ARUMUGAM: Six-faced God, Subrahmanya.

ARUNACHALA: The mountain abode of Siva in the South known as Tiruvannamalai where Siva is in the form of Jyoti.

ASEERVADAM: Benediction. A solemn invocation of blessing divine on men and things.

ASHTARHUJA: Eight-handed, Durga.

ASHTA DHATU: Eight minerals melted together for use in making idols, such as gold, silver, copper, etc.

ASHTA SIDDHI: The eight attainments such as lightness, heaviness, in visibility, etc., which are the results of success in yogas.

ASRAM: Hermitage, usually used for penance, sadhana and education.

ASTRAS Weapons held by God in different hands.

ASURAS: Demons, evil persons.

ATMAN: Soul, spark of Brahman in man.

ATRI: A great Sage.

AUM: Also spelt as 'OM'-sound symbolising the highest reality. It is chanted during meditation.

AVANI: Tamil month approximating to 16th August-15th September.

AVATARA: Incarnation.

AYODHYA: The name of the Principality in Northern India where Sri Rama was born, the modern Uttar Pradesh.