Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s5.161

v2.c4.s5.161

Raśanā means generally ‘cord’ or ‘rope.’ In the Rigveda the word ofter refers to various fastenings of a horse. In one passage¹ the expression *śīrṣaṇyā raśanā*, ‘head rope,’ perhaps means not so much ‘reins’ as ‘headstall.’ In others² the sense of ‘traces’ seems certain, though sometimes³ ‘reins’ or ‘traces’ may equally well be intended. Elsewhere the more general sense of ‘rope’ for stening is meant.⁴