Common Nouns Lexicon

The term smṛti refers to Hindu sacred texts considered to be of human origin, transmitted through memory and interpretation rather than divine revelation.

The Sphinx is a mythological creature from ancient Egypt, depicted with the body of a lion and the head of a human or ram, symbolizing strength and wisdom. Although the Great Sphinx of Giza is the largest, numerous sphinxes, including ram-headed ones, were built across Egypt to honor pharaohs and gods.

The term śramaṇa refers to ancient Indian renunciants who adopted ascetic lives outside the Vedic tradition, giving rise to religious movements like Buddhism and Jainism.

The term śruti refers to the sacred revealed texts of Hinduism, regarded as divinely originated and transmitted orally before being written down.

Stepwells, or baoris, are unique architectural structures in India, designed for water access and management in arid regions, particularly in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

The sthalavriksha is a sacred tree associated with a specific Hindu temple, often considered the guardian tree of the sacred site.

Stucco is a finishing material made primarily from lime, sand, and cement, used to create smooth or decorative surfaces on walls and ceilings.

A stupa is a Buddhist architectural structure in the shape of a dome, used as a meditation site and to house sacred relics.

The stylobate is the elevated base on which the columns of a Greek temple rest. It forms the upper part of the crepidoma and ensures the stability and elevation of the structure.

Sufism is a mystical tradition of Islam that seeks to attain a direct union with God through the purification of the soul. It is characterized by spiritual practices, mystical poetry, and specific rituals.