Adhaka, Āḍhaka: 18 definitions
Introduction:
Adhaka means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit, the history of ancient India. 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
Ayurveda (science of life)
Kalpa (Formulas, Drug prescriptions and other Medicinal preparations)
Āḍhaka (आढक) (or Kaṃsa, Kalaśa) refers to a unit of measurement of weight (1 āḍhaka equals 3.072kg; 4 āḍhakas = 1 droṇa = 12.288kg), as defined in the 15th-century Yogasārasaṅgraha (Yogasara-saṅgraha) by Vāsudeva: an unpublished Keralite work representing an Ayurvedic compendium of medicinal recipes. The Yogasārasaṃgraha [mentioning āḍhaka] deals with entire recipes in the route of administration, and thus deals with the knowledge of pharmacy (bhaiṣajya-kalpanā) which is a branch of pharmacology (dravyaguṇa).
A relative overview of weight-units is found below, āḍhaka indicated in bold. In case of liquids, the metric equivalents would be the corresponding litre and milliliters.
1 Ratti or Guñjā = 125mg,
8 Rattis - 1 Māṣa = 1g,
4 Māṣa - 1 Kaḻañc = 4g,
12 Māṣas - 1 Karṣa = 12g,
1 Karṣa /Akṣa - 1 Niṣka = 12g,
2 Karṣas - 1 Śukti = 24g,
2 Śukti - 1 Pala = 48g,
2 Palas - 1 Prasṛti = 96g,
2 Prasṛtis - 1 Kuḍava = 192g,
2 Kuḍava - 1 Mānikā = 384g,
2 Mānikās - 1 Prastha (Seru) = 768g,
4 Prasthas - 1 Āḍhaka (Kaṃsa) = 3.072kg,
4 Āḍhakas or Kalaśas - 1 Droṇa = 12.288kg,
2 Droṇas - 1 Surpa = 24.576kg,
2 Surpas - 1 Droṇī (Vahi) = 49.152kg,
4 Droṇīs - 1 Khari = 196.608kg,
1 Pala = 48g,
100 Palas - 1 Tulā = 4.8kg,
20 Tulās - 1 Bhāra = 96kg.
Veterinary Medicine (The study and treatment of Animals)
Āḍhaka (आढक) refers to a measure for equaling 4 prasthas, according to the 15th century Mātaṅgalīlā composed by Nīlakaṇṭha in 263 Sanskrit verses, dealing with elephantology in ancient India, focusing on the science of management and treatment of elephants.—[Cf. chapter 11, “On the keeping of elephants and their daily and seasonal regimen”]: “11. Of (raw) rice grits a kuḍuba (less than 14 pint), mixed with grass, is to be given to elephants (when newly caught) ; and one shall increase this measure one kuḍuba each (day) until it amounts to an āḍhaka (16 k. = ca. 3 pints). And thus he shall increase day by day the portion of boiled rice also ; and in just the same way he shall cause to be administered in proper fashion the other food preparations that are prescribed”.
Unclassified Ayurveda definitions
Āḍhaka (आढक) is the Sanskrit name for a weight unit corresponding to ‘2.56 kilograms’ used in Ayurvedic literature, according to the Ṣoḍaśāṅgahṛdayam. Āḍhaka is also known as Pātra (‘cup’ or ‘pot’). A single Āḍhaka unit corresponds to 4 Prastha units (a single Prastha unit equals 640 grams). You need 4 Āḍhaka units to make a single Droṇa unit (1 Droṇa equals 10.24 kilograms).
Below follows a table of the different weight units in relation to one another and their corresponding values in brackets:
- Guñjā (Raktikā) = 1 seed of Guñjā
- 8 Raktikā = 1 Māṣa (1 gram)
- 10 Māṣa = 1 Karṣa (10 grams)
- 2 Karṣa = 1 Śukti (20 grams)
- 2 Śukti = 1 Pala (40 grams)
- 2 Pala = 1 Prasṛta (80 grams)
- 2 Prasṛta = 1 Kuḍava (Añjali) (160 grams)
- 2 Kuḍava = 1 Śarāva (320 grams)
- 2 Śarāva = 1 Prastha (640 grams)
- 4 Prastha = 1 Āḍhaka (Pātra) (2.56 kilograms)
- 4 Āḍhaka = 1 Droṇa (10.24 kilograms)
- 4 Droṇa = 1 Droṇī (40.96 kilograms)
- 100 Pala = 1 Tulā (4 kilograms).
Āḍhaka (आढक) is a Sanskrit technical term corresponding to approximately 3 kilograms, according to The Roots of Āyurveda (by Wujastyk). It is used throughout Ayurvedic literature such as the Caraka-saṃhitā or the Suśruta-saṃhtiā.
Āḍhaka (आढक):—A unit of Measurement; - Four prastha are equal to one adhak = 3. 073 kg of metric units used for both solids & liquids
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.
Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology)
Āḍhaka (आढक) refers to a measurement unit equaling four droṇas, according to Kāśīnātha Upādhye’s Dharmasindhu, a commentary on the Rāma Daivajña’s Muhūrtacintāmaṇi (an astrological work).—Accordingly, “[...] Then that vessel becomes the standard measure for the period of one ghaṭī. There the unit of one prastha contains sixteen palas. For it has been said: one pala is four suvarṇas; then kuḍava, prastha, āḍhaka, droṇa and khārikā, are respectively each four times the previous unit. In another text, it has been said that four fistfuls are one kuḍava, four kuḍavas are one prastha. Some others say that the time taken for uttering sixty long syllables is one pala, and that the duration of sixty palas is one nāḍikā. [...]”.
Jyotisha (ज्योतिष, jyotiṣa 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.
Ganitashastra (Mathematics and Algebra)
Āḍhaka (आढक) refers to a “a measure of grain” and represents a technical term occurring in the Gaṇitasāra-saṅgraha—an ancient Sanskrit text dealing with ancient Indian algebra and mathematical problems written by Mahāvīra (Mahāvīrācārya) in the 9th century.
Ganita (गणित) or Ganitashastra refers to the ancient Indian science of mathematics, algebra, number theory, arithmetic, etc. Closely allied with astronomy, both were commonly taught and studied in universities, even since the 1st millennium BCE. Ganita-shastra also includes ritualistic math-books such as the Shulba-sutras.
In Jainism
General definition (in Jainism)
Āḍhaka (आढक) refers to a measure of capacity roughly corresponding to 1/2 droṇa, and represents a Jaina technical term mentioned in the Vividhatīrthakalpa by Jinaprabhasūri (13th century A.D.): an ancient text devoted to various Jaina holy places (tīrthas).
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.
India history and geography
Āḍhaka.—(IE 8-6; EI 27), a measure of capacity; often regarded as equal to 264 handfuls and to one-fourth of a droṇa; 16 to 20 seers according to Bengali authors; also used as a shortened form of āḍhavāpa or ādhakavāpa. Note: āḍhaka is defined in the “Indian epigraphical glossary” as it can be found on ancient inscriptions commonly written in Sanskrit, Prakrit or Dravidian languages.
The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
Languages of India and abroad
Sanskrit dictionary
Āḍhaka (आढक).—A measure of grain, the 4th of a Droṇa = 64 Prasthas = 16 Kuḍavas = (nearly 7 lbs. 11 ozs. avoir.); अष्टमुष्टिर्भवेत् कुञ्चिः कुञ्चयोऽष्टौ तु पुष्कलम् । पुष्कलानि च चत्वारि आढकः परिकीर्तितः (aṣṭamuṣṭirbhavet kuñciḥ kuñcayo'ṣṭau tu puṣkalam | puṣkalāni ca catvāri āḍhakaḥ parikīrtitaḥ) ||
-kī 1 A kind of pulse (Mar. tūra).
2) A kind of fragrant earth (Mar. gopīcaṃdana).
Derivable forms: āḍhakaḥ (आढकः), āḍhakam (आढकम्).
Āḍhaka (आढक).— (a transformation of ardha + ka), m. n. A measure of grain, equal to 7 lb. 11 oz. avoirdupois, [Hitopadeśa] [prologue.] [distich] 19.
Āḍhaka (आढक).—[masculine] [neuter] (adj. —° [feminine] ī) a cert. measure of grain.
Āḍhaka (आढक):—mn. ([gana] ardharcādi q.v.; ifc. f(ī). , [Pāṇini 4-1, 22 and v, 1, 54] [commentator or commentary]) a measure of grain (= 1/4 droṇa = 4 prasthas = 16 kuḍavas = 64 palas = 256 karṣas = 4096 māṣas; = nearly 7 lbs. 11 ozs. avoirdupois; in Bengal = two mans or 164 lbs. avds.)
Āḍhaka (आढक):—[ā-ḍhaka] (kaḥ) 1. m. A measure of grain equal to 7 lb. 11 oz. (kī) 2. f. A kind of pulse; fragrant earth.
