Karanja, Karamja, Karañja, Kārañjā: 24 definitions
Introduction:
Karanja means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, the history of ancient India, Jainism, Prakrit, 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)
Kalpa (Formulas, Drug prescriptions and other Medicinal preparations)
Source: Shodhganga: Edition translation and critical study of yogasarasamgrahaKarañja (करञ्ज) refers to the medicinal plant known as “Pongamia pinnata (Linn.) Merr.” and is dealt with in the 15th-century Yogasārasaṅgraha (Yogasara-saṅgraha) by Vāsudeva: an unpublished Keralite work representing an Ayurvedic compendium of medicinal recipes.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 karañja] 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).
Toxicology (Study and Treatment of poison)
Source: Shodhganga: Kasyapa Samhita—Text on Visha ChikitsaKarañja (करञ्ज) refers to a herbal ingredient which is included in a (snake) poison antidote recipe, 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).—In the Añjana or Collyrium segment of the eighth Adhyāya, Kāśyapa prescribes eight types of permutation and combination of herbs that effectively arrest poison. According to Kāśyapasaṃhitā (verse VIII.33)—“Juice of Tulasi (Basil) filtered in a cloth and mixed with sap of Karañja (karañja-asthi), Kaṭutraya or long pepper, pepper and ginger, two types of Niśā serves as an ointment”.
Unclassified Ayurveda definitions
Source: Wisdom Library: Āyurveda and botanyKarañja (करञ्ज):—A Sanskrit word referring to the “Indian beech” tree and is used throughout Ayurvedic literature such as the Caraka-saṃhitā. Its official botanical name is Millettia pinnata (or, Pongamia pinnata) and is commonly known in English as “Indian beech” and “Pongam oiltree”. It typically grows throughout Asia and prefers tropical or subtropical climates.
Source: Ancient Science of Life: Snake bite treatment in Prayoga samuccayamKarañja (करञ्ज) refers to the medicinal plant known as Pongamia pinnata, the bark of which is employed in the treatment of maṇḍaliviṣa (viperine snake-bite poison), according to the 20th century Prayogasamuccaya (one of the most popular and widely practised book in toxicology in Malayalam).—The third chapter covers maṇḍali (viperine) snake treatment. [...] Management of complications in maṇḍali-viṣa also has been explained. [...] In yellowish urine, bark of Karañja (Pongamia pinnata) should be given in hot water.
Karañja (juice) is used in the treatment of scorpion poisoning (vṛścikaviṣa), according to chapter seven.

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.
Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)
Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram1) Karañja (करञ्ज) is the name of the tree associated with Jālandhara, one of the sacred seats (pīṭha), according to chapter 10 of the according to the Kularatnoddyota, one of the earliest Kubjikā Tantras.—If the scheme in the Yogakhaṇḍa is not the first example of this model, the other most likely candidate is found in chapter ten of the Kularatnoddyota, which is an early Tantra of the Kubjikā corpus. [...] In this set-up each of the four sacred seats corresponds to a cosmic age and has a tree [i.e., Karañja], creeper, cave, monastery (maṭha), goddess, Siddha, and guardian of the field. The layout can be tabulated as follows.
2) Kārañja (कारञ्ज) is the name of the Tree (vṛkṣa) associated with the sacred seat of Pūrṇagiri (pūrṇapīṭha), according to the Manthānabhairavatantra, a vast sprawling work that belongs to a corpus of Tantric texts concerned with the worship of the goddess Kubjikā.—Accordingly:—“Pūrṇapīṭha is called Sound. Endowed with all the energies, it is yellow and on the path on the left. (The Mother there is) Pūrṇāmbā and is the Mantrapīṭha. The three worlds bow to the famed Caryānātha (who resides here). The tree, (well) known on the surface of the earth, is called Kārañja. [...]”.
3) Karañja (ताल) refers to one of the thirty-six sacred trees, according to the Ṣaṭsāhasrasaṃhitā, an expansion of the Kubjikāmatatantra: the earliest popular and most authoritative Tantra of the Kubjikā cult.—Accordingly, “According to the Kula teaching (these) [i.e., Karañja] are the most excellent Kula trees that give accomplishments and liberation. (They are full of) Yoginīs, Siddhas, Lords of the Heroes and hosts of gods and demons. [...]”.

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.
Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)
Source: Astrologia Védica: Kularnava Tantra em portuguêsKarañja (करञ्ज) (identified with Pongamia glabra) refers to one of the nine kulavṛkṣas (Kula trees ) in which the Kula Yoginīs reside, according to the Kulārṇava-tantra verse 11.66-68.— Accordingly, “Kula Yoginīs always live in kulavṛkṣas (Kula trees). Therefore, one should not eat on the leaves of such trees [i.e., Karañja—Pongamia glabra] and they should be especially worshiped. One should neither sleep under the Kula Vṛkṣas nor create any disturbance under them. Otherwise, seeing or hearing about such trees, one should greet them with devotion and never cut them down. [...]”.

