Significance of Lentil

Lentil, also known as masura, is identified in various contexts within Jainism, Purana, and Ayurveda. In Jainism, it is categorized as Lens esculenta, while Purana highlights its prohibition during shraddha ceremonies. Ayurveda recognizes lentils for their health benefits, particularly for Pitta and Kapha conditions, noting their astringent properties and their use in soups or ointments. Overall, lentils hold significant cultural and dietary importance across these traditions.1
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Synonyms: Pulse, Legume, Bean, Dal

In Dutch: Linze; In Finnish: Linssi; In Spanish: Lenteja

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Lentil'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, lentils, known as masura, are recommended for Pitta and Kapha conditions due to their astringent properties, but are prohibited during shraddha ceremonies, highlighting their dual significance in dietary practices.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)

(1) Lentils are recommended in Pitta and Kapha conditions, identified as astringent in action and esteemed as soups or ointments.[1]

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

Significance in Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology):
Jyotisha Books

From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology

(1) If Mars is strong, the text indicates that the meal will include this type of food, impacting the character of the meal.[2]

Jyotisha (ज्योतिष, jyotisha or jyotish) refers to ‘astronomy’ or “Vedic astrology” and represents the fifth of the six Vedangas (additional sciences to be studied along with the Vedas). Jyotisha concerns itself with the study and prediction of the movements of celestial bodies, in order to calculate the auspicious time for rituals and ceremonies.

Jain concept of 'Lentil'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, lentil, known as Masura or Lens esculenta, is recognized as one of the significant grains, reflecting its importance in dietary practices and spiritual teachings within the faith.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) Masura, the third enumerated grain identified as Lens esculenta.[3]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Lentil in scientific sources

Science Books

Lentil is a legume prized for its edible seeds, nutritional value, and high protein content. It is a cultivated crop, according to regional sources.

Significance in Environmental Sciences:
Environmental Sciences Books

From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)

(1) The text briefly mentions lentils and suggests a discussion about their importance, giving an overview of Agriculture.[4] (2) Lentil is a legume crop that is being investigated for its potential to be biofortified with iron, zinc, and protein to address nutritional deficiencies.[5] (3) It refers to Lens culinaris Medik. subsp culinaris, a pulse species used for human consumption globally, containing important components of human nutrition, such as protein and minerals.[6] (4) Lentil, scientifically known as Lens culinaris Medik., is a resilient annual herb belonging to the Fabaceae family, and it is known for its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen.[7] (5) It is a type of legume, cultivated for its edible seeds, and known for its nutritional value and high protein content.[8]

Plural form: Lentils.