aṅghāri

 The Sanskrit word "aṅghāri" (अङ्घारि) means "an enemy of sin or evil" and is used as a Vedic epithet for Soma and certain sacrificial fire altars.

Definition and Etymology

The term "aṅghāri" is a compound word derived from aṅgha, meaning

“sin” or “fault,” and ari, meaning “enemy” 

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. Thus, the literal

interpretation is “enemy of sin”. It is a masculine noun in Sanskrit (m. -riḥ)

and is traditionally used in Vedic contexts to denote a force or entity

that opposes evil and promotes ritual purity.

Vedic and Ritual Usage

• In the Vājasaneyi Saṃhitā, Aṅghāri is mentioned as the name of 
• a celestial guard of Soma, emphasizing its protective and purifying role 

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• It is also a Vedic epithet applied to Soma—the divine plant and deity 
• associated with ritual offerings—and occasionally to sacrificial fire 
• altars, highlighting their function in expiating sins and safeguarding
• spiritual integrity 

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• The term reflects the symbolic Vedic concept where certain deities 
• or ritual implements act as agents against evil and maintain cosmic 
• and moral order.
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Contextual Meaning

In addition to the literal translation, Aṅghāri connotes moral and spiritual

opposition to wrongdoing, representing the broader Vedic theme of 

purification, protection, and rectitude during sacrificial rituals 

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.

It can be understood as both a title and function descriptor in scriptural

texts.

In summary, aṅghāri is a Sanskrit term meaning "enemy of sin or evil," 

and it signifies a protective, purifying role in Vedic rituals and in association

with Soma or ritual fire altars

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 . It encapsulates spiritual 

opposition to wrongdoing within the framework of Vedic ritual and 

metaphysics.