Vanavasa
/ˌvɑː.nəˈvɑː.sə/noun
A period of living in the forest, especially the forest exile described in Hindu epics.
Did you know?In the Ramayana, Rama’s fourteen-year Vanavasa is not merely punishment but a sacred trial central to his transformation and the restoration of cosmic order.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wes-
“To dwell or remain; the deep root associated with the vāsa element.”
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
vana
“Forest, woodland, or wilderness.”
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
vāsa
“Dwelling, residence, or abiding; derived from vas, “to dwell.””
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
vanavāsa
“Residence in the forest; forest exile.”
Ancient Indian Epics
Epic Sanskrit
vanavāsa
“The prescribed period of exile and forest-living undertaken by figures such as Rama and the Pandavas.”
Modern English
English
Vanavasa
“A Sanskrit-derived term used in English-language Hindu, mythological, and Indological writing for forest exile or retreat.”