Gaja, Gajā: 38 definitions

Introduction:

Gaja means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit, the history of ancient India, Marathi, Hindi. 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

Ayurveda (science of life)

Veterinary Medicine (The study and treatment of Animals)

Source: Shodhganga: Portrayal of Animal Kingdom (Tiryaks) in Epics An Analytical study

Gaja (गज) refers to the Elephant (Elephas Maximus indicus), according to scientific texts such as the Mṛgapakṣiśāstra (Mriga-pakshi-shastra) or “the ancient Indian science of animals and birds” by Hamsadeva, containing the varieties and descriptions of the animals and birds seen in the Sanskrit Epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Unclassified Ayurveda definitions

Source: Wisdom Library: Āyurveda and botany

Gaja (गज) is a Sanskrit word referring to the animal “elephant”. The meat of this animal is part of the māṃsavarga (‘group of flesh’), which is used throughout Ayurvedic literature. The animal Gaja is part of the sub-group named Ānupamṛga, refering to animals “who live in marshy land”. It was classified by Caraka in his Carakasaṃhitā sūtrasthāna (chapter 27), a classical Ayurvedic work. Caraka defined such groups (vargas) based on the dietic properties of the substance.

Source: archive.org: Sushruta samhita, Volume I

Gaja (गज)—Sanskrit word for the animal “elephant” (Elephas maximus). This animal is from the group called Kūlacara (‘shore-dwellers’). Kūlacara itself is a sub-group of the group of animals known as Ānupa (those that frequent marshy places).

The flesh of the Elephant tends to produce a state of extreme parchedness in the system, and is liquefacient and heat-making in its potency. It vitiates the Pittam and has a palatable acid and saline taste, and destroys the Vāyu and Kapham.

Ayurveda book cover
context information

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.

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Vastushastra (architecture)

Source: Wisdom Library: Vāstu-śāstra

1) Gaja (गज):—The Sanskrit name for a classification of a ‘temple’, according to the 2nd century Matsyapurāṇa and the Viśvakarmaprakāśa, both featuring a list of 20 temple types. This list represents the classification of temples in South-India.

Gaja is also mentioned in a list from the Samarāṅgaṇasūtradhāra chapter 56, being part of the group named Lalita, containing 25 unique temple varieties.

Gaja is found in another list in the Samarāṅgaṇasūtradhāra, chapter 63, where it is listed in the group named Nāgara, containing 20 different prāsādas (temples/buildings).

Gaja is also listed in the Agnipurāṇa which features a list of 45 temple types. It is listed under the group named Maṇika, featuring oval-shaped temples. This list represents a classification of temples in Nort-India.

2) Gajā (गजा, “elephant”) refers to the seventh of eight yoni (womb), according to the Mānasāra. It is also known by the name Dantī. Yoni is the fourth of the āyādiṣaḍvarga, or “six principles” that constitute the “horoscope” of an architectural or iconographic object. Their application is intended to “verify” the measurements of the architectural and iconographic object against the dictates of astrology that lay out the conditions of auspiciousness.

The particular yoni (e.g., gajā) of all architectural and iconographic objects (settlement, building, image) must be calculated and ascertained. This process is based on the principle of the remainder. An arithmetical formula to be used in each case is stipulated, which engages one of the basic dimensions of the object (breadth, length, or perimeter/circumference). The first, third, fifth and seventh yonis are considered auspicious and therefore to be preferred, and the rest, inauspicious and to be avoided.

Vastushastra book cover
context information

Vastushastra (वास्तुशास्त्र, vāstuśāstra) refers to the ancient Indian science (shastra) of architecture (vastu), dealing with topics such architecture, sculpture, town-building, fort building and various other constructions. Vastu also deals with the philosophy of the architectural relation with the cosmic universe.

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Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: Wisdom Library: Skanda-purana

Gaja (गज, “elephant-form”) refers to one of the fifty-six vināyakas located at Kāśī (Vārāṇasī), and forms part of a sacred pilgrimage (yātrā), described in the Kāśīkhaṇḍa (Skanda-purāṇa 4.2.57). He is also known as Gajavināyaka, Gajagaṇeśa and Gajavighneśa. These fifty-six vināyakas are positioned at the eight cardinal points in seven concentric circles (8x7). They center around a deity named Ḍhuṇḍhirāja (or Ḍhuṇḍhi-vināyaka) positioned near the Viśvanātha temple, which lies at the heart of Kāśī, near the Gaṅges. This arrangement symbolises the interconnecting relationship of the macrocosmos, the mesocosmos and the microcosmos.

