Mahanala, Mahānala, Maha-anala, Maha-nala: 8 definitions
Introduction:
Mahanala means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, 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)
Rasashastra (Alchemy and Herbo-Mineral preparations)
Source: Wisdom Library: Rasa-śāstraMahānala (महानल) or Mahānala-rasa is the name of an Ayurvedic recipe defined in the fourth volume of the Rasajalanidhi (chapter 6, udararoga: belly-related diseases). These remedies are classified as Iatrochemistry and form part of the ancient Indian science known as Rasaśāstra (medical alchemy). However, since it is an ayurveda treatment it should be taken with caution and in accordance with rules laid down in the texts.
Accordingly, when using such recipes (e.g., mahānala-rasa): “the minerals (uparasa), poisons (viṣa), and other drugs (except herbs), referred to as ingredients of medicines, are to be duly purified and incinerated, as the case may be, in accordance with the processes laid out in the texts.” (see introduction to Iatro chemical medicines)
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.
Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)
Source: SOAS University of London: Protective Rites in the Netra TantraMahānala (महानल) refers to the “great fire”, according to the Netratantroddyota commentary on 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 22.15]—“The middle syllable (juṃ) is the middle tattva (vidyā). [By the word] propelled [the text means to] say, [the Mantrin] offers into fire by the method of ascending and descending the central domain. That is to say, by this means he casts everything (i.e., the entire universe) into the great fire (paradhāma-mahānala)”.
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.
Biology (plants and animals)
Source: Google Books: CRC World Dictionary (Regional names)1) Mahanala in India is the name of a plant defined with Lobelia nicotianaefolia in various botanical sources. This page contains potential references in Ayurveda, modern medicine, and other folk traditions or local practices It has the synonym Lobelia nicotianifolia Roth ex Schultes (among others).
2) Mahanala in Sanskrit is also identified with Lobelia pyramidalis It has the synonym Rapuntium wallichianum C. Presl (etc.).
Example references for further research on medicinal uses or toxicity (see latin names for full list):
· Annalen des Naturhistorischen Museums in Wien (1948)
· Prodromus Monographiae Lobeliacearum (1836)
· Act. Soc. Asiat. (1820)
· Repertorium Specierum Novarum Regni Vegetabilis (1913)
· Journal of the Linnean Society, Botany (1858)
· Revisio Generum Plantarum (1891)
If you are looking for specific details regarding Mahanala, for example chemical composition, diet and recipes, extract dosage, side effects, pregnancy safety, 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
Sanskrit dictionary
Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionaryMahānala (महानल).—a kind of reed.
Derivable forms: mahānalaḥ (महानलः).
Mahānala is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms mahā and nala (नल).
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English DictionaryMahānala (महानल).—m.
(-laḥ) A kind of reed. “devanale .”
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English DictionaryMahānala (महानल):—[=mahā-nala] [from mahā > mah] m. Arundo Bengalensis, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
[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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
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Search found 5 books and stories containing Mahanala, Mahānala, Maha-anala, Maha-nala, Mahā-nala, Mahā-anala; (plurals include: Mahanalas, Mahānalas, analas, nalas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
The Gautami Mahatmya (by G. P. Bhatt)
Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry (by Bhudeb Mookerjee)
Part 21 - Treatment of Udara-roga (18): Mahanala rasa < [Chapter VI - Diseases affecting the belly (udara-roga)]
The Shiva Purana (by J. L. Shastri)
Chapter 33 - March of The Victorious Lord Śiva < [Section 2.5 - Rudra-saṃhitā (5): Yuddha-khaṇḍa]
The Skanda Purana (by G. V. Tagare)
Chapter 130 - Greatness of Pāśupateśvara (Pāśupata-īśvara) < [Section 1 - Prabhāsa-kṣetra-māhātmya]
Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya) (by G.V. Tagare)