Haridra, Hāridra, Haridrā: 33 definitions
Introduction:
Haridra means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Marathi, Hindi, 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.
In Hinduism
Ayurveda (science of life)
Cikitsa (natural therapy and treatment for medical conditions)
Source: Wisdom Library: Ayurveda: CikitsaHaridrā (हरेणु, “yellow”) is a Sanskrit word translating to “turmeric”, a herb from the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family of flowering plants, and is used throughout Ayurvedic literature such as the Caraka-saṃhitā. It can also refer to the powder made from the root. It is also known by the name Varavarṇinī in Sanskrit, and as Haldī in Hindi. The official botanical name is Curcuma longa.
This plant (Haridrā) is also mentioned as a medicine used for the treatment of all major fevers, as described in the Jvaracikitsā (or “the treatment of fever”) which forms the first chapter of the Sanskrit work called Mādhavacikitsā. In this work, the plant is also known as Rajanī or Niśā.
Dietetics and Culinary Art (such as household cooking)
Source: Shodhganga: Dietetics and culinary art in ancient and medieval India1) Haridrā (हरिद्रा) refers to a type of spices according to Atharvaveda VI. 109, and is commonly found in literature dealing with the topics of dietetics and culinary art, also known as Pākaśāstra or Pākakalā.—Spices referred to in Vedic literature are haridrā and pippalī. Dharmasūtra literature mentions other spices such as marica and hiṅgu.
2) Haridrā (हरिद्रा) refers to the “yellow mushroom”, according to the 17th century Bhojanakutūhala (dravyaguṇāguṇa-kathana).—The dravyaguṇāguṇa section contains the discussions on different food articles and their dietetic effects according to the prominent Ayurvedic treatises. The Hāridra (yellow mushroom) foodstuff is mutually incompatible (viruddhāhāra) with Kṣaireya (pāyasa).
Rasashastra (Alchemy and Herbo-Mineral preparations)
Source: Ancient Science of Life: A Metallurgical Study of Nāga BhasmaHaridrā (हरिद्रा) refers to the medicinal plant known as Curcuma Longa Linn. and is used is in the metallurgical process for creating nāgabhasma, (Śodhana step):—Raw nāga (crude Lead-600 g) was subjected to śodhana by melting and pouring into a container of cūrṇodaka (lime water, strength 4.3 g/l) seven times. This śodhita-nāga (590 g) was again subjected to viśeṣa-śodhana (unique purification process specific to the metal) by following the above procedure and pouring into a mixture (decoction strength 250 g/l) of Nirguṇḍī (Vitex Negundo Linn.) svarasa and Haridrā (Curcuma Longa Linn.) cūrṇa for seven times. [...]
Kalpa (Formulas, Drug prescriptions and other Medicinal preparations)
Source: Shodhganga: Edition translation and critical study of yogasarasamgrahaHaridrā (हरिद्रा) refers to the medicinal plant known as “Curcuma longa Linn.” and is dealt with in the 15th-century Yogasārasaṅgraha (Yogasara-saṅgraha) by Vāsudeva: an unpublished Keralite work representing an Ayurvedic compendium of medicinal recipes. The Yogasārasaṃgraha [mentioning haridrā] 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).
Veterinary Medicine (The study and treatment of Animals)
Source: Asian Agri-History: Paśu Āyurvēda (Veterinary Medicine) in GaruḍapurāṇaHaridrā (हरिद्रा) refers to “turmeric” and is used in the Viśodhana (“washing off the wound’s impurities”) of wounds (vraṇa), according to Āyurveda sections in the Garuḍapurāṇa.—[...] After Viśodhana (wash off the ulcer's/wound's impurities by medicated decoction), the following formulations can be used for śodhana (purification) and ropaṇa (healing) externally:—[... e.g.,] The eraṇḍa-mūla (Castor root), two types of haridrā (Turmeric), Citraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Viśvabheṣaja (Zingiber officinale), Rasona (Allium sativum) and saindhava (rock salt) are ground well with takra (butter milk) or kāñjī (sour gruel). [...]
