aṅgāra parṇa

 “Aṅgāra Parṇa” is a Sanskrit compound word (aṅgāra + parṇa)

that primarily denotes the name of Citraratha, the chief 

of the Gandharvas, and can also refer to a grove or forest 

associated with him in Hindu texts.

Linguistic Breakdown

The term Aṅgāraparṇa (अङ्गारपर्ण) is a bahuvrihi compound in Sanskrit, 

formed from:

• aṅgāra: meaning ember or glowing coal
• parṇa: meaning leaf or foliage

Combined, the literal translation can be interpreted as “ember-leaf” 

or “glowing leaf”, metaphorically implying brilliance or a notable 

attribute of the bearer 

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Historical and Scriptural Context

As a Name of Citraratha: 

 In the Mahabharata, Citraratha, the king of the Gandharvas (celestial 

musicians), adopts the name Aṅgāraparṇa on a particular occasion. 

He encounters the Pandavas and their allies, notably Arjuna, and 

exchanges mystical knowledge such as Chākṣuṣī and Agniśirāstra, 

establishing a bond of friendship 

As a Place Name or Grove:

The term is also used to denote a forest or grove connected with the 

Gandharvas, particularly along the banks of the Ganges (Gaṅgā). 

In some stories, Aṅgāraparṇa, the Gandharva, confronts the Pandavas

in this forest, leading to a legendary encounter

Other Usage

In some texts, Aṅgāraparṇī (feminine form) references a plant species, 

specifically Clerodendrum Siphonanthus, showing how the term extends 

beyond personal names into botanical nomenclature

in Sanskrit literature 

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Summary

• Primary meaning: Name of Citraratha, chief of the Gandharvas.
• Secondary meaning: A grove or forest associated with Gandharvas.
• Literal translation: “Ember-leaf” or “glowing leaf,” derived from the 
• Sanskrit roots for ember (aṅgāra) and leaf (parṇa).
• Cultural context: Appears in the Mahabharata and Puranic literature, 
• portraying encounters between celestial beings and heroic figures
• like Arjuna 

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This term highlights the richness of Sanskrit compound words, capable 

of conveying a combination of literal, metaphorical, and proper noun

meanings within spiritual and epic narratives.