 60, 98, 101; J. III, 194; IV, 9; VI, 521 sq. ; Vbh. 393 sq. For br. with the meaning “arahant” see also: Vin. I, 3; II, 156 (br. parinibbuta); Th. 1, 140, 221 (brahma-bandhu pure āsiṃ, idāni kho’mhi brāhmaṇo); Dh. 383 sq. ; Sn. passim (e.g. v. 142 kammanā hoti brāhmaṇo; 284 sq.); J. IV, 302 sq. ; Miln. 225. Ten kinds of Br. are pronounced to be apetā brahmaññā degraded fr. brahmanship J. IV, 361 sq. Diff. schools of br. teachers are enumerated at D. I, 237 sq. (Tevijja Sutta).—brāhmaṇānaṃ pubbakā isayo mantānaṃ kattāro “the ten inspired Seers of old times, who composed the Vedic hymns”; their names are Aṭṭhaka, Vāmaka, Vāmadeva, Vessāmitta, Yamataggi, Aṅgirasa, Bhāradvāja, Vāseṭṭha, Kassapa, Bhagu Vin. I, 245; D. I, 104; A. III, 224; IV, 61; cp. VvA. 265.—f. brāhmaṇī (n. or adj.) the wife of a brāhmaṇa D. I, 193; J. V, 127 (of a purohita or high priest); DhA. I, 33; IV, 176; PvA. 55, 61, 64. frequent in combination brāhmaṇī pajā this generation of brāhmaṇas, e.g. D. I, 249; A. I, 260; II, 23 (see pajā). —ibbhā Brahmins & Vaiśyas J. VI, 228 sq. —kumārikā a brahmin young girl J. III, 93. —kula a br. clan or family J. II, 85, 394, 411; III, 147, 352; PvA. 21, 61. —gahapatikā priests & laymen (“clerk & yeoman” Rh. D. in S. B. E. XI. 258) D. II, 178; III, 148, 153, 170 sq. ; S. I, 59, 184; A. I, 110; Vin. I, 35; J. I, 83. —gāma a br. village Vin. I, 197; D. I, 87, 127; S. I, 111; J. II, 368; III, 293; IV, 276. —dhamma duty of a br. ; see on contrast between Brahmaṇic & Buddhist view J. IV, 301 sq. , cp. also SnA 312—325 (br. -dhammika-suta) & Fick, l. c. 124. —putta son of a br. PvA. 62. —bhojana giving food (alms) to brahmans Vin. I, 44. —māṇava a young brahmin J. IV, 391. —rūpa (in) form of a br. PvA. 63. —vaḍḍhakī a br. carpenter J. IV, 207. —vaṇṇin having the appearance of a brahmin Cp. X. 10. —vācanaka a br. disputation, some sort of elocution show J. I, 318; IV, 391. —vāṭaka circle of brahmins DhA. IV, 177 (v. l. °vādaka). —vāṇija a br. merchant PvA. 113. —sacca a brahmanic (i.e. standard, holy) truth A. II, 176 (where the Buddha sets forth 4 such br.—saccāni, diff. from the usual 4 ariyasaccāni). (Page 494)

context information

Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravāda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.

Marathi-English dictionary

Source: DDSA: The Molesworth Marathi and English Dictionary

brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण).—m (S) The first of the four great divisions of the Hindu body, or an individual of it, a Brahman. This word is prefixed to certain words signifying things of which there are varieties, in order to designate the white, light, or fair variety. Thus prefixed to hirā it expresses Diamond of the first water; to bhāṅga, sabajī, pimpaḷa &c., it expresses Bhang &c. of the purest, whitest, lightest kind. This fairness of the Brahmanical class has given rise to the Pr. kāḷā brāhmaṇa gōrā śūdra hyāṃsa pāhūna kāmpē rudra. The tribes and distinctions of the Brahman are very numerous, and the lines of demarcation or particulars of distinction are but faintly, and but by few, traced or known. Many, yet surely not all, of these designations appear in marginal order, and some are shown under terms of classification (See pañcagauḍa & pañcadraviḍa): here we add some of the commonest found at Ratnagiri:--kapi, kauṃ- ḍinya, kauśika, bhāradvāja, gārgya, bābhravya, kāśyapa, śāṇḍilya, nityundana, vatsa, atri, vāsiṣṭha, viṣṇuvardhana, jāmadagnya. brā0 ghālaṇēṃ (Elliptically for brāhmaṇāṃsa bhōjana ghālaṇēṃ) To set food before Brahmans.

Source: DDSA: The Aryabhusan school dictionary, Marathi-English

brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण).—m The first of the four great divisions of the Hindu body or an in- dividual of it. This word is prefixed to certain words in order to designate the white light or fair variety.

context information

Marathi is an Indo-European language having over 70 million native speakers people in (predominantly) Maharashtra India. Marathi, like many other Indo-Aryan languages, evolved from early forms of Prakrit, which itself is a subset of Sanskrit, one of the most ancient languages of the world.