Toxicology (Study and Treatment of poison)
Source: Shodhganga: Kasyapa Samhita—Text on Visha ChikitsaHaridrā (हरिद्रा) refers to an herbal ingredient included in a Recipe which will bring a dead person to life, according to the Kāśyapa Saṃhitā: an ancient Sanskrit text from the Pāñcarātra tradition dealing with both Tantra and Viṣacikitsā—an important topic from Āyurveda which deals with the study of Toxicology (Viṣavidyā or Sarpavidyā).—Kāśyapa prescribes various antidotes to quell the poison by administering them through nasal drugs, collyrium, ointment, herbal drinks and diet. One antidote he suggests doubles up as a nasal application and collyrium—[including for example, haridrā] [...], made with urine (bovine) which will bring to life, a dead person.
Unclassified Ayurveda definitions
Source: PMC: Ayurvedic management of postlumbar myelomeningocele surgeryHaridrā (Curcuma longa): In Caraka Samhitā, Haridrā has been classified as curative of skin diseases (Kuṣṭhaghna), anti-obesity and scarifying (Lekhanīya), antidote to poisoning (Viśaghna) and has been recommended for the treatment of jaundice, cough, coryza, senility and impaired vision.
Source: Ancient Science of Life: Snake bite treatment in Prayoga samuccayamHaridrā (हरिद्रा) refers to a medicinal plant known as Curcuma longa, and is used in the treatment of poison (viṣa), according to in the 20th century Prayogasamuccaya (one of the most popular and widely practised book in toxicology in Malayalam).—The author has given a detailed description of types of [snake-] bite mark and the corresponding causes and prognosis. [...] Eight different confirmatory tests for impending death are described. One of them is as follows: Juice of Haridrā (Curcuma longa) and oil should be equally given orally. If it remains in stomach, he will live but if the mixture goes through the GI tract and is seen in the anal region, death can be assured.
Source: Namah Journal: An overview of certain Āyurvedic herbs in the management of viral hepatitisHaridrā (हरिद्रा) refers to the medicinal plant known as Curcuma longa, Linn., and is employed in the treatment of Kāmala.—Among the single and compound preparations described in Āyurveda for the treatment of kāmala, some of the drugs have been found to be effective. A scientific study of the drugs [viz., Haridrā] was carried out and significant response observed.
Source: gurumukhi.ru: Ayurveda glossary of termsHāridra (हारिद्र):—[hāridraṃ] Yellow like Turmeric

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.
Kavya (poetry)
Source: archive.org: Naisadhacarita of SriharsaHāridra (हारिद्र) refers to “gold” or “turmeric”, and is mentioned in the Naiṣadha-carita 6.45; 7.13.—(“hāridrabhaṅgāya; hāridranibhaprabhā”).—Nārāyaṇa and Vidyā (on 6.45) explain Hāridra as “gold”. Otherwise it is to be derived from Haridrā (“turmeric”).

Kavya (काव्य, kavya) refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.
Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology)
Source: Wisdom Library: Brihat Samhita by VarahamihiraHaridra (हरिद्र) refers to the color “yellow”, 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 there should be both lunar and solar eclipses in one month, princes will suffer both from dissensions among their own army and from wars. [...] If the eclipsed disc should appear yellow resembling the topaz in colour, the Vaiśyas will perish and there will be prosperity in the land. If the disc should appear to be burning, there will be fear from fire; if it should resemble gold ore, there will be wars in the land. If the disc should appear black resembling the colour of the stem of dūrvā grass (Agrostis linearis) or yellow [i.e., haridra], there will be much death in the land. If of the colour of the flower pāṭali (Bignonia Suaveolenis) ‘trumpet flower’ there will be fear from lightning”.

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.
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English TranslationHaridra (हरिद्र) refers to “powdered turmeric” (used for besmearing the moustache), according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.3.36 (“The statements of the seven sages”).—Accordingly, after the Seven Sages spoke to Himavat (Himācala): “[...] The great chaste lady Arundhatī tempted Menā further with Śiva’s good qualities. According to the worldly convention they smeared the moustache of the mountain with powdered turmeric (haridra) and saffron as an auspicious custom. After fixing the auspicious Lagna for the marriage and congratulating and complimenting one another the sages came to Śiva’s abode on the fourth day. After reaching the place, Vasiṣṭha and other sages bowed to Śiva and eulogised Him with different hymns. They then spoke to lord Śiva”.

