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:
- kashika (kāśīsa) or ‘iron-sulphate’,
- yellow and white orpiment,
- realgar,
- sulphur,
- ‘acid rock’ (skyur po’i rdo),
- ‘petals’ (’dab ma),
- 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):
- Tālaka/Haritāla (‘orpiment’),
- Saurāṣṭrī/Tubarī/Sphaṭikā/Kāṅkṣī (‘alum’),
- Gandhaka (‘sulphur’),
- Kaṅkuṣṭha (‘rhubarb extract’),
- Kunaṭi/Manaḥśilā (‘realger’),
- Añjana/Sauvīra/Nīlāñjana (‘lead sulphide’),
- Gairika (‘hematite’/‘red ochre’)
- and Khecara/Kāsīsa (‘green vitriol’/‘ferrous sulphate’).
As per Rasaprakāśa Sudhākara following eight drugs are included in this (uparasa) group, viz-
- Tālaka/haritāla (orpiment),
- tubari/sphaṭikā (alum),
- gandhaka (sulphur),
- kaṅkuṣṭha (rhubarb extract),
- kunaṭi/manaḥśilā (realger),
- sauvīra/nīlȧn‚
- jana (lead sulphide),
- gairika (hematite-red) ochre
- and khecara/kāsīsa (green vitriol/ ferrous sulphate)
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.
Source: ISKCON Press: GlossaryLanguages 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).
Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionaryUparasa (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.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English DictionarySanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family. 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.
Relevant definitions
Starts with: Uparasala.
Ends with: Suparasa.
Full-text (+264): Khecara, Haritala, Sphatika, Kankshi, Tubari, Pushpanjana, Kanavira, Rasanjana, Khandika, Nilanjana, Shukapiccha, Raktagandhaka, Pushpakasisa, Balukakasisa, Shvetagandhaka, Sauviranjana, Srotonjana, Renuka, Pindatala, Phullika.
Relevant text
Search found 6 books and stories containing Uparasa, Upa-rasa; (plurals include: Uparasas, rasas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa) (by Bhudeb Mookerjee)
Introduction (classes of uparasa)
Part 2 - Purification of sadharana uparasas (i.e. from kampilla to bhunaga) < [Chapter XVI - Uparasa (17): Kampilla]
Part 2 - Purification of Kankustha (an ore containing tin) < [Chapter XV - Uparasa (16): Kankustha (an ore containing tin)]
Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry (by Bhudeb Mookerjee)
Part 19 - Directions for preparing a medicine with ingredients more than one < [Chapter I - General health prescriptions]
Nectar of Devotion (by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada)
Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 1: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory (by Bhudeb Mookerjee)
Part 3 - Drawing of a hexagonal lotus diagram < [Chapter II - Initiation of Disciple]
Sri Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (by Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī)
Verse 4.9.32 < [Part 9 - Incomplete Expression of Mellows (rasābhāsa)]
Verse 4.9.40 < [Part 9 - Incomplete Expression of Mellows (rasābhāsa)]
Verse 4.9.3 < [Part 9 - Incomplete Expression of Mellows (rasābhāsa)]
Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances (by Bhudeb Mookerjee)