aṅjaliḥ

The Sanskrit word 

अञ्जलिः (aṅjaliḥ or añjaliḥ), a masculine noun, primarily translates to:

• "Salutation" or "Reverence"
• "Divine offering" or "Benediction"
• "The cavity formed by joining the open hands together" (the hollow of the palms) 

Usage and Significance

The word aṅjali is often associated with a specific hand gesture called the Añjali Mudrā(or Praṇāmāsanā), widely used in Hindu, Buddhist, and other Asian traditions for greetings, farewells, prayers, and meditation. 

• Gesture of Respect: When performed, the palms are pressed together and typically held at the heart center. The gesture symbolizes respect, humility, and the unification of the left and right sides of the body (physical and spiritual harmony).
• A Measure: In some ancient texts, aṅjali was also used as a unit of measurement for grains or liquids, specifically "two handfuls" or as much as the hollowed hands could hold.
• Compound Terms: It frequently appears in compound words describing the action of showing reverence:
  • Kṛta-añjaliḥ or baddha-añjaliḥ: "with folded hands" or "one who has made a salutation with folded hands".
  • Udakāñjali: "two hands full of water" (used as a libation to ancestors). 

For more definitions and usage details, you can consult online Sanskrit dictionaries like the Sanskrit Dictionary at sanskritdictionary.com or the Wisdom Library.

more samples:

The Sanskrit word 

अञ्जलिः (aṅjaliḥ, meaning "salutation" or "folded hands") is very common in devotional, dramatic, and legal texts, where describing gestures of respect or supplication is necessary.

Here are samples of aṅjaliḥ used in various Sanskrit texts and common phrases:

1. In the Mahabharata and Ramayana

These epics often describe characters greeting sages or deities with folded hands.

• Sanskrit:

  kṛtāñjali-puṭaḥ prāha rāghavaṃ vipra-sattamam |

• Translation:

  "Having made the salutation with folded palms (añjali), the best of Brahmins spoke to Raghava [Rama]."

• Sanskrit: ...añjaliṃ cakāra
• Translation: "...he made a gesture of salutation (joined his hands)."

2. In the Manu-Smṛti (Laws of Manu 2.199)

This text uses aṅjali in a legal or social context to describe proper behavior and posture for a student.

• Sanskrit:

  udak-khāḥ prāṅ-mukhās tūṣṇīṃ yata-vāgbhiḥ samāhitaiḥ |
  upasaṅgṛhya pādau ca kuryād añjalim uttamam ||

• Translation:

  "Facing the North or East, silent, with collected minds, having clasped his teacher's feet, he shall perform the most excellent salutation [by joining his hands in reverence]."

3. As a Measure of Quantity (In Puranas and Ayurvedic Texts)

In technical contexts, añjali is a specific measurement of volume.

• Sanskrit: ekāñjali jalam
• Translation: "One handful (two palms full) of water."

4. In Devotional Hymns (Stotras)

Añjali is a common instruction or description in prayers, often combined with mudrā(gesture).

• Sanskrit: añjali-mudrā
• Translation: "The gesture of folded hands [for prayer/salutation]."
• Sanskrit: ...añjaliṃ baddhvā bhagavantaṃ praṇamatu
• Translation: "...folding your hands in salutation, bow down to the Divine Lord."