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.
Vastushastra (architecture)
Source: Shodhganga: Elements of Art and Architecture in the Trtiyakhanda of the Visnudharmottarapurana (vastu)Haridrā (हरिद्रा) is classified as a “tree beneficial for the construction of temples”, according to the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, an ancient Sanskrit text which (being encyclopedic in nature) deals with a variety of cultural topics such as arts, architecture, music, grammar and astronomy.—The eco-friendly suggestions of Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa are seen to protect the greenery and to balance a pollution free environment. [...] The architect is suggested to go to the forest to collect appropriate wood (e.g., from the Haridrā tree) for temples in an auspicious day after taking advice from an astrologer. [...] According to the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, the woods of some particular trees remain beneficial for the construction of temples. At the time of cutting the trees [e.g., Haridrā] one should clean the axe by smearing honey and ghee. After collecting the suitable wood from forest, the architect uses it according to his requirements and purposes.

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.
Sports, Arts and Entertainment (wordly enjoyments)
Source: archive.org: Syainika Sastra of Rudradeva with English Translation (art)Haridrā (हरिद्रा) refers to “turmeric” (used in the treatment of Hawks), 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, [while discussing the treatment of hawks]: “[...] If the disease is caused by hurt, meat is to be given with gum-myrrh, even though there is pain in the limbs. The body is to be besmeared with turmeric (haridrā) and it should be sprinkled over with stale water. [...]”.

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.
General definition (in Hinduism)
Source: Wisdom Library: HinduismHaridrā is a herb used in Ayurveda medicine commonly known as Curcuma longa.
Source: JQ's Likhita Japa Journal: HinduismHaridra in Sanskrit this means “the one who is golden colored”. This is one of the 108 names of Lord Ganesha.
Source: Soma Matha Spiritual Center: HaridrāHaridra is one of the most popular Ayurvedic herbs. It is used throughout the world in culinary preparations. It gives many curries and even prepared mustard its distinctive yellow color. It may be used as a substitute for saffron in the 12 herb elixir. Haridra means yellow. Haridra is also called haldi (meaning yellow) and gauri (which is a name for Parvati the Shakti of Lord Shiva).
Source: Soma Matha: Haridrā (Turmeric)Haridra is one of the most popular Ayurvedic herbs. It is used throughout the world in culinary preparations. It gives many curries and even prepared mustard its distinctive yellow color. It may be used as a substitute for saffron in the 12 herb elixir. Haridra means yellow. Haridra is also called haldi (meaning yellow) and gauri (which is a name for Parvati the Shakti of Lord Shiva).
Biology (plants and animals)
Source: Wisdom Library: Local Names of Plants and DrugsHaridra [ಹರಿದ್ರ] in the Kannada language is the name of a plant identified with Curcuma longa L. from the Zingiberaceae (Ginger) family having the following synonyms: Curcuma domestica, Curcuma brog, Curcuma ochrorhiza. For the possible medicinal usage of haridra, you can check this page for potential sources and references, although be aware that any some or none of the side-effects may not be mentioned here, wether they be harmful or beneficial to health.
Haridra in the Sanskrit language, ibid. previous identification.
Haridra in the Telugu language, ibid. previous identification.
Source: Google Books: CRC World Dictionary (Regional names)Haridra in India is the name of a plant defined with Berberis asiatica in various botanical sources. This page contains potential references in Ayurveda, modern medicine, and other folk traditions or local practices It has the synonym Berberis asiatica Griff. (among others).
Example references for further research on medicinal uses or toxicity (see latin names for full list):
· Icon. Pl. Ind. Orient. (1840)
· Journal of Cytology and Genetics (1984)
· Taxon (1975)
· Systema Naturae (1821)
· Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2010)
If you are looking for specific details regarding Haridra, for example pregnancy safety, side effects, health benefits, diet and recipes, extract dosage, chemical composition, have a look at these references.