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.
In Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: VajrayoginiKarañja (करञ्ज) is the name of the tree (vṛkṣa), identified with Pongamia glabra, and associated with Lakṣmīvana: the south-eastern cremation ground (śmaśāna) according to the Vajravārāhī-sādhana by Umāpatideva as found in te 12th century Guhyasamayasādhanamālā. As a part of this sādhana, the practicioner is to visualize a suitable dwelling place for the goddess inside the circle of protection which takes the form of eight cremation grounds.
These trees (e.g., Karañja) that are associated with the cremation grounds are often equated with the eight bodhi-trees of the Buddhas (the current buddha plus the seven previous one). According to the Śmaśānavidhi each tree has a secondary tree (upavṛkṣa) that is depicted as lovely and covered in vaṅga flowers and fruit. In each tree lives a naked rākṣasa who is wrathful in form, who eats human flesh and who has the animal face or the mount of the dikpati in his cremation ground.
Source: academia.edu: The Structure and Meanings of the Heruka MaṇḍalaKarañja (करञ्ज) refers to one of the eight trees (vṛkṣa) of the Guṇacakra, according to the 10th century Ḍākārṇava chapter 15. Accordingly, the guṇacakra refers to one of the four divisions of the sahaja-puṭa (‘innate layer’), situated within the padma (lotus) in the middle of the Herukamaṇḍala. Karañja is associated with the charnel grounds (śmaśāna) named Lakṣmīvana; with the direction-guardian (dikpāla) named Agni; with the serpent king (nāgendra) named Huluhulu and with the cloud king (meghendra) named Pūraṇa.

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.
India history and geography
Source: What is India: Inscriptions of the VākāṭakasKārañjā (कारञ्जा), about 6 miles from Āmgaon, a railway station on the Calcutta-Nagpur line of the South-Eastern Railway, is probably the ancient Karañjaviraka.

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: Wisdom Library: Local Names of Plants and DrugsKaranja [করঞ্জ] in the Bengali language is the name of a plant identified with Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre from the Fabaceae (pea) family having the following synonyms: Millettia pinnata, Pongamia glabra, Derris indica, Cytisus pinnatus. For the possible medicinal usage of karanja, 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.
Karanja [કરંજ] in the Gujarati language, ibid. previous identification.
Karanja [ಕರಂಜ] in the Kannada language, ibid. previous identification.
Karanja [କରଞ୍ଜ] in the Odia language, ibid. previous identification.
Karanja [करञ्ज] in the Pali language, ibid. previous identification.
Karanja [करञ्ज] in the Sanskrit language, ibid. previous identification.
Source: Google Books: CRC World Dictionary (Regional names)1) Karanja in India is the name of a plant defined with Caesalpinia crista in various botanical sources. This page contains potential references in Ayurveda, modern medicine, and other folk traditions or local practices It has the synonym Guilandina bonducella L. (among others).
2) Karanja is also identified with Dalbergia lanceolaria It has the synonym Amerimnon lanceolarium (L.f.) Kuntze (etc.).
3) Karanja is also identified with Holoptelea integrifolia It has the synonym Ulmus integrifolia Roxb. (etc.).
4) Karanja is also identified with Pongamia pinnata It has the synonym Cajum pinnatum Kuntze (etc.).
Example references for further research on medicinal uses or toxicity (see latin names for full list):
· Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2001)
· Species Plantarum, ed. 4 (1802)
· Botanical Magazine (1990)
· Encyclopédie Méthodique, Botanique (1788)
· Revisio Generum Plantarum (1891)
· Flora de Filipinas (1837)
If you are looking for specific details regarding Karanja, for example pregnancy safety, side effects, diet and recipes, chemical composition, extract dosage, health benefits, 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
Pali-English dictionary
Source: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionarykarañja : (m.) the tree Pongamiya glabra.
Source: Sutta: The Pali Text Society's Pali-English DictionaryKarañja, (cp. Sk. karañja, accord. to Aufrecht, Halāyudha p. 176 the Dalbergia arborea) the tree Pongamia glabra, used medicinally Vin. I, 201; J. VI, 518, 519. (Page 196)

