ABHAYAMBIKA: Name of the Goddess at Tirukkadaiyur temple who affords protection against fear and evil.

ABHISHEKAM: Daily ablution of Deities.

ACHARYAS: Spiritual preceptors.

ADHINAM: Head of Administration of Temples.

ADI: Primordial; the very original; Tamil month approximating to 16^th July- 15th August.

ADIKUMBHESWARA: Lord Siva at Kumbakonam.

ADISESHA: The thousand-headed serpent symbolising the couch and canopy of Lord Vishnu.

ADVAITA: No Second, God is one and one alone.

AGAMA: Hindu scriptures other than Vedas.

AGNSTYA: The most influential Sage of the South, spiritual preceptor of kings and men.

AIPPASI: Tamil month approximating to 16th October-15th November.

AKASA: Sky and ether

AKHILANDESWARI: The name of the Goddess at Jambukeswaram; the Goddess of all worlds.

ALANKARAM: Decoration of deities with flowers, sandal paste, valuable ornaments and clothes.

AMALAKI: A tree with round sour fruits.