Nili, Nīlī, Nilī, Nīli: 19 definitions

Introduction
In Hinduism
1. Purana
2. Ayurveda
Biology
Languages
1. Pali
2. Marathi
3. Sanskrit
4. Prakrit
5. Kannada
See also
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Introduction:

Nili means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Buddhism, Pali, Marathi, Jainism, Prakrit, biology, Tamil. 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.

In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: archive.org: Puranic Encyclopedia

Nīlī (नीली).—Second wife of King Ajamīḍha. Two sons called Duṣyanta and Parameṣṭhī were born to the king of Nīlī. (Ādi Parva, Chapter 94, Verse 32).

Source: JatLand: List of Mahabharata people and places

Nīlī (नीली) is a name mentioned in the Mahābhārata (cf. I.89.28) and represents one of the many proper names used for people and places. Note: The Mahābhārata (mentioning Nīlī) is a Sanskrit epic poem consisting of 100,000 ślokas (metrical verses) and is over 2000 years old.

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.

Ayurveda (science of life)

Nighantu (Synonyms and Characteristics of Drugs and technical terms)

Source: WorldCat: Rāj nighaṇṭu

Nīlī (नीली) is the Sanskrit name for a medicinal plant possibly identified with Indigofera tinctoria Linn. (“true indigo”), according to verse 4.80-83 of the 13th-century Raj Nighantu or Rājanighaṇṭu. In the opinion of Ṭhākur B.S. et al., the roots and seeds are used. Ḍalhaṇa’s reference—Nīlabudhnā caused Vaidyas to confuse it with Ipomoea; Ṭhākur B.S. there suggests that Nīlī and Nīlikā be identified as Indigofera tinctoria Linn.; Nīlini and Nīlinikā be identified as Ipomoea hednecea (Linn.) Jacq. Its seeds are called Kālādānā.

Nīlī is mentioned as having twenty-nine synonyms: Nīlā, Nīlinī, Nīlapatrī, Tulyā (Tutthā), Rājñī, Nīlikā, Nīlapuṣpī, Kālī, Śyāmā, Śodhanī, Śrīphalā, Grāmyā, Bhadrā, Bhāravāhī, Mocā, Kṛṣṇā, Vyañjanakeśī, Rañjanī, Mahāphalā, Asitā, Klītanī, Nīlakeśī, Cāraṭikā, Gandhapuṣpā, Śyāmalikā, Raṅgapatrī, Mahābalā, Sthiraraṅgā and Raṅgapuṣpī.

Properties and characteristics: “Nīlī is pungent, bitter and hot. It is good for hair cough and the disorders due to vitiated kapha and vāta. It is indicated in poisons, abdominal disorders, gulma (false abdominal lumps due to wind), worms and fevers”.

Toxicology (Study and Treatment of poison)

Source: Shodhganga: Kasyapa Samhita—Text on Visha Chikitsa

Nīlī (नीली) (latex) is an ingredient of an herbal remedy to handle serpents (and snake-venom), as described in the Kāśyapa Saṃhitā: an ancient Sanskrit text from the Pāñcarātra tradition dealing with both Tantra and Viṣacikitsā—an important topic from Āyurveda which deals with the study of Toxicology (Viṣavidyā or Sarpavidyā).—Kāśyapa imparts various combinations of the Garuḍa Mantra, a wide range of different nyāsas and rituals to enslave serpents and use them for the bite-victim’s recovery caused by poison. He also mentions that a particular herbal combination [including the latex of Nīlī, ...] enable one to handle serpents with ease while the nails of cat, lizard, pigeon and sparrow assist in the extraction of the snake’s teeth.

Rasashastra (Alchemy and Herbo-Mineral preparations)

Source: History of Science in South Asia: Making Gems in Indian Alchemical Literature

Nīlī (नीली) or Nīlīcūrṇa refers to “indigo (powder)” and is used in the recipe for creating artificial Sapphires, according to the Vādakhaṇḍa section of the Rasaratnākara (lit. “jewel mine of mercury”): a 13th century alchemical work in Sanskrit written by Nityanātha.—Accordingly: “48 g of indigo powder (nīlī-cūrṇa). And that liquid in the afore-mentioned bottle. Having added 96 g of that liquid into the powder, one should stir it all. Having added the “rain-stones” in the aforementioned oil, one should heat them with it. These will undoubtedly become sapphires”.

Agriculture (Krishi) and Vrikshayurveda (study of Plant life)

Source: Shodhganga: Drumavichitrikarnam—Plant mutagenesis in ancient India

Nīlī (नीली) (identified with Indigofera tinctoria) is used in various recipes for bio-organic manipulation of plants/flowers/fruits, according to the Vṛkṣāyurveda by Sūrapāla (1000 CE): an encyclopedic work dealing with the study of trees and the principles of ancient Indian agriculture.—For example while describing a recipe for manipulating the colour of flowers or fruits (on the tree): “Trees watered continuously with the extract of Emblica officinalis, Terminalia bellirica and Terminalia chebula, Hordeum vulgare, Mangifera indica seed and Indigofera tinctoria [e.g., Nīlī-drava], and also filled at the root with the powder of the same mixture produce fruits resembling collyrium”.

