anulepa

 In Sanskrit, "Anulepa" (अनुलेप) primarily refers to anointing, smearing, or the ointment/unguent used for this purpose, often in religious, medicinal, or cosmetic contexts.

Definition and Derivation

The word Anulepa is derived from the Sanskrit root "anu" (meaning

“along” or “with”) and "lip" (to smear or apply)

Sanskrit.Today+1

. It

literally means “application over” or “smearing upon”, particularly 

involving ointments, oils, or pastes. The masculine form is 

anulepaḥ (अनुलेपः), and it can also refer to the unguent itself or the 

act of applying it

Sanskrit Dictionary+1

.

Uses in Literature and Tradition

Religious and Ritual Use: In Hinduism, particularly in Shaivism and 

Shaktism, anulepa denotes the application of divine ointments on 

deities or initiates during rituals 

2

. For instance, texts like the Matsyendrasaṃhitā describe 

visualization of Śakti as "anointed with divine ointments

(divya-anulepana)"

1

.

Ayurveda and Medicine: In Ayurvedic texts, anulepana refers to 

medicinal smearing or unction. Specific ointments are prescribed 

for treatment of poison or wounds, such as mixes involving 

conch powder or tamarind applied topically 

1

.

General Cosmetic Use: Anulepa also indicates cosmetic or beautifying 

applications, such as sandalwood paste, oils, and powders used 

to anoint the body for fragrance or skin care 

2

.

Scriptural References: 

• In the Bhagavadgītā, Rāmāyaṇa, and Puranas, the term signifies
• applying aromatic pastes or unguents during worship or ceremonial 
• activities

  2

  .
• In Jyotisha (Vedic astrology), anulepana can refer to perfumed 
• pastes associated with planets like Venus

  1

  .
• In Kāmaśāstra, anulepana signifies fragrant ointments placed in 
• the household bedroom for personal or romantic use

  1

  
  

1. 

   

   5 Sources
2. 
   

Synonyms and Related Terms

• Anulepana (अनुलेपन): broader term denoting the action of smearing 
• or the ointment applied

  2

  .
• Lepa: a shorter form referring to any paste or unction.
• 

  

  2 Sources
• 
  

Summary

Anulepa in Sanskrit encompasses:

• The act of smearing or anointing (with ointments, oils, or pastes)
• The substance used (ointment, unguent, sandal paste)
• Applications in religious, medicinal, or cosmetic contexts

It is a classical term appearing in Hindu, Ayurvedic, and literary texts, 

representing both the physical action and the substance involved

in ceremonial or therapeutic anointing

Wisdom Library+5

.