Sanskrit dictionary

Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionary

Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण).—a. (-ṇī f.) [ब्रह्म वेदं शुद्धं चैतन्यं वा वेत्त्वधीते वा अण् (brahma vedaṃ śuddhaṃ caitanyaṃ vā vettvadhīte vā aṇ)]

1) Belonging to a Brāhmaṇa.

2) Befitting a Brāhmaṇa.

3) Given by a Brāhmaṇa.

4) Relating to religious worship.

5) One who knows Brahma.

-ṇaḥ 1 A man belonging to the first of the four original castes of the Hindus, a Brāhmaṇa (born from the mouth of the puruṣa); ब्राह्मणोऽस्य मुखमासीत् (brāhmaṇo'sya mukhamāsīt) Ṛgveda 1.9. 12; Manusmṛti 1.31,96; (janmanā brāhmaṇo jñeyaḥ saṃskārairdvija ucyate | vidyayā yāti vipratvaṃ tribhiḥ śrotriya ucyate || or jātyā kulena vṛttena svādhyāyena śrutena ca | ebhiryukto hi yastiṣṭhennityaṃ sa dvija ucyate ||).

2) A priest, theologian.

3) An epithet of Agni.

4) Name of the twentyeighth Nakṣatra.

-ṇam 1 An assemblage or society of Brāhmaṇas.

2) That portion of the Veda which states rules for the employment of the hymns at the various sacrifices, their origin and detailed explanation, with sometimes lengthy illustrations in the shape of legends or stories. It is distinct from the Mantra portion of the Veda.

3) Name of that class of the Vedic works which contain the Brāhmaṇa portion (regarded as Śruti or part of the revelation like the hymns themselves). Each of the four Vedas has its own Brāhmaṇa or Brāhmaṇas :-ऐतरेय (aitareya) or आश्व- लायन (āśva- lāyana) and कौषीतकी (kauṣītakī) or सांख्यायन (sāṃkhyāyana) belonging to the Ṛgveda; शतपथ (śatapatha) to the Yajurveda, पञ्चविंश (pañcaviṃśa) and षड्विंश (ṣaḍviṃśa) and six more to the Sāmaveda, and गोपथ (gopatha) to the Atharvaveda.

4) The Soma vessel of the Brahman priest.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Edgerton Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Dictionary

Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण).—(1) m., seemingly = (the god) Brahma: pl., Mahāvastu i.103.1, see s.v. pratyeka; (2) nt. (once in Pali, according to text °ṇam, Theragāthā (Pali) 631, for usual brahmañña = Sanskrit brāhmaṇya), brahmanhood, brahmanic condition: (na) śrāmaṇāya na brāhmaṇāya (no v.l.) na nirvāṇāya saṃ- vartate Lalitavistara 245.13 (prose).

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण).—m.

(-ṇaḥ) A man of the first Hindu tribe, a Brahman. n.

(-ṇaṃ) 1. An assemblage of Brahmans, a council, a conclave. 2. A portion of the Vedas, that which comprises the precepts that inculcate religious duties, the maxims which explain those precepts and the arguments which relate to theology; it is, however, now often blended with other portions. f. (-ṇī) 1. The wife of a Brahman, or a woman of the Brahminical tribe. 2. A kind of wasp. 3. A small ant. 4. a potherb, (Ruta graveolens.) 5. A shrub, (Siphonanthus Indica.) 5. A sort of grass, (Trigonella corniculata.) E. brahman the Veda, &c. aṇ aff. and the final syllable of the original word retained.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Benfey Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण).—i. e. brahman + a, I. adj., f. ṇī, Relating to, becoming a Brāhmaṇa, brahmanical, [Johnson's Selections from the Mahābhārata.] 38, 27. Ii. m. A Brāhmaṇa, a man of the first caste, [Pañcatantra] 220, 24. Iii. f. ṇī. 1. A woman of the brahmanical tribe. 2. The wife of a Brāhmaṇa, [Pañcatantra] 118, 25. Iv. n. 1. An assemblage of Brāhmaṇas. 2. The theological portion of the Vedas, [Pāṇini, (ed. Böhtlingk.)] 2, 3, 60, Sch.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Cappeller Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण).—1. [masculine] a priest or theologian, a Brahman; [feminine] ī a woman of the priestly caste.

--- OR ---

Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण).—2. [feminine] ī Brahmanical; [neuter] the Brahman or Absolute, sacred or divine power, a cert. class of Vedic writings.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Aufrecht Catalogus Catalogorum

Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण) as mentioned in Aufrecht’s Catalogus Catalogorum:—without further statement. Rādh. 1. Proceed. Asb. 1869. 138. Oppert. 1935. 3821. 4228. Ii, 1413. 1498. 1690.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary

1) Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण):—[from brahman] mfn. relating to or given by a Brāhman, befitting or becoming a Br°, Brāhmanical, [Atharva-veda; Taittirīya-brāhmaṇa; Mahābhārata]

2) [v.s. ...] m. one who has divine knowledge (sometimes applied to Agni), a Brāhman, a man belonging to the 1st of the 3 twice-born classes and of the 4 original divisions of the Hindū body (generally a priest, but often in the present day a layman engaged in non-priestly occupations although the name is strictly only applicable to one who knows and repeats the Veda), [Ṛg-veda] etc. etc.