Gaja is positioned in the Northern corner of the fifth circle of the kāśī-maṇḍala. According to Rana Singh (source), his shrine is located at “Rajadarwaja, Bharbhuteshvara, K 54/ 44”. Worshippers of Gaja will benefit from his quality, which is defined as “the giver of strength and wealth”. His coordinates are: Lat. 25.18810, Lon. 83.00611 (or, 25°11'17.2"N, 83°00'22.0"E) (Google maps)

Gaja, and the other vināyakas, are described in the Skandapurāṇa (the largest of the eighteen mahāpurāṇas). This book narrates the details and legends surrounding numerous holy pilgrimages (tīrtha-māhātmya) throughout India. It is composed of over 81,000 metrical verses with the core text dating from the before the 4th-century CE.

Source: archive.org: Puranic Encyclopedia

1) Gaja (गज).—A powerful monkey King who fought on the side of Śrī Rāma against Rāvaṇa. (Vana Parva, Chapter 283, Verse 3).

2) Gaja (गज).—Younger brother of Śakuni, the son of Subala. He, along with his brother fought in the great war against the Pāṇḍavas and got killed by Irāvān. (Bhīṣma Parva, Chapter 90).

Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Gaja (गज) refers to the “elephant” and represents the mount of Indra, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.2.36. Accordingly, as Brahmā narrated to Nārada:—“Indra mocked at Viṣṇu who was engrossed in his own arguments. He, the bearer of the thunderbolt, was desirous of fighting Vīrabhadra along with the other devas. Then Indra rode on his elephant (gaja), the fire-god rode on a goat, Yama rode on his buffalo and Nirṛti rode on a ghost”.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: The Purana Index

1a) Gaja (गज).—The name of an asura.*

  • * Bhāgavata-purāṇa XI. 12. 6.

1b) A pupil of Rathītara.*

  • * Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa II. 35. 4.

1c) A son of Uttama Manu.*

  • * Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa II. 36. 39.

1d) A son of Mṛga (Nāga).*

  • * Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 7. 332.

2) Gajā (गजा).—A chief Vānara.*

  • * Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 7. 241.
Source: valmikiramayan.net: Srimad Valmiki Ramayana

Gaja (गज) refers to “elephants” (living in the forest), according to the Rāmāyaṇa chapter 2.29. Accordingly:—“[...] Sītā was distressed to hear these words of Rāma and spoke these words slowly, with her face with tears: ‘[...] Oh Rāma! Antelopes, lions, elephants (gaja), tigers, Śarabhas (legendary animal with eight legs), birds, yaks and all others which roam in the forest, run away after seeing your form, since they have never seen your figure before. When there is cause for fear, who would not have fear?’”.

Purana book cover
context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

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Shilpashastra (iconography)

Source: Shodhganga: The significance of the mūla-beras (śilpa)

Gaja (गज) or Gajahasta refers to “elephant trunk” and represents one of the four Elirkai gestures, as defined according to texts dealing with śilpa (arts and crafs), known as śilpaśāstras.—Accordingly, pratimā-lakṣaṇa (body postures of the icons) is comprised of hand gestures (hasta, mudrā or kai-amaiti), stances/poses (āsanas) and inflexions of the body (bhaṅgas). There are thirty-two types of hands [viz., gaja-hasta] classified into two major groups known as tolirkai (functional and expressive gestures) and elirkai (graceful posture of the hand).