Āḍhaka (आढक):—
1) m. n. gaṇa ardharcādi zu [Pāṇini’s acht Bücher 2, 4, 31.] [Siddhāntakaumudī 249], b, 11. ein best. Hohlmaass, = 4 Prastha = 16 Kuḍava = 64 Pala = 256 Karṣa = [4096] Māṣa (= 216 Kubik - Aṅgula [Algebra 3]) [Amarakoṣa 2, 9, 89.] [Hemacandra’s Abhidhānacintāmaṇi 886.] [Anekārthasaṃgraha 3, 9.] [Medinīkoṣa k. 47.] [Suśruta 2, 175, 15. 68, 1. 170, 12. 229, 16. fgg.] [HESSLER'S] Tabellen in der Uebers. des [Suśruta] [Garbhopaniṣad] in [Weber’s Indische Studien 2, 71.] [Prooemium im Hitopadeśa 19.] — Als Gewicht nach [HESSLER'S] Berechnung = 12 Pfund, 1 Unze, 1 Scrupel und 12 Gran. Am Ende eines adj. comp. f. ī [Pāṇini’s acht Bücher 4, 1, 22,] [Scholiast 5, 1, 54,] [Scholiast] [Vopadeva’s Grammatik 6, 55.] —
2) f. kī gaṇa gaurādi zu [Pāṇini’s acht Bücher 4, 1, 41.] a) Cajanus indicus Spreng. (die Hülsenfrucht ist ein beliebtes Gemüse) [Amarakoṣa 2, 4, 4, 18. 3, 6, 7.] [Hemacandra’s Abhidhānacintāmaṇi 1175.] [Anekārthasaṃgraha 3, 10.] [Medinīkoṣa] [Suśruta 1, 73, 9. 79, 21. 2, 64, 2. 77, 7. 185, 21. 489, 15.] — b) eine bes. wohlriechende Erde [Hemacandra’s Abhidhānacintāmaṇi 1056.]
--- OR ---
Āḍhaka (आढक):—
1) [WEBER, Jyotiṣa 78. fgg.] [Oxforder Handschriften 307,b,2.] palānyapāmāḍhakaṃ catuḥṣaṣṭiḥ [Varāhamihira’s Bṛhajjātaka S. 53, 93.]
Āḍhaka (आढक):——
1) m. n. (adj. Comp. f. ī) ein best. Hohlmaass , = 4 Prastha. —
2) f. ī — a) Cajanus_indicus Spreng. — b) *alaunhaltiger Thon und Alaun [Nighaṇṭuprakāśa (roth) ]
Āḍhaka (आढक) in the Sanskrit language is related to the Prakrit word: Āḍhaga.
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.
Kannada-English dictionary
Āḍhaka (ಆಢಕ):—
1) [noun] an old measure of weight (approx. 2.97 Kg.).
2) [noun] a measure of capacity (equal to two seers).
Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches (+0): Dhaka, A.
Starts with (+0): Adhakacara, Adhakaha, Adhakajambu, Adhakajambuka, Adhakalca, Adhakalcha, Adhakalchinu, Adhakalcho, Adhakalcinu, Adhakalco, Adhakara, Adhakatti, Adhakava.
Full-text (+102): Daladhaka, Adhakika, Drona, Adhakajambuka, Kamsa, Adhakina, Prastha, Kudava, Patera, Dvyadhaka, Caturadhaka, Attaka, Shatamana, Kamsapatra, Ardhadhaka, Masha, Patra, Tula, Pala, Karsha.
Relevant text
Search found 56 books and stories containing Adhaka, A-dhaka, Ā-ḍhaka, Āḍhaka, Adhakas; (plurals include: Adhakas, dhakas, ḍhakas, Āḍhakas, Adhakases). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Agriculture and Animal husbandry in the Puranas (by Purboshri Borpuzari)
Part 12 - Nourishment and Feeding of Animals < [Chapter 5 - Modern relevance of Purāṇic agriculture and Animal Husbandry]
Part 9 - Animal Husbandry in Post-Purāṇic Sanskrit Works—Introduction < [Chapter 5 - Modern relevance of Purāṇic agriculture and Animal Husbandry]
Part 21 - Agricultural Products as Mentioned in the Proposed Purāṇas < [Chapter 2 - Agriculture and its importance]
Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study) (by A. Yamuna Devi)
Economics (4): Measures, Weights and Coinage < [Chapter 3 - Social Aspects]
Daily Life (1): Food and Drinks < [Chapter 3 - Social Aspects]
Kautilya Arthashastra (by R. Shamasastry)
Chapter 15 - The Superintendent of Store-house < [Book 2 - The duties of Government Superintendents]
Chapter 31 - The Superintendent of Elephants < [Book 2 - The duties of Government Superintendents]
Chapter 29 - The Superintendent of Cows < [Book 2 - The duties of Government Superintendents]
Yajnavalkya-smriti with Mitakshara and Viramitrodaya (by J. R. Gharpure)
Verse 3.274 < [Chapter 5 - On Penances (Prāyaścitta)]
Verse 3.275 < [Chapter 5 - On Penances (Prāyaścitta)]
Brihat Samhita (by N. Chidambaram Iyer)
Chapter 21 - On the rain-clouds (garbhalakṣaṇa)
Chapter 23 - On rain (pravarṣaṇa)
Matangalila and Hastyayurveda (study) (by Chandrima Das)
The merits and measures of food suitable for the Elephant < [Chapter 3]
Food and Diet of Elephants < [Chapter 3]
Care and keeping of elephants < [Chapter 3]