Significance of Snigdha

Snigdha, as defined in Vaishnavism, refers to affection and is associated with tenderness and warmth. In Natyashastra, Snigdha conveys a joyful look tied to pleasant anticipation and inner radiance, representing the surge of love and passion. Kavyashastra also emphasizes its meaning of affection, describing Snigdha as moist, further symbolizing a gentle and nurturing quality. Overall, Snigdha encompasses themes of love, warmth, and emotional connection across different philosophical contexts.

In German: Snigdha; In Finnish: Snigdha; In Spanish: Snigdha; In Portugese: Snigdha; In Italian: Snigdha; In Polish: Snigdha; In Dutch: Sniggda

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

Hindu concept of 'Snigdha'
Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Snigdha signifies joy and pleasant anticipation, characterized by a radiant inner warmth. It embodies affection and tenderness, symbolizing love and passionate connections in interpersonal relationships.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

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.

From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

(1) Snigdha, signifying unctuous or oily quality, is a dominant Guna in the diet that, when consumed excessively, contributes to the pathogenesis of Sthaulya by increasing the accumulation of fatty tissue.[1] (2) A fundamental property denoting oleation or unctuousness, which is associated with promoting moisture within the body's tissues and counteracting the inherent dryness of Vata.[2] (3) Snigdha is a property inherent to Kleda, which, along with Drava and Mriudu characteristics, accounts for Kleda's function in softening and loosening solid materials within the physiological system.[3] (4) Snigdha, in the context of Medosara Purusha, refers to qualities like complexion, voice, eyes, hair, and nails, indicating oiliness.[4] (5) Snigdha refers to being unctuous or having oily properties, which is a characteristic of the brain and brain tissues, similar to Medas or fat.[5]

From: Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine

(1) Unctuous, an excessive amount of which in the diet should be avoided before matrabasti to prevent complications like intoxication.[6] (2) It means unctuous in action.[7] (3) This term refers to the unctuous property, which is one of the characteristics of fresh Guggulu.[8] (4) This is a property of Ikshurasa, which means unctuous or oily, and it is beneficial for the health.[9]

From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga

(1) It means unctuous and is a property of the ingredients in Piccha Basti.[10] (2) It is a property of Saindhava Lavana, as described in the provided text.[11] (3) A Pharmacological Action of Pippali that is Demulcent.[12] (4) It is one of the Guna, with 0%.[13] (5) The substances which have this quality are responsible for Srotorodha.[14]

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) 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’).

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) Snigdha represents one of the three types of sattvika-bhavas, specifically those arising from genuine rati, indicating affection.[15]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) This adjective describes a quality of resplendence or a smooth, lustrous appearance, like that of a cloud's effulgence.[16]

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) Affectionate.[17]

Significance in Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy):
Natyashastra Books

Natyashastra 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).

From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)

(1) the look that is associated with joy, pleasant anticipation, things after one’s own heart, having an inner radiance, expressing the surge of love passion. Usage: in affection.[18]

Jain concept of 'Snigdha'
Jainism Books

In Jainism, Snigdha signifies the quality of smoothness, emphasizing a tactile experience of touch that reflects purity and gentleness, integral to the spiritual ethos of compassion and non-violence embraced in the tradition.

Significance in Jainism (general):

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.

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) Snigdha describes the quality of being smooth, relating to the tactile experience of touch.[19]

The concept of Snigdha in local and regional sources
History Books

Snigdha, according to regional sources, signifies smoothness. It's one of eight tactile qualities associated with surface texture, highlighting its role in sensory perception.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Gommatsara by Acharya Nemichandra

(1) Snigdha refers to smoothness, one of the eight touch qualities related to surface texture.[20]

The concept of Snigdha in scientific sources
Science Books

Snigdha denotes nourishing, unctuous food that aids digestion and overall bodily functions, as well as the oiliness associated with the body's state post-oleation, reflecting its significance in health and wellness practices.