3) [v.s. ...] = brāhmaṇācchaṃsin, [Kātyāyana-śrauta-sūtra]

4) [v.s. ...] a Brāhman in the second stage (between Mātra and Śrotriya), [Hemādri’s Caturvarga-cintāmaṇi]

5) [v.s. ...] Name of the 28th lunar mansion, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]

6) [from brahman] n. that which is divine, the divine, [Atharva-veda]

7) [v.s. ...] sacred or d° power, [ib.; Āśvalāyana-gṛhya-sūtra]

8) [v.s. ...] Brāhmanical explanation, explanations of sacred knowledge or doctrine ([especially] for the use of the Brāhmans in their sacrifices), [Brāhmaṇa]

9) [v.s. ...] the Brāhmaṇa portion of the Veda (as distinct from its Mantra and Upaniṣad portion) and consisting of a class of works called Brāhmaṇas (they contain rules for the employment of the Mantras or hymns at various sacrifices, with detailed explanations of their origin and meaning and numerous old legends; they are said by Sāyaṇa to contain two parts: 1. vidhi, rules or directions for rites; 2. artha-vāda, explanatory remarks; each Veda has its own Brāhmaṇa, that of the [Ṛg-veda] is preserved in 2 works, viz. the Aitareya, sometimes called Āśvalāyana, and the Kauṣītaki or Śāṅkhāyana-Brāhmaṇa; the white Yajur-veda has the Śata-patha-Br°; the black Yajur-veda has the Taittirīya-Br° which differs little from the text of its Saṃhitā; the [Sāma-veda] has 8 Br°s, the best known of which are the Prauḍha or Pañca-viṃśa and the Ṣaḍviṃśa; the [Atharva-veda] has one Br° called Go-patha), [Nirukta, by Yāska; Gṛhya-sūtra and śrauta-sūtra] etc.

10) [v.s. ...] the Soma vessel of the Brahman priest, [Ṛg-veda; Atharva-veda]

11) [v.s. ...] a society or assemblage of Brāhmans, a conclave, [Horace H. Wilson]

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Yates Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण):—(ṇaḥ) 1. m. A brāhman. n. Council of brahmans; portion of the Vedas. f. (ṇī) A brāhman’s wife.

Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary (S)

Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण) in the Sanskrit language is related to the Prakrit words: Baṃbhaṇaṃ, Māhaṇa.

[Sanskrit to German]

Brahmana in German

context information

Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.

Hindi dictionary

Source: DDSA: A practical Hindi-English dictionary

Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण) [Also spelled brahman]:—(nm) the first of the four castes in traditional Hindu social hierarchy whose main duty, as prescribed, was to study, to teach, to perform [yajña] and to subsist through alms; the theological portion of the Vedas; ~[tva] brahmanhood; the quality, duty, privilege or dignity of a Brahman; ~[vāda] Brahmanism; ~[vādī] Brahmanist; Brahmanistic.

context information

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Kannada-English dictionary

Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpus

Brāhmaṇa (ಬ್ರಾಹ್ಮಣ):—

1) [adjective] relating to or given by a brāhmaṇa.

2) [adjective] befitting or becoming of a brāhmaṇa or brāhmaṇa community.

--- OR ---

Brāhmaṇa (ಬ್ರಾಹ್ಮಣ):—

1) [noun] he who has a divine knowledge; a brāhmaṇa.

2) [noun] a man belonging to the brāhmaṇa caste.

3) [noun] that caste or class.

4) [noun] a division of the Vedas, (as distinct from their hymns and upanishads).

context information

Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.

Nepali dictionary

Source: unoes: Nepali-English Dictionary

Brāhmaṇa (ब्राह्मण):—n. 1. a Brahmin; 2. the priestly class according to the Vedic classification of society; 3. Vedic ritualistic texts or manuals of instruction on the Vedas; 4. one conversant with sacred knowledge;

context information

Nepali is the primary language of the Nepalese people counting almost 20 million native speakers. The country of Nepal is situated in the Himalaya mountain range to the north of India.

Relevant text

Search found 282 books and stories containing Brahmana, Brāhmaṇa, Brahmaṇa; (plurals include: Brahmanas, Brāhmaṇas, Brahmaṇas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Verse 3.243 < [Section XIV - Method of Feeding]

Verse 2.87 < [Section XVII - Rules of Study]

Verse 4.135 < [Section XIV - Other Duties]

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Sanskrit Inscriptions (K): The Paramāras < [Chapter 3]

Sanskrit Inscriptions (J): The Rāṣṭrakūṭas < [Chapter 3]

Chart: Movement of Vedic Brāhmaṇas < [Chapter 3]

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The Status of the Royal Priest and His Characteristics < [Chapter 3 - The Religious observances and other Beliefs related to the Warfare]

The Royal Priest and the Priestly Class < [Chapter 3 - The Religious observances and other Beliefs related to the Warfare]

Religious Beliefs and other Practices related to Warfare < [Chapter 3 - The Religious observances and other Beliefs related to the Warfare]

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