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.
Languages of India and abroad
Marathi-English dictionary
Source: DDSA: The Molesworth Marathi and English Dictionaryharidra (हरिद्र).—n (Corr. from hārda S) Meaning, mind, mental intention.
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haridrā (हरिद्रा).—f (S) Turmeric,--the plant or the root, Curcuma longa.
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hāridra (हारिद्र).—a S Belonging or relating to turmeric.
Source: DDSA: The Aryabhusan school dictionary, Marathi-Englishharidra (हरिद्र).—n Meaning, mental intention.
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haridrā (हरिद्रा).—f Turmeric-the plant or the root.
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.
Sanskrit dictionary
Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionaryHaridra (हरिद्र).—The yellow sandal tree.
Derivable forms: haridraḥ (हरिद्रः).
See also (synonyms): haridraka.
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Haridrā (हरिद्रा).—[hariṃ pītavarṇaṃ dravati dru-gatau-ḍa]
1) Turmeric.
2) The root of turmeric powdered; see Malli. on N.22.49.
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Hāridra (हारिद्र).—
1) A yellow colour; हारिद्रवर्णं सुसुखं च शुक्लम् (hāridravarṇaṃ susukhaṃ ca śuklam) Mahābhārata (Bombay) 12.28.33.
2) The Kadamba tree.
3) A kind of vegetable poison.
4) A kind of fever.
-dram Gold; तथापि नालोकि तदस्य रूपं हारिद्रभङ्गाय वितीर्णभङ्गम् (tathāpi nāloki tadasya rūpaṃ hāridrabhaṅgāya vitīrṇabhaṅgam) N.6.45;7. 13. -a. yellow, yellow-coloured.
Derivable forms: hāridraḥ (हारिद्रः).
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English DictionaryHaridrā (हरिद्रा).—f.
(-drā) Turmeric, (either the plant or the powdered root) E. harit green, dru to flow or ooze, aff. ḍa; or hari Vishnu, &c., dṛ to be regarded, aff. ka.
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Hāridra (हारिद्र).—mfn.
(-draḥ-drā-draṃ) 1. Stained, dyed or coloured with turmeric. 2. Yellow. m.
(-draḥ) 1. The Kadamba tree, (Nauclea Kadamba.) 2. Yellow, (the colour.) E. haridrā turmerie, and aṇ or añ aff.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Benfey Sanskrit-English DictionaryHaridrā (हरिद्रा).—f. Turmeric, Sch. ad [Vikramorvaśī, (ed. Bollensen.)] [distich] 53; Mahābhārata 3, 12880; [Rājataraṅgiṇī] 5, 381.
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Hāridra (हारिद्र).—i. e. haridrā + a, I. adj. 1. Stained with turmeric. 2. Yellow. Ii. m. 1. Yellow, the colour. 2. The Kadamba tree.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Cappeller Sanskrit-English DictionaryHaridra (हरिद्र).—[masculine] the yellow sandal tree; [feminine] ā turmeric, [Name] of a river.
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Hāridra (हारिद्र).—[adjective] dyed with turmeric, yellow.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary1) Haridra (हरिद्र):—[from hari] m. the yellow sandal tree, [Varāha-mihira’s Bṛhat-saṃhitā]
2) [v.s. ...] Name of a deity, [Colebrooke]
3) Haridrā (हरिद्रा):—[from haridra > hari] a f. See below.
4) [from hari] b f. Curcuma Longa, turmeric or its root ground to powder (46 synonyms of this plant are given), [Kauśika-sūtra; Mahābhārata; Suśruta] etc.
5) [v.s. ...] Name of a river, [Colebrooke]
6) Hāridra (हारिद्र):—[from hari] mfn. ([from] haridrā) coloured with turmeric, yellow, [Śatapatha-brāhmaṇa] etc. etc.
7) [v.s. ...] m. a yellow colour, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
8) [v.s. ...] the Kadamba tree, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
9) [v.s. ...] a kind of vegetable poison, [Bhāvaprakāśa]
10) [v.s. ...] a kind of fever (also of animals), [ib.]
