Terms with Three Meanings

Sanskrit: त्र्यर्थकानिनामानि

This section lists terms that have three distinct meanings. These present even greater scope for confusion in textual interpretation. Representative examples: 1. Shweta (श्वेत) — (1) White color, (2) Shweta variety of Aparajita plant, (3) Karpura (camphor). 2. Peetaka (पीतक) — (1) Yellow color, (2) a type of snake, (3) Haridra (turmeric). 3. Suvarna (सुवर्ण) — (1) Gold, (2) Dhattura, (3) Nagakesara. 4. Arista (अरिष्ट) — (1) Nimba (neem), (2) a type of medicated wine, (3) bad omen/sign. 5. Amrita (अमृत) — (1) Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), (2) nectar/immortality, (3) ghee. 6. Jyotishmati (ज्योतिष्मती) — (1) Celastrus paniculatus, (2) fire, (3) intelligence. 7. Madhu (मधु) — (1) Honey, (2) Yashtimadhu/Licorice, (3) Spring season. The section contains several dozen three-meaning terms. Each entry lists all three possible referents, with the commentary providing additional context for disambiguation.

What is Terms with Three Meanings (Tryarthaka Namani / त्र्यर्थकानि नामानि)?

This section lists terms that have three distinct meanings. These present even greater scope for confusion in textual interpretation. Representative examples: 1. Shweta (श्वेत) — (1) White color, (2) Shweta variety of Aparajita plant, (3) Karpura (camphor). 2. Peetaka (पीतक) — (1) Yellow color, (2) a type of snake, (3) Haridra (turmeric). 3. Suvarna (सुवर्ण) — (1) Gold, (2) Dhattura, (3) Nagakesara. 4. Arista (अरिष्ट) — (1) Nimba (neem), (2) a type of medicated wine, (3) bad omen/sign. 5. Amrita (अमृत) — (1) Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), (2) nectar/immortality, (3) ghee. 6. Jyotishmati (ज्योतिष्मती) — (1) Celastrus paniculatus, (2) fire, (3) intelligence. 7. Madhu (मधु) — (1) Honey, (2) Yashtimadhu/Licorice, (3) Spring season. The section contains several dozen three-meaning terms. Each entry lists all three possible referents, with the commentary providing additional context for disambiguation.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 23

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