surasa

 In Sanskrit, "Surasa" (सुरसा) primarily means "juicy, 

well-flavoured, or sweet" and also refers to a divine or 

mythological figure, as well as certain medicinal 

plants in Ayurvedic texts

Wisdom Library+2

 .

Literal and Adjective Meanings

• Juicy, savoury, or well-flavoured food items or liquids 

  1

  .
• Can also describe something elegant or pleasing in form or 
• composition, for example, literary works 

  1

  .
• The word "surasa" is etymologically related to sweetness or 
• pleasantness, often used to signify appealing taste or aroma 

  1

  .
• 

  

  2 Sources

Botanical and Ayurvedic References

• In Ayurveda, Surasa is a name for several medicinal plants:
  • Synonym for Tulasi (Ocimum tenuiflorum, holy basil), used 
  • in traditional healing 

    1

    .
  • Synonym for Sinduvāra (possibly Vitex negundo or Vitex 
  • trifolia) and other plants like Asparagus sarmentosus and 
  • Bacopa monnieri

    1

     .
• These references occur in classical texts such as the 
• Caraka-saṃhitā, Suśruta-saṃhitā, and medicinal thesauruses 
• like the Rājanighaṇṭu

  1

   .
• 

  1 Source

Mythological and Scriptural References

• Surasa as a divine figure: Surasa is depicted as a mother of 
• serpents (nāgas) and other reptilian beings in Hindu epics like 
• the Ramayana

  2

   . She tests Hanuman during his journey to 
• Lanka by attempting to devour him, illustrating both her power 
• and divine purpose 

  3

  .
• Puranic accounts describe her as one of the daughters of Daksha 
• and wife of sage Kaśyapa, with various offspring, including snakes, 
• birds, or rakshasas depending on the source 

  2

  .
• The name also appears in texts to refer symbolically to "juicy" fruits, 
• flowers, or offerings in religious rituals 

  2

  .
• 

  

  4 Sources

Summary

• Adjective sense: Juicy, sweet, savoury, elegant.
• Botanical/Ayurvedic sense: Names of medicinal or herbal plants 
• used in traditional medicine.
• Mythological sense: Divine mother figure (mother of serpents or 
• Uragas) who appears in Hindu epics and Puranas.

Thus, "Surasa" is a multifaceted Sanskrit term encompassing taste, 

elegance, medicinal plants, and mythological entities

Wisdom Library+3

 .