Unclassified Ayurveda definitions

Source: Ancient Science of Life: Snake bite treatment in Prayoga samuccayam

Nīlī (नीली) refers to a medicinal plant known as Indigofera tinctoria, and is used to treat poison (viṣa), according to the 20th century Prayogasamuccaya (one of the most popular and widely practised book in toxicology in Malayalam).—[...] Root of Nīlī (Indigofera tinctoria) ground in juice of Nīlī itself, rolled into the size of the fruit of Vibhītaki (Terminalia bellirica) and dried is given with milk. If vomiting occurs immediately, prognosis is good. If not, its asādhya (incurable). [...] Symptoms of impending death are also mentioned in the first chapter.

Nīlī (root decoction) is also indicated in the case of garden lizard poisoning, where coin like round lesions appear all over body. In this condition, oral intake of Nīlī (Indigofera tinctoria) root decoction will be effective. Alarka-viṣa (rabies) is also mentioned in this context.

context information

Āyurveda (आयुर्वेद, ayurveda) is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Āyurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Biology (plants and animals)

Source: Wisdom Library: Local Names of Plants and Drugs

Nili in the Malayalam language is the name of a plant identified with Bischofia javanica Blume from the Phyllanthaceae (Amla) family having the following synonyms: Bischofia trifoliata. For the possible medicinal usage of nili, you can check this page for potential sources and references, although be aware that any some or none of the side-effects may not be mentioned here, wether they be harmful or beneficial to health.

Nili [ನೀಲಿ] in the Kannada language is the name of a plant identified with Staphylea cochinchinensis (Lour.) Byng & Christenh. from the Staphyleaceae (Bladdernut) family having the following synonyms: Turpinia cochinchinensis, Turpinia microcarpa, Turpinia nepalensis.

Nili [நீலி] in the Tamil language is the name of a plant identified with Vitex trifolia L. from the Verbenaceae (Verbena) family.

Nili [नीळी] in the Konkani language is the name of a plant identified with Indigofera tinctoria L. from the Fabaceae (Pea) family having the following synonyms: Indigofera indica Lam., Indigofera sumatrana.

Nili [नीली] in the Marathi language, ibid. previous identification.

Nili [नीली] in the Pali language, ibid. previous identification.

Nili [நீலி] in the Tamil language, ibid. previous identification.

Nili [ನೀಲಿ] in the Tulu language, ibid. previous identification.

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

1) Nili in India is the name of a plant defined with Bischofia javanica in various botanical sources. This page contains potential references in Ayurveda, modern medicine, and other folk traditions or local practices It has the synonym Bischofi a roeperiana Decne. ex Jacquem. (among others).

2) Nili is also identified with Coscinium fenestratum It has the synonym Coscinium fenestratum (Gaertn.) Colebrooke (etc.).

3) Nili is also identified with Indigofera argentea It has the synonym Indigofera burmannii Boiss. (etc.).

4) Nili is also identified with Indigofera articulata It has the synonym Indigofera argentea L..

5) Nili is also identified with Indigofera suffruticosa It has the synonym Anila tinctoria var. polyphylla (DC.) Nyman (etc.).

6) Nili is also identified with Indigofera tinctoria It has the synonym Indigofera tinctoria Lunan (etc.).

7) Nili is also identified with Vitex trifolia It has the synonym Vitex benthamiana Domin (etc.).

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

· Ceiba (2003)
· Bulletin of the Botanical Society of Bengal (1980)
· Acta Phytotax. Geobot. (1938)
· Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis (1825)
· Flora Indica (1768)
· Illustrationes et Observationes Botanicae (1773)

If you are looking for specific details regarding Nili, for example side effects, extract dosage, chemical composition, health benefits, pregnancy safety, diet and recipes, 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

nīlī : (f.) the indigo plant.

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

Nīlī, (f.) (Sk. nīlī) the indigo plant, indigo colour A. III, 230, 233. (Page 376)

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

nīlī (नीली).—f (S) Indigo-plant, Indigofera tinctoria: also indigo.

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

Nilī (निली).—4 Ā.

1) To stick or adhere to, lie or rest upon, settle down or alight upon; निलिल्ये मूर्ध्नि गृध्रोऽस्य (nililye mūrdhni gṛdhro'sya) Bhaṭṭikāvya 14.76;2.5.

2) To lurk or hide, hide oneself in; गुहास्वन्ये न्यलेषत (guhāsvanye nyaleṣata) Bhaṭṭikāvya 15.32; निशि रहसि निलीय (niśi rahasi nilīya) Gītagovinda 2.