Shilpashastra book cover
context information

Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, śilpaśāstra) represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

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Dharmashastra (religious law)

Source: Prācyā: Animals and animal products as reflected in Smṛti texts

Gaja (गज) refers to the animal “Elephant” (Elephas maximus indicus).—The Smṛtis mention several domestic as well as wild animals that are enumerated in context of specifying expiation for killing them, the flesh being used as a dietary article to give satisfaction to the Manes (Pitṛs) in Śrāddha rites, the law of transmigration due to various sins committed as well as in the context of specifying gifts to be given on various occasions. These animals [viz., Gaja] are chiefly mentioned in the Manusmṛti, Parāśarasmṛti [Chap.6], Gautamasmṛti [17.2 and 15.1], Śātātapasmṛti [II.45-54], Uśānasmṛti [IX.7-9; IX.12-13], Yājñavalkyasmṛti [I.170-171; I.175; I.258- 260], Viṣṇusmṛti [51.3;51.6;51.26;51.33;80.3-14], Uttarāṅgirasasmṛti [X.15-17], Prajāpatismṛti [Śrāddhatyājyavastuvarṇanam. 138-143], 9 Kāśyapasmṛti [Section on Prāyaścittavarṇanam], Vṛddha Hārītasmṛti [6.253-255] and Kātyāyanasmṛti [27.11].

Dharmashastra book cover
context information

Dharmashastra (धर्मशास्त्र, dharmaśāstra) contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

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Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology)

Source: Wisdom Library: Brihat Samhita by Varahamihira

1) Gaja (गज) refers to “elephants”, according to the Bṛhatsaṃhitā (chapter 5), an encyclopedic Sanskrit work written by Varāhamihira mainly focusing on the science of ancient Indian astronomy astronomy (Jyotiṣa).—Accordingly, “If Mars should be eclipsed by Rāhu [—the eclipsed or eclipsing lunar or solar disc as the case may be], the people of Āvanti, those living on the banks of the Kāverī and the Narmada and haughty princes will be afflicted with miseries. [...] If Jupiter should be so eclipsed, learned men, kings, ministers, elephants [i.e., gaja] and horses will perish and persons living on the banks of the Indus and in the northern countries will suffer calamities. If Venus should be so eclipsed, the people of Dāśeraka, of Kaikaya, of Yaudheya and of Āryāvarta and the Śibīs will suffer; women and ministers will be afflicted with miseries”.

2) Gaja (गज) or Gajavīthi refers to one the nine divisions of the ecliptic, according to the Bṛhatsaṃhitā (chapter 9).—Accordingly, “The ecliptic is divided into nine divisions known as Vīthis (paths), According to some each division consists of three constellations beginning from Aśvini. [...] According to others the Gaja Vīthi consists of the constellations of the three constellations from Rohiṇī; [...]”.

Jyotisha book cover
context information

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.

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Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Gaja (गज) refers to the Secret Language (bhāṣā, choma) associated with Kāmarūpa, one of the eight Sacred Seats (pīṭha), according to the Yogakhaṇḍa (chapter 14) of the Manthānabhairavatantra, a vast sprawling work that belongs to a corpus of Tantric texts concerned with the worship of the goddess Kubjikā.

Shaktism book cover
context information

Shakta (शाक्त, śākta) or Shaktism (śāktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.

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Ganitashastra (Mathematics and Algebra)

Source: archive.org: Hindu Mathematics

Gaja (गज) represents the number 8 (eight) in the “word-numeral system” (bhūtasaṃkhyā), which was used in Sanskrit texts dealing with astronomy, mathematics, metrics, as well as in the dates of inscriptions and manuscripts in ancient Indian literature.—A system of expressing numbers by means of words arranged as in the place-value notation was developed and perfected in India in the early centuries of the Christian era. In this system the numerals [e.g., 8—gaja] are expressed by names of things, beings or concepts, which, naturally or in accordance with the teaching of the Śāstras, connote numbers.

Ganitashastra book cover
context information

Ganitashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, gaṇitaśāstra) 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.

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Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Source: SOAS University of London: Protective Rites in the Netra Tantra

Gaja (गज) refers to “elephants”, according to the Netratantra of Kṣemarāja: a Śaiva text from the 9th century in which Śiva (Bhairava) teaches Pārvatī topics such as metaphysics, cosmology, and soteriology.—Accordingly, [verse 19.117-120, while describing the protection of the kingdom’s animals]—“[...] White mustard seed, empowered with the Mantra [placed] on the throat or head protects the elephants (gaja), [so that they] are liberated from all disease. In this way, he should conduct [rites of] protection for all goats and cows, etc.”.

Shaivism book cover
context information

Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.

