Language
Akshara
अक्षर
akṣara
Definition
(1) Syllable / phoneme — literally 'imperishable.' (2) Imperishable Brahman ('akshara-brahman').
हिन्दी अर्थ
अक्षर; वर्ण; अविनाशी।
Sources Cited
- · Bhagavad Gita 8.3
- · Aitareya Aranyaka
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अक्षर
akṣara
(1) Syllable / phoneme — literally 'imperishable.' (2) Imperishable Brahman ('akshara-brahman').
अक्षर; वर्ण; अविनाशी।
Hindu thought is built from a vocabulary of carefully-distinguished terms. Words like akshara are not loose translations — each has a precise scriptural