Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism

Dak•iæeÿvara

Kälï–Durgä temple near Calcutta built

in the 19th century, which became

famous through RAMAKRISHNA,who

was a temple priest there for many

years. Now it is one of the major sacred

sites of the Ramakrishna Mission.

dalit (‘oppressed’)

Self-designation of former OUTCASTES,

untouchables, scheduled CASTES. They

have formed many organizations

according to religious affiliation. Strictly

speaking, most dalits were not members

of Hindu (caste) society, but were con-

sidered servants for impure and degrad-

ing work. Dalits today strive for

emancipation and equal opportunities.

damaru

Ÿiva NÄfiARÄJA’s drum, shaped like an

hourglass.

Dämodara

A name given to KØÆŒAon account of

his foster-mother’s attempt to tie him to

a pillar with a rope (däma) around his

belly (udära).

däna (‘gift’, ‘charity’)

A major concern in traditional

Hinduism. Charity was enjoined on the

rich on behalf of the poor, and on sacri-

ficers to brahmins. It was regulated by

numerous laws. Major donations of

land or villages were often recorded on

copper plates and stored either in tem-

ples or in palaces. Reneging on pledges

made legally was considered a major sin

for which punishments in hell were

foreseen.

Dänavas

Descendants of Danu, one of the daugh-

ters of Dak•a, and Kaÿyapa. Like the

DAITYASthey were giants who fought

against DEVASand SACRIFICE.

dance

Ritual dance seems to have been part of

the Hindu traditions from the earliest

times, as the dancing figurines from the

Dak•iæeÿvara 54

Bhils dancing in the forecourt of the palace, Udaipur Festival.

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