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Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Source: Shodhganga: Elements of Art and Architecture in the Trtiyakhanda of the Visnudharmottarapurana (natya)

Gaja (गज) or Gajagati refers to the “gait of the elephant” and represents one of the various Gatis (“way of walking”) (in Indian Dramas), according to the Abhinayadarpaṇa.—Accordingly, gaits (gatis) are explained along with some particular hand gestures. It shows that footsteps are to be followed by some hand postures. The gait of gaja i.e., elephant is always noticed as slow gait. The Abhinayadarpaṇa suggests holding patāka hands in this gait.

Natyashastra book cover
context information

Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) 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).

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Sports, Arts and Entertainment (wordly enjoyments)

Source: archive.org: Syainika Sastra of Rudradeva with English Translation (art)

Gaja (गज) refers to the “elephants” (which were often the victim of hunting), according to the Śyainika-śāstra: a Sanskrit treatise dealing with the divisions and benefits of Hunting and Hawking, written by Rājā Rudradeva (or Candradeva) in possibly the 13th century.—Accordingly, “[Hunting by snares] [...] is useful in the capturing of elephants (gaja-bandha), etc. Therefore kings should also have recourse to it as it is exceedingly profitable. [...] When, on account of their training, deer capture deer, and birds capture birds, that is also included under this head”.

Arts book cover
context information

This section covers the skills and profiencies of the Kalas (“performing arts”) and Shastras (“sciences”) involving ancient Indian traditions of sports, games, arts, entertainment, love-making and other means of wordly enjoyments. Traditionally these topics were dealt with in Sanskrit treatises explaing the philosophy and the justification of enjoying the pleasures of the senses.

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In Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)

Source: academia.edu: The Structure and Meanings of the Heruka Maṇḍala

1) Gaja (गज) is the name of a Vīra (hero) who, together with the Ḍākinī named Gajī forms one of the 36 pairs situated in the Medinīcakra, according to the 10th century Ḍākārṇava chapter 15. Accordingly, the medinīcakra refers to one of the three divisions of the dharma-puṭa (‘dharma layer’), situated in the Herukamaṇḍala. The 36 pairs of Ḍākinīs and Vīras [viz., Gaja] are yellow in color; the shapes of their faces are in accordance with their names; they have four arms; they hold a skull bowl, a skull staff, a small drum, and a knife.

2) Gajā (गजा) is also the name of a Ḍākinī who, together with the Vīra (hero) named Gaja forms one of the 36 pairs situated in the Jñānacakra, according to the same work. Accordingly, the jñānacakra refers to one of the three divisions of the saṃbhoga-puṭa (‘enjoyment layer’), situated in the Herukamaṇḍala. The 36 pairs of Ḍākinīs [viz., Gajā] and Vīras are white in color; the shapes of their faces are in accordance with their names; they have four arms; they hold a skull bowl, a skull staff, a small drum, and a knife.

Note: Gajā is Gajinī in Jayasena’s Ratnapadmarāganidhi (D 1516, 30 r 4)

Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): (Tibetan Buddhism)

Gaja (गज) refers to “elephants”, according to verse 14.24bd-27 of the Laghuśaṃvara, an ancient Buddhist Yoginī Tantra.—Accordingly, [while describing the Siddhi of speech]: “The Sādhaka [who has] the Siddhi of speech can certainly attract a king or queen by [merely] thinking [it]. He quickly controls gods, demons and men. When angry, he can kill with his speech and drive away his adversary. The practitioner can thus effect a curse with his speech. And he can stop a river, a cart, a machine [like a water-wheel,] the ocean, elephants (gaja) and horses, clouds, a man or bird merely by means of his speech. He achieves everything which he desires by his speech”.

Tibetan Buddhism book cover
context information

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.

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In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Source: Google Books: Jainism: An Indian Religion of Salvation

Gaja (गज, “elephant”).—One of the fourteen gems (ratna) serving the Cakravartin;—The gaja is an elephant of unsurpassable power.

