Shatavari, aka: Śatāvarī; 6 Definition(s)

Introduction

Shatavari means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit, Marathi. 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 Śatāvarī can be transliterated into English as Satavari or Shatavari, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy)

Śatāvarī (शतावरी):—One of the sixty-seven Mahauṣadhi, as per Rasaśāstra texts (rasa literature). These drugs are useful for processing mercury (rasa), such as the alchemical processes known as sūta-bandhana and māraṇa.

context information

Rasashastra (रसशास्त्र, rasaśāstra) is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

Ayurveda (science of life)

Śatāvarī (शतावरी) is a Sanskrit word referring Albizia lebbeck (lebbeck), a plant species in the Fabaceae family. Certain plant parts of Śatāvarī are eaten as a vegetable (śāka), according to Caraka in his Carakasaṃhitā sūtrasthāna (chapter 27), a classical Āyurvedic work. The plant is therefore part of the Śākavarga group of medicinal plants, referring to the “group of vegetables/pot-herbs”. Caraka defined such groups (vargas) based on the dietic value of the plant. Asparagus racemosus (wild asparagus) Asparagaceae. It grows throughout Nepal, Sri Lanka, India and the Himalayas. It is also known as Ābhīru.

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.

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Śatāvarī (शतावरी) refers to the name of a River mentioned in the Mahābhārata (cf. VI.10.19). Note: The Mahābhārata (mentioning Śatāvarī) is a Sanskrit epic poem consisting of 100,000 ślokas (metrical verses) and is over 2000 years old.

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.

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Śatāvarī (शतावरी) in Sanskrit or Sattāvarī in Prakrit refers to the plant Asparagus racemosus Willd. This plant is classifed as ananta-kāya, or “plants that are inhabited by an infinite number of living organisms”, and therefore are abhakṣya (forbidden to consume) according to both Nemicandra (in his Pravacana-sāroddhāra v245-246) and Hemacandra (in his Yogaśāstra 3.44-46). Those plants which are classifiedas ananta-kāyas (eg., śatāvarī) seem to be chosen because of certain morphological peculiarities such as the possession of bulbs or rhizomes orthe habit of periodically shedding their leaves; and in general theyare characterized by possibilities of vegetative reproduction.

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.

Languages of India and abroad

Marathi-English dictionary

śatāvarī (शतावरी).—f (S) pop. śatāvalī f A plant, Asparagus racemosus. It is distinguished into śatamūlī & sahastramūlī.

Sanskrit-English dictionary

Śatāvarī (शतावरी).—f. (-rī) 1. A shrub, (Asparagus recemosus.) 2. The wife of Indra. E. śata a hundred, (roots,) āṅ before vṛ to choose, aff. ac .

Relevant definitions

Search found 31 related definition(s) that might help you understand this better. Below you will find the 15 most relevant articles:

Relevant text