Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism

is the author of Tiruviruttam, Tiru-

vasariyam, Tiruvaymoli and Periya

Tiruvandadi. His icon is placed in many

temples and his poems are part of the

worship in ŸRÏVAIÆŒAVAtemples.

Nanda (1)

A cowherd, who acted as Kø•æa’s foster

father.

Nanda (2)

A dynasty of kings of MAGADHA, prede-

cessors of the Mauryas.

Nandi

A bull, Ÿiva’s VAHANA, son of KAŸYAPA

and Surabhï (KÄMADHENU), the COWof

plenty. His IMAGEcan be seen in front of

all Ÿiva temples, often in a separate

chapel.

Nara (‘man’)

Cosmic man; identified with ARJUNA.

Närada (1)

One of the seven ØÆISto whom some

Øgvedic süktas (HYMNS) are ascribed.

Närada (2)

One of the PRAJÄPATIS, inventor of the

vïna and chief of the GANDHARVAS(2).

He also descended to the netherworlds

and praised their beauty.

Närada (3)

Author of a Bhaktisütra.

Näradïya Puräæa

One of the Vai•æava MAHÄPURÄŒAS

(ascribed to NÄRADA).

naraka (‘hell’)

A place of torture for sinners. The

PURÄŒASenumerate 28 närakas, each

designed to punish a specific sin.

Although extremely painful, the sojourn

of sinners in these hells is limited to the

125 naraka

Statue of Nandi, Chamondi Hill, near Mysore.

Encyclo - Letter N 10/2/03 9:52 am Page 125