Source: archive.org: Een Kritische Studie Van Svayambhūdeva’s Paümacariu

Gaja (गज) participated in the war between Rāma and Rāvaṇa, on the side of the latter, as mentioned in Svayambhūdeva’s Paumacariu (Padmacarita, Paumacariya or Rāmāyaṇapurāṇa) chapter 57ff. Svayambhū or Svayambhūdeva (8th or 9th century) was a Jain householder who probably lived in Karnataka. His work recounts the popular Rāma story as known from the older work Rāmāyaṇa (written by Vālmīki). Various chapters [mentioning Gaja] are dedicated to the humongous battle whose armies (known as akṣauhiṇīs) consisted of millions of soldiers, horses and elephants, etc.

Source: archive.org: Trisastisalakapurusacaritra

Gaja (गज) refers to one of the warriors fighting in Rāma’s army, according to the Jain Ramayana and chapter 7.7 [The killing of Rāvaṇa] of Hemacandra’s 11th century Triṣaṣṭiśalākāpuruṣacaritra: an ancient Sanskrit epic poem narrating the history and legends of sixty-three illustrious persons in Jainism.—Accordingly, “[...] When the battle had been going on for a long time, the army of the Rākṣasas was broken by the Vānaras like a forest by winds. [...] Then Sugrīva and the others made seven walls with four gates around the two Rāghavas by means of a vidyā. [...] Bhāmaṇḍala, Virādha, Gaja, Bhuvanajit, Nala, Mainda, and Bibhīṣaṇa stood in the south successively.  [...]. Making the two Kākutsthas in the center in this way, Sugrīva and the others, powerful, were devoted to watching, intent as yogis. [...].”.

General definition book cover
context information

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.

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India history and geography

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Indian Epigraphical Glossary

Gaja.—(IE 7-1-2), ‘eight’. Note: gaja is defined in the “Indian epigraphical glossary” as it can be found on ancient inscriptions commonly written in Sanskrit, Prakrit or Dravidian languages.

India history book cover
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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.

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Languages of India and abroad

Pali-English dictionary

Source: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionary

gaja : (m.) an elephant.

Source: Sutta: The Pali Text Society's Pali-English Dictionary

Gaja, (Sk. gaja) an elephant J.IV, 494; Miln.2, 346; DhsA.295 (applied to a kind of thought).

Pali book cover
context information

Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravāda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.

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Marathi-English dictionary

Source: DDSA: The Molesworth Marathi and English Dictionary

gaja (गज).—m (S) An elephant. gajamastakārūḍha Mounted upon the head of an elephant, i. e. exceedingly haughty or proud. gaja- skandhīṃ basaṇēṃ (To sit upon the shoulder of an elephant. ) To forget, in newly acquired dignities, one's former acquaintance; to be puffed up.

--- OR ---

gaja (गज).—m ( P) A measure of length, a measure of about 2 feet or 24 tasū. 2 A measuring rod of this length. 3 A quantity (of cloth &c.) measured by one gaja. 4 A ramrod. 5 A bar as fixed in a grate, window, railing. 6 The border or raised edge of a well or tank.

--- OR ---

gajā (गजा).—m (Gaja.) A narrow piece of cloth worn round the waist in the way of a dhotar.

Source: DDSA: The Aryabhusan school dictionary, Marathi-English

gaja (गज).—m An elephant. A measure of tasū. A measuring rod of this length. A quantity (of cloth &c.) measured by one gaja. A bar as fixed in a grate, window, railing.

context information

Marathi is an Indo-European language having over 70 million native speakers people in (predominantly) Maharashtra India. Marathi, like many other Indo-Aryan languages, evolved from early forms of Prakrit, which itself is a subset of Sanskrit, one of the most ancient languages of the world.

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Sanskrit dictionary

Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionary

Gaja (गज).—[gaj-made ac]

1) An elephant; कचाचितौ विश्वगिवागजौ गजौ (kacācitau viśvagivāgajau gajau) Kirātārjunīya 1.36.

2) The number 'eight'.

3) A measure of length, a Gaja or yard, (thus defined :-- sādhāraṇanarāṅgulyā triṃśadaṅgulako gajaḥ).

4) A demon killed by Śiva.

5) One of the eight elephants of the quarters.

-jī A female elephant; वितृषोऽपि पिबन्त्यम्भः पाययन्तो गजा गजीः (vitṛṣo'pi pibantyambhaḥ pāyayanto gajā gajīḥ) Bhāgavata 4.6.26.

