The formal Vedic salutation offered to an elder, in which the younger person announces themselves and bows, often touching the elder's feet. The Manusmriti (2.120-121) describes it: the vital breaths of the young rise to greet an approaching elder and are settled by the salutation, and habitual reverence increases long life, righteousness, fame and strength.

Where this term appears

• Why Hindus touch elders' feet (charan sparsh) Journal →

  …" Its older and more formal names are pranama , a respectful bow, and abhivadana , the scripted Vedic salutation to an elder.

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