damodar
damodar Lexical Profile
• noun
A major river in eastern India flowing through the states of Jharkhand and West Bengal, historically referred to as the 'Sorrow of Bengal' due to its devastating monsoon floods.
"The Damodar Valley Corporation was established shortly after India's independence to construct dams and control the severe flooding that once plagued the region."
An epithet for the Hindu deity Krishna, referencing a scriptural narrative in which his foster mother Yashoda affectionately tied him to a large wooden mortar with a rope around his waist.
"During the auspicious Hindu month of Kartik, devotees gather in temples to sing hymns glorifying Lord Damodar."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From the Sanskrit 'Dāmodara', a compound of 'dāman' (rope, cord) and 'udara' (belly). It originally refers to an epithet of the Hindu deity Krishna, describing a scriptural episode where he was tied around the waist by his foster mother. The major Indian river is named in honor of this deity.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.