Derivable forms: gajaḥ (गजः).

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Gaja (गज).—m.

(-jaḥ) 1. An elephant. 2. A measure of length, the Gaz, a yard, a measure of two cubits. 3. A mound of earth sloping on both sides, on which a house may be creatad. 4. A small hole in the ground for a fire, over which to prepare medicines. E. gaj to sound, to roar, affix ac.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Benfey Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Gaja (गज).—for original garj + a, I. m. An elephant, [Mānavadharmaśāstra] 8, 296. Ii. f. , A female elephant, [Bhāgavata-Purāṇa, (ed. Burnouf.)] 4, 6, 26.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Cappeller Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Gaja (गज).—[masculine] elephant ([feminine] ī); a man’s name.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary

1) Gaja (गज):—[from gaj] m. an elephant, [ṢaḍvBr. v, 3; Manu-smṛti] etc. (ifc. f(ā). , [Rāmāyaṇa ii, 57, 7])

2) [v.s. ...] (= dig-g) one of the 8 elephants of the regions, [Horace H. Wilson]

3) [v.s. ...] (hence) the number ‘eight’ [Sūryasiddhānta]

4) [v.s. ...] a measure of length (commonly Gaz, equal to two cubits = 1 3/4 Or 2 Hastas), [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]

5) [v.s. ...] a mound of earth (sloping on both sides) on which a house may be erected, [Jyotiṣa]

6) [v.s. ...] = -puṭa q.v.

7) [v.s. ...] (in music) a kind of measure

8) [v.s. ...] Name of a man, [Mahābhārata vi, 3997]

9) [v.s. ...] of an Asura (conquered by Śiva), [Kāśī khaṇḍa, from the skanda-purāṇa lxviii]

10) [v.s. ...] of an attendant on the sun, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]

11) Gajā (गजा):—[from gaja > gaj] f. = -vīthi, [Varāha-mihira’s Bṛhat-saṃhitā ix, 1 ff. [Scholiast or Commentator]]

12) Gāja (गाज):—n. a multitude of elephants, [Gaṇaratna-mahodadhi 83 [Scholiast or Commentator]]

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Yates Sanskrit-English Dictionary

1) Gaja (गज):—gajati 1. a. To be drunk. (ka) gajayati 10. a. (i) gañjati to sound.

2) (jaḥ) 1. m. An elephant; a yard measure; mound of earth to build a house on; hole in the ground.

Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary (S)

Gaja (गज) in the Sanskrit language is related to the Prakrit word: Gaya.

[Sanskrit to German]

Gaja in German

context information

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.

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Hindi dictionary

Source: DDSA: A practical Hindi-English dictionary

1) Gaja (गज) [Also spelled gaj]:—(nm) an elephant; ~[gati] a graceful carefree gait (like that of an elephant); ~[gāminī] (a woman) blessed with a graceful carefree gait (like that of an elephant); -[nimīlikā] looking through one’s fingers, connivance; feigned ignorance; ~[snāna] unavailing activity.

2) Gaja (गज) [Also spelled gaj]:—(nm) a yard; yardstick.

3) Gāja (गाज) [Also spelled gaj]:—(nf) a thunder-bolt, lightning; —[giranā/paḍanā] to be thunderstruck, to be afflicted by a calamity.

context information

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Kannada-English dictionary

Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpus

Gaja (ಗಜ):—

1) [noun] either of Elephas maximus or Loxodonta africana of the Proboscidea order, huge, thick-skinned, largest of extant four-footed animals, almost hairless mammal, with a long flexible trunk and, usu. two ivory tusks growing out of the upper jaw, which is commonly domesticated; an elephant.

2) [noun] (in comp.) anything that is huge, large.

3) [noun] a unit of linear measure equal to 3 feet or 36 inches (0.9144 meter); a yard.

4) [noun] a unit of measure of writing paper; a double foolscap size.

5) [noun] a piece of an iron rod.

6) [noun] a small hollow bamboo piece used to shoot with the seeds of certain plants, used as a toy.

7) [noun] the symbol of the number eight.

8) [noun] a kind oflliteration, in which the alliterative consonant is not a compound and has a long preceding vowel.

context information

Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.

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