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Yates Sanskrit-English Dictionary1) Haridrā (हरिद्रा):—(drā) 1. f. Turmeric.
2) Hāridra (हारिद्र):—[(draḥ-drā-draṃ) a.] Yellow. m. The Kadamba tree.
Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary (S)Haridra (हरिद्र) in the Sanskrit language is related to the Prakrit words: Hasidda, Haliddā, Haladdī, Hālidda.
[Sanskrit to German]
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.
Hindi dictionary
Source: DDSA: A practical Hindi-English dictionaryHaridrā (हरिद्रा):—(nf) turmeric, curcuma.
...
Kannada-English dictionary
Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpusHaridra (ಹರಿದ್ರ):—
1) [noun] the colour of gold; yellow colour.
2) [noun] the turmeric powder.
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)
Starts with (+11): Haridra-ganapati, Haridrabha, Haridracchadana, Haridracurnadharanamahatmya, Haridradana, Haridradi, Haridradvaya, Haridraganapatikalpa, Haridraganapatiprakarana, Haridraganesha, Haridraganeshamahatmya, Haridrakah, Haridrakshe, Haridrakta, Haridralepana, Haridram, Haridrameha, Haridramehin, Haridranadiprashamsa, Haridranga.
Full-text (+105): Daruharidra, Haridraraga, Haridrabha, Haridranga, Amlaharidra, Haridrameha, Karpuraharidra, Haridratva, Haridra-ganapati, Haridraganesha, Haridramehin, Vanaharidra, Haridradana, Amragandhiharidra, Haridradi, Haridraragaka, Haridradvaya, Haridrakta, Haridraka, Halidda.
Relevant text
Search found 65 books and stories containing Haridra, Hāridra, Haridrā; (plurals include: Haridras, Hāridras, Haridrās). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Jivanandana of Anandaraya Makhin (Study) (by G. D. Jayalakshmi)
Sannipātas (fevers due to Vāta, Pitta and Kapha) < [Chapter 4 - Āyurvedic principles in Jīvanandana Nāṭaka]
Garuda Purana (by Manmatha Nath Dutt)
Chapter CCIX - Various other Recipes < [Dhanvantari Samhita]
Chapter CCXIII - Other Medicinal Recipes (continued) < [Dhanvantari Samhita]
Chapter CCVI - Various other medicinal Recipes (continued) < [Dhanvantari Samhita]
Atharvaveda and Charaka Samhita (by Laxmi Maji)
Pāṇḍuroga (anemia) according to Caraka < [Chapter 4 - Diseases and Remedial measures (described in Caraka-saṃhitā)]
Treatment to neutralize Poison < [Chapter 3 - Diseases and Remedial measures (described in Atharvaveda)]
Classification of Drugs in the Caraka-Saṃhitā < [Chapter 4 - Diseases and Remedial measures (described in Caraka-saṃhitā)]
Vrikshayurveda (and environmental philosophy) (by Beenapani Mishra)
2. Religious Importance of Auspicious and Inauspicious Plants < [Chapter 5 - Religious Significance of Plantation and Rearing of Trees]
3. Philosophy behind the planting of Trees near the Abode < [Chapter 7 - Environmental Philosophy]
3. Vrksayurveda texts found in Brihatsamhita by Varahamihira < [Chapter 3 - Texts on Vrikshayurveda]
Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra (by Kaviraj Kunja Lal Bhishagratna)
Chapter XLIV - Symptoms and Treatment of Jaundice (Pandu-roga) < [Canto III - Kaya-chikitsa-tantra (internal medicine)]
Chapter XIX - Treatment of hurt or injnry to the eye < [Canto I - Shalakya-tantra (ears, eyes, nose, mouth and throat)]
Chapter LVI - Symptoms and Treatment of Cholera (Visuchika) < [Canto III - Kaya-chikitsa-tantra (internal medicine)]
Formal Education System in Ancient India (by Sushmita Nath)
Ceremonies associated with Upanayana (initiation) < [Chapter 2 - Rituals of the Education System]
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