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.
Sanskrit dictionary
Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionaryKarañja (करञ्ज).—[kaṃ śiro jalaṃ vā rañjayati Tv.] Name of a tree (used in medicinal preparations); Bhāgavata 3.21.42.
Derivable forms: karañjaḥ (करञ्जः).
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English DictionaryKarañja (करञ्ज).—m.
(-ñjaḥ) The name of a plant, commonly Karanja (Galedupa arborea, Rox.) E. ka water, and rañj to colour, ac affix: see karaja.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Benfey Sanskrit-English DictionaryKarañja (करञ्ज).—m. The name of a plant, Pongamia glabra, Vent., Mahābhārata 3, 14488 sqq.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Cappeller Sanskrit-English DictionaryKarañja (करञ्ज).—[masculine] [Name] of a tree.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary1) Karañja (करञ्ज):—m. the tree Pongamia Glabra (used medicinally), [Āpastamba-dharma-sūtra; Suśruta; Mahābhārata iii]
2) Name of an enemy of Indra (slain by this god), [Ṛg-veda i, 53, 8]
3) Kārañja (कारञ्ज):—mfn. produced by or coming [from] the tree Karañja (Pongamia glabra), [Suśruta]
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Yates Sanskrit-English DictionaryKarañja (करञ्ज):—(ñjaḥ) 1. m. Caranja (Galedupa arborea).
Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary (S)Karañja (करञ्ज) in the Sanskrit language is related to the Prakrit word: Karaṃja.
[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.
Prakrit-English dictionary
Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary1) Karaṃja (करंज) in the Prakrit language is related to the Sanskrit word: Bhañj.
2) Karaṃja (करंज) also relates to the Sanskrit word: Karañja.
Prakrit is an ancient language closely associated with both Pali and Sanskrit. Jain literature is often composed in this language or sub-dialects, such as the Agamas and their commentaries which are written in Ardhamagadhi and Maharashtri Prakrit. The earliest extant texts can be dated to as early as the 4th century BCE although core portions might be older.
Kannada-English dictionary
Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpusKaraṃja (ಕರಂಜ):—[noun] the tree Pongamia pinnata (= P. glabra) of Papilionaceae family; Indian beach.
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: Ka, Ranja, Na.
Starts with (+3): Karamjava, Karancakam, Karancam, Karanja-amri, Karanjabijadi, Karanjadhanamjaya, Karanjadhananjyaya, Karanjadi, Karanjah, Karanjaha, Karanjaka, Karanjakakudhayuta, Karanjalam, Karanjamahadeva, Karanjamanjama, Karanjanilaya, Karanjaphalaka, Karanjasthi, Karanjatirtha, Karanjavasini.
Full-text (+132): Latakaranja, Ghritakaranja, Putikaranja, Katukaranja, Mahakaranja, Karaja, Karanjaha, Gucchakaranja, Karanjaphalaka, Hastikaranja, Vallakaranja, Angaravallari, Karanjaka, Ritha, Karanjakakudhayuta, Kakaghni, Karancam, Latva, Vanekshudra, Madahastini.
Relevant text
Search found 62 books and stories containing Karanja, Ka-ranja-na, Ka-ranja-ṇa, Karamja, Karaṃja, Karañja, Kārañjā, Kārañja; (plurals include: Karanjas, nas, ṇas, Karamjas, Karaṃjas, Karañjas, Kārañjās, Kārañjas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Identification of karanjadvaya < [Volume 6 (issue 1), Jul-Sep 1986]
Placebo-controlled trial of a herbal cream for vaginal infections. < [Volume 14 (issue 4), Apr-Jun 1995]
Netra darpanamu - A Unique book on eye diseases < [Volume 27 (issue 2), Oct-Dec 2007]
Rig Veda (translation and commentary) (by H. H. Wilson)
Garga Samhita (English) (by Danavir Goswami)
Verses 2.10.14-17 < [Chapter 10 - Description of Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s Herding the Cows]
Garuda Purana (by Manmatha Nath Dutt)
Chapter CCXIV - Medical treatment of snake-bite, etc. < [Dhanvantari Samhita]
Chapter CCXVIII - Various Recipes of fumigation-compounds, etc. < [Dhanvantari Samhita]
Chapter CXCIV - Medical treatments of Sinus etc < [Dhanvantari Samhita]
International Ayurvedic Medical Journal
Ayurvedic and ethano botanical perspectives of chirabilva (holoptelea integrifolia planch) < [2013, Issue 3 May-June]
Comparative study of karaveera patra siddha taila and karaveera karanja patra siddha taila in the management of kikkisa (striae gravidarum) < [2019, Issue 1, January]
Pharmaceutico- analytical study of ksheeravidaryadi taila prepared with narikela taila and karanja taila < [2024, Issue 02. February]
Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine) (by Hin-tak Sik)
Medicines (g): Decoctions/Astringent Medicines (Kasāva/Kaṣāya) < [Chapter 4 - Medicinal Substances in the Chapter on Medicine]
Medical Principles (In Early Buddhist Scriptures) < [Chapter 3 - Concepts of Health and Disease]
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