Uparasa, aka: Upa-rasa; 5 Definition(s)

Introduction

Uparasa 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.

In Hinduism

Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy)

1) Mahārasa and Uparasa, (translated as ‘mercuries’) are two groups of alchemical mineral agents, according to the Rasaśāstroddhṛti (Sanskrit alchemical work). These two groups of minerals (or rocks that contain minerals) are involved in ‘purifying’ and ‘killing’ metals, as well as eliminating the poisonous components of mercury. Therefore, they are also called the ‘devourer elements’.

According to the Rasasiddhiśāstra, the seven uparasa are:

1. kashika (kāśīsa) or ‘iron-sulphate’,
2. yellow and white orpiment,
3. realgar,
4. sulphur,
5. ‘acid rock’ (skyur po’i rdo),
6. ‘petals’ (’dab ma),
7. and ‘hematite’ (sbal rgyab rdo).

2) Uparasa (महारस):—The name of a group of eight minerals, according to the Rasaprakāśasudhākara: a 13th century Sanskrit book on Indian alchemy, or, Rasaśāstra. They are considered inferior in relation to their superior counterparts of the Mahārasa group, also consisting of eight minerals.

These are the names of the eight minerals (Sanskrit name first, english name in brackets):

1. Tālaka/Haritāla (‘orpiment’),
2. Saurāṣṭrī/Tubarī/Sphaṭikā/Kāṅkṣī (‘alum’),
3. Gandhaka (‘sulphur’),
4. Kaṅkuṣṭha (‘rhubarb extract’),
5. Kunaṭi/Manaḥśilā (‘realger’),
6. Añjana/Sauvīra/Nīlāñjana (‘lead sulphide’),
7. Gairika (‘hematite’/‘red ochre’)
8. and Khecara/Kāsīsa (‘green vitriol’/‘ferrous sulphate’).

As per Rasaprakāśa Sudhākara following eight drugs are included in this (uparasa) group, viz-

1. Tālaka/haritāla (orpiment),
2. tubari/sphaṭikā (alum),
3. gandhaka (sulphur),
4. kaṅkuṣṭha (rhubarb extract),
5. kunaṭi/manaḥśilā (realger),
6. sauvīra/nīlȧn‚
7. jana (lead sulphide),
8. gairika (hematite-red) ochre
9. and khecara/kāsīsa (green vitriol/ ferrous sulphate)

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.

General definition (in Hinduism)

Uparasa (उपरस).—The first kind of rasābhāsa, occurring when one tastes one kind of mellow and something extra is imposed.

Languages of India and abroad

Sanskrit-English dictionary

Uparasa (उपरस).—

1) A secondary mineral, (red chalk, bitumen, mākṣika, śilājita &c).

2) A secondary passion or feeling.

3) A subordinate flavour.

Derivable forms: uparasaḥ (उपरसः).

Uparasa (उपरस).—m.

(-saḥ) 1. A secondary mineral, as red chalk, bitumen, &c. 2. A secondary passion. 3. A subordinate flavour. E. upa minor, rasa flavour, &c.

Relevant definitions

Search found 2013 related definition(s) that might help you understand this better. Below you will find the 15 most relevant articles:

Relevant text