Goshthikatha, Goṣṭhīkathā, Goshthi-katha: 1 definition

Introduction:

Goshthikatha means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. 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.

The Sanskrit term Goṣṭhīkathā can be transliterated into English as Gosthikatha or Goshthikatha, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Ayurveda (science of life)

[«previous next»] — Goshthikatha in Ayurveda glossary
Source: archive.org: Vagbhata’s Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita (first 5 chapters)

Goṣṭhīkathā (गोष्ठीकथा) refers to “sexual activities”, as mentioned in verse 3.25 of the Aṣṭāṅgahṛdayasaṃhitā (Sūtrasthāna) by Vāgbhaṭa.—Accordingly, “[...] In groves cooled by southerly winds, discharging water on all sides, [...] displaying motley-blossomed trees, (and) emitting a fragrant smell: (there) one shall happily pass the noonday in capricious conversation (held) in (pleasant) company [viz., goṣṭhīkathā]. [...]”.

Note: On goṣṭhīkathā the commentators are at variance among themselves: Aruṇadatta understands it as “conversation (accompanied) with amusement”—(goṣṭhyām krīḍāyāṃ kathāḥ); Candranandana as “entertainment with song, tabor, etc.”—(goṣṭhyo gāndharvamṛdaṅgādibhiḥ) and “conversation on poetry” (kāvyakathāḥ); Hemādri as “talk on wordly matters” (lokavārttāḥ) and “talk on religious [scientific] works” (śāstravārttāḥ); and Indu as “conversation held in the company of witty people”—(vidaghdhānām āsanabandho goṣṭhī tasyāṃ kṛtāḥ kathāḥ). The Tibetan comes closest to this last interpretation, translating dga-’dun gtam (“conversation held in pleasant company”).

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.

Discover the meaning of goshthikatha or gosthikatha in the context of Ayurveda from relevant books on Exotic India

See also (Relevant definitions)

Relevant text

Let's grow together!

I humbly request your help to keep doing what I do best: provide the world with unbiased sources, definitions and images. Your donation direclty influences the quality and quantity of knowledge, wisdom and spiritual insight the world is exposed to.

Let's make the world a better place together!

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: