A Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism Klaus K Klostermaie
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89 Jafläyu<br />
poet-saints. Asked by him to help him<br />
compose a large number <strong>of</strong> abhaögas<br />
she excelled in this task. According to<br />
legend she was blessed by the company<br />
<strong>of</strong> Viflhobä, who <strong>of</strong>ten came and took<br />
his meals with her.<br />
Janaka<br />
Major figure in the RÄMÄYAŒA, King <strong>of</strong><br />
Videha. He was the father <strong>of</strong> Sïtä,<br />
famous for knowledge and good works.<br />
Jänakï<br />
Patronymic <strong>of</strong> SÏTÄ, the heroine <strong>of</strong> the<br />
RÄMÄYAŒA.<br />
Jana-loka<br />
The abode <strong>of</strong> BRAHMÄ.<br />
Janamejaya<br />
The king to whom the Mahäbhärata<br />
was recited by Kø•æa VAIŸAMPÄYANA.<br />
He was the great-grandson <strong>of</strong> ARJUNA,<br />
and was also known as Sarpasattrin<br />
(serpent-sacrificer). After his father<br />
PARIKÆIT died from a snake-bite, Janamejaya<br />
was determined to exterminate<br />
all snakes in a great sacrifice, but was<br />
persuaded by the sage Astika to desist<br />
when all snakes but one (Tak•aka) had<br />
been burnt.<br />
Jänatä Party<br />
Formed in 1977 from a variety <strong>of</strong><br />
Hindu parties to succeed Indira<br />
Gandhi’s Congress government which<br />
was defeated in elections after the socalled<br />
‘emergency’. It fell apart, largely<br />
over the question <strong>of</strong> connections<br />
between some <strong>of</strong> its leaders and the<br />
Rä•tøïya Svayamsevak Sangh, and the<br />
former JANA SANGH formed the<br />
BHÄRATÏYA JÄNATÄ PARTY.<br />
Janar-dana (‘giver <strong>of</strong> rewards’)<br />
Epithet <strong>of</strong> VIÆŒU.<br />
Janärdana Sw – ami (1504–75)<br />
Militant sage from Mahärä•flra, the<br />
teacher <strong>of</strong> EKANÄfiHA.<br />
janëu<br />
The holy thread which members <strong>of</strong> the<br />
three upper CASTES receive at the time <strong>of</strong><br />
upanayana (initiation) and which they<br />
have to wear throughout their lives as a<br />
mark <strong>of</strong> distinction. It is made out <strong>of</strong> three<br />
times three strands <strong>of</strong> cotton fibre and is<br />
worn at all times directly on the body.<br />
japa<br />
Repetition <strong>of</strong> a sacred name or MANTRA<br />
(3), one <strong>of</strong> the most popular religious<br />
practices <strong>of</strong> Hindus. It is <strong>of</strong>ten done with<br />
the help <strong>of</strong> a MÄLÄ, a rosary consisting <strong>of</strong><br />
beads made from the wood <strong>of</strong> the TULASÏ<br />
plant. It can be performed audibly,<br />
inaudibly or mentally. It is supposed to<br />
bring about a union <strong>of</strong> the devotee’s<br />
mind with God, revealed in the name.<br />
jafla<br />
Matted hair, a sign <strong>of</strong> mourning and <strong>of</strong><br />
renunciation.<br />
Jafla-dhära (‘the one with a crown<br />
<strong>of</strong> matted hair’)<br />
An epithet <strong>of</strong> ŸIVA.<br />
jäta-karma<br />
Ritual performed by a father immediately<br />
after the birth <strong>of</strong> a child, before the<br />
severing <strong>of</strong> the umbilical cord, to guarantee<br />
long life and health.<br />
Jafläyu<br />
King <strong>of</strong> the vultures, son <strong>of</strong> GARU¥A,<br />
Vi•æu’s VAHANA. As an ally <strong>of</strong> RÄMA he<br />
attacked RÄVAŒA, when he carried away<br />
Sïtä. Although mortally wounded, he was<br />
able to tell Räma about the incident. Räma<br />
and LAKÆMANA performed his funeral rites<br />
and he rose to heaven in a chariot <strong>of</strong> fire.