3) To hide or conceal oneself from (with abl.); मातुर्निलीयते कृष्णः (māturnilīyate kṛṣṇaḥ) Sk.

4) To die, perish.

5) To become settled or fixed; पूर्वमेव हि जन्तूनां योधिवासो निलीयते (pūrvameva hi jantūnāṃ yodhivāso nilīyate) Rāj. T.3.426.

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Nīlī (नीली) or Nīli (नीलि).—

1) The indigo plant; तत्र नीलीरसपरिपूर्णं महाभाण्डमासीत् (tatra nīlīrasaparipūrṇaṃ mahābhāṇḍamāsīt) Pañcatantra (Bombay) 1; एको ग्रहस्तु मीनानां नीलीमद्यपयोर्यथा (eko grahastu mīnānāṃ nīlīmadyapayoryathā) Pañcatantra (Bombay) 1.26; Manusmṛti 1.89.

2) A species of blue fly.

3) A kind of disease.

Derivable forms: , nīliḥ (नीलिः).

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

Nilī (निली).—cleave or stick to ([accusative]), lie or settle down upon ([locative]); °layate (also apani) hide, disappear from ([ablative]).

Nilī is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms ni and lī (ली).

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

1) Nilī (निली):—[=ni-√lī] [Ātmanepada] -līyate (rarely [Parasmaipada] e.g. [Potential] -līyet), [Mahābhārata] etc. or -layate, [Ṛg-veda; Atharva-veda] (cf. ni-rī; [imperfect tense] -alāyata, [Taittirīya-saṃhitā]; [perfect tense] -lilye, 3. [plural] yire, or yur, [Brāhmaṇa]; [Aorist] -aleṣṭa, [Brāhmaṇa]; 3. [plural] -aleṣata, [Bhaṭṭi-kāvya]; [indeclinable participle] -lāya, [Taittirīya-brāhmaṇa]; -līya, [Harivaṃśa]; [infinitive mood] -letum, [Śiśupāla-vadha]);

—to settle down ([especially] applied to the alighting of birds), alight, descend, [Mahābhārata; Kāvya literature] etc.;

—to become settled or fixed, [Rājataraṅgiṇī iii, 426];

—to hide one’s self, conceal one’s self from ([ablative]), disappear, perish, [Ṛg-veda]; etc.

2) Nīlī (नीली):—[from nīla > nīl] a f. the indigo plant or dye, [Manu-smṛti; Varāha-mihira; Suśruta] etc. Blyxa Octandra, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]

3) [v.s. ...] a species of blue fly, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]

4) [v.s. ...] f. m. a kind of disease, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]

5) [v.s. ...] f. m. Name of the wife of Aja-mīḍha, [Mahābhārata; Harivaṃśa] ([varia lectio] nalinī and nīlinī)

6) [from nīl] b f. of nīla q.v.

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

Nilī (निली) in the Sanskrit language is related to the Prakrit words: Ṇiriggha, Ṇilijja, Ṇilīa, Ṇīli, Likka, Lukka, Lhikka.

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.

Prakrit-English dictionary

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

Ṇīli (णीलि) in the Prakrit language is related to the Sanskrit word: Nīlī.

context information

Prakrit is an ancient language closely associated with both Pali and Sanskrit. Jain literature is often composed in this language or sub-dialects, such as the Agamas and their commentaries which are written in Ardhamagadhi and Maharashtri Prakrit. The earliest extant texts can be dated to as early as the 4th century BCE although core portions might be older.

Kannada-English dictionary

Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpus

Nīli (ನೀಲಿ):—[adjective] having the colour of the clear sky or the deep sea; blue.

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Nīli (ನೀಲಿ):—

1) [noun] the colour of the clear sky or the deep sea; blue 2.any colour between green and violet in the spectrum; indigo.

2) [noun] the dark colour; black.

3) [noun] any of a genus (Indigofera) of plants, esp. Indigofera tinctoria, of Papilionaceae; indigo plant.

4) [noun] the blue dye obtained from this plant.

5) [noun] the plant Turpinia cochinchinensis (= T. nepalensis) of Staphyleaceae family.

6) [noun] a clear, deep-blue variety of corundum, valued as a precious stone; sapphire.

7) [noun] the sky.

8) [noun] a species of worm growing in the inside of animals.

9) [noun] a morbid affection of the lens of the eye.

10) [noun] ನೀಲಿಕೆಟ್ಟ ಮಾತು [niliketta matu] nīlikeṭṭa mātu n improper speech; ನೀಲಿಕೆಟ್ಟ ಸುದ್ದಿ [niliketta suddi] nīlikeṭṭa suddi bad news; ನೀಲಿ ಹಾಕು [nili haku] nīli hāku to use blue powder or liquid as an after-wash for brightening white cloths.

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Nīḷi (ನೀಳಿ):—[adjective] = ನೀಲಿ [nili]1.

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Nīḷi (ನೀಳಿ):—[noun] = ನೀಲಿ [nili]2.

context information

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

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