Hridya
hridya is a Sanskrit term for the heart. It should be noted that in general, references to the heart in Indian Esoteric literature are not used in an anatomical sense, but rather denote assoications such as the 'middle' or 'centre' (even 'bowels') and also, emotions which are considered to be seated in the 'heart'.
The esoteric significance of the heart will be examined in the essay on Body symbolism.