Betel nut: 3 definitions

Introduction
Image gallery
In Hinduism
1. Pancaratra
India history
Biology
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Introduction:

Betel nut means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, the history of ancient India, biology. 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.

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In Hinduism

Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)

Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts

Betel Nut is typically offered to the icon of the Lord as part of “liturgical worship”, as discussed in chapter 6 of the Sattvata-Samhita: one of the most ancient of Pancaratra Agamas consisting of roughly 3500 verses which stresses the theological standpoint of the oneness of God despite his various vyuhas (modes of existence), vibhavas (manifestations) and avataras (incarnations).—Description of the chapter [sūkṣamavyūha-devatā-bahiryāga-vidhi]: The details of how the liturgy step-by-step is prepared for and how it proceeds are given (7-131). [...] After [bathing the icon, ] the pādapīṭha (foot-rest) is to be set and then wind should be wafted with a fan of peacock feathers; then is offered a comb, followed by offerings of betel nut, flowers, silk clothes, the “sacred thread,” an upper cloth, a crown and all other kinds of ornaments. Again flowers from neck to foot are to be offered along with bangles and pratisara. Then cosmetics are applied to the deity; also betel nut for chewing is given. Two flowers-one over each ear are given, whereupon a mirror is advanced to “show” the deity what has been done (50b-58a).

context information

Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.

India history and geography

Source: Singhi Jain Series: Ratnaprabha-suri’s Kuvalayamala-katha (history)

Betel nuts were commonly traded with foreign merchants in ancient India, according to Uddyotanasūri in his 8th-century Kuvalayamālā (a Prakrit Campū, similar to Kāvya poetry).—The Kuvalayamala (779 A.D.) is full of cultural material which gains in value because of the firm date of its composition. [...] At Sūrpāraka there was a guild of local merchants. It was their custom to hold a reception in honour of merchants from outside and to learn from them the country of their origin, the destination, field of trade, the nature, value and volume of commodity in which he is interested and all such matters relating to his business. [...] One said: “I went to Uttarāpatha with a load of betel nuts, and I bought horses out of the earned money profits”. [...]

context information

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.

Biology (plants and animals)

Source: Google Books: CRC World Dictionary (Regional names)

Betel nut in English is the name of a plant defined with Areca catechu in various botanical sources. This page contains potential references in Ayurveda, modern medicine, and other folk traditions or local practices It has the synonym Sublimia areca Comm. ex Mart., nom. inval.) (the specific epithet probably from kachu, an astringent substance. (among others).

Example references for further research on medicinal uses or toxicity (see latin names for full list):

· Nucleus (1975)
· Flora Indica, or ‘Descriptions of Indian Plants’ (1768)
· Hist. Nat. Palm. (1836)
· Species Plantarum
· Translational Research: the Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine (2007)
· Flora Cochinchinensis (1790)

If you are looking for specific details regarding Betel nut, for example chemical composition, extract dosage, pregnancy safety, diet and recipes, health benefits, side effects, have a look at these references.

context information

This sections includes definitions from the five kingdoms of living things: Animals, Plants, Fungi, Protists and Monera. It will include both the official binomial nomenclature (scientific names usually in Latin) as well as regional spellings and variants.

Relevant text

Search found 85 books and stories containing Betel nut, Betel nuts; (plurals include: Betel nuts, Betel nutses). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Betel-nuts as contaminated with a cancer producing fungus < [Volume 6 (issue 4), Apr-Jun 1987]

Ethnobotanical study of wild edible plants in Anaimalai Hills. < [Volume 25 (issue 2), Oct-Dec 2005]

Kautilya's Arthashastra's impact on Ayurvedic branches. < [Volume 26 (issue 1-2), Jul-Dec 2006]

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Verse 1.11.3-4 < [Chapter 11 - Meeting with Śrī Īśvara Purī]

Verse 2.9.103 < [Chapter 9 - The Lord’s Twenty-One Hour Ecstasy and Descriptions of Śrīdhara and Other Devotees’ Characteristics]

Verse 3.6.17 < [Chapter 6 - The Glories of Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu]

+ 48 more chapters / show preview

5.1. Food and Drinks < [Chapter 6 - Other Socio-Cultural Aspects]

1. Similarities (9): Food and Drinks < [Chapter 8 - Comparative Society as described in the Kādambarī and the Harṣacarita]

Table: Some of the medicinal plants < [Chapter 7 - Environmental awareness and Hygiene Conciousness]

+ 3 more chapters / show preview