Ashes for the Elephant God

by Vijaya Schartz

  Mehndi Traditional henna design on hand and/or feet

  Mela Festival, pilgrimage

  Naja Indian cobra

  Naga Snake deity

  Ohm Mantra - original sound (vibration) said to have engendered the universe

  Ohm Namah Shivaya Mantra - Divine sound destined to awaken the spiritual energy of Kundalini

  Paan Betel nut delicacy, intoxicating aphrodisiac, sometimes laced with opium or cocaine

  Pakora Indian vegetable fritter

  Papadum Spiced split pea wafer

  Pataa Rolled tea leaf stuffed with fruit and nuts

  Raga Classical Indian musical piece

  Raita Yogurt with cucumber and onion

  Rickshaw Rudimentary cab pulled by a man on foot or on a bicycle

  Rudraksha Marble-sized brown beads, seed of a small blue fruit sacred to Shiva, worn as rosary around the neck - used for meditation

  Sadhu Hindu holy man

  Samadhi Union with the divine, bliss, as in the state of death

  Samosa Vegetable fritter

  Samsara Ceaseless wheel of life, death, and rebirth

  Sanyasin Hindu ascetic man

  Saptah Seven-day-and-night chant, usually celebrating a festival

  Sari Women’s garment - Six or eight yards of silk or light cotton, draped around the hips, the end of which covers the head and/or shoulders

  Satsang Session of questions and answers

  Shakti Spiritual energy - feminine power of Shiva - divine energy experienced in meditation

  Shamiana Square tent with a pyramidal roof

  Shiva One of the three aspects of God, representing purity and fertility

  Sitar Stringed musical instrument

  So’Ham Mantra - Divine sound destined to awaken the spiritual energy of Kundalini

  Swami Hindu monk

  Tabla Small twin drums

  Tamboura Long-necked gourd-like stringed musical instrument

  Thali Traditional meal served on a metal tray

  Tika Colorful mark on the forehead with red and/or yellow powder and/or gray ashes, administered by a priest in a temple - sign of devotion to a deity or to a husband

  Toddy Mild palm wine

  Vina Brass string musical instrument made of a gourd with a long bamboo tube as a neck

  Vishnu Main Hindu divinity

  Wallah Word affixed to a noun to designate a particular kind of worker

  Zenana Women’s living quarters in a Rajah’s palace

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Born in France, award-winning author Vijaya Schartz never conformed to anything and could never refuse a challenge. She likes action and exotic settings, in life and on the page. She traveled the world and claims she comes from the future. Her books collected many five star reviews and literary awards. She makes you believe you actually lived these extraordinary adventures among her characters. Her stories have been compared to Indiana Jones with sizzling romance. So, go ahead, dare to experience the magic, and she will keep you entranced, turning the pages until the last line. Find more at http://www.vijayaschartz.com

  NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER:

  Thank you for purchasing and reading this Books We Love eBook. We hope you have enjoyed your reading experience. Best Regards and Happy Reading, Jamie and Jude

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