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Hindu Salutations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 December 2009

E. Washburn Hopkins
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Extract

According to the description in the Land of the Lamas, the Tibetan salutation consists in sticking out the tongue, pulling the right ear, and rubbing the left hip, while making a slight bow at the same time. Nothing quite so picturesque is to be found in India, a but the etiquette of salutation is nevertheless not without interest. Moreover, the subject is treated gravely by the native law-makers and deserves more attention than it has hitherto received. The matter too is not unsuitable for a volume dedicated to the salutation of one who is lokaprap016B;jita, and to whom, in common with many, I extend herewith the greeting:

bala1E43; tavā'yuś ca cirāya vardhatām.

But because of the limitation of space I shall confine myself to epic data and give but an outline of approved ceremonial.

Type
List of Contributions
Information
Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies , Volume 6 , Issue 2 , June 1931 , pp. 369 - 383
Copyright
Copyright © School of Oriental and African Studies 1931

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References

page 369 note 1 In K. (South Indian recension) 4.18.3 (not in B.), sa tu mūrdhny añjaliṃ kṛtvā bhaginyāś caraṇāv ubhāu, the accusative is governed by the verbal idea ═ anjalīkṛtya “ put his hands to his brow (to) his sister's feet”.

page 370 note 1 B. has śirasāu (for K.'s śirasā), which Nil. explains as the two excellent (feet), śreṣṭhāu (puṃstvam ārṣam!). Compare 7.112.10, tavā'jñāṃ śirasā gṛhya, “taking thy orders on my head (I go).” The phrase caranāv abhivādya is so constant (5.132.1, etc.) that the dual is used even of a quadruped (1.140.29), though the plural pādas follows.

page 375 note 1 The washing of the feet (of priests) is as religiously fruitful as is the gift of a cow; “it pleases the Manes, as the word ‘ welcome ’ pleases Agni, and a seat for a guest pleases Indra, and as food given the guest pleases Prajāpati ’ (3.200.66 f.).

page 377 note 1 Probably, like āprcche tvām (below), “ I beg your permission to go, be gracious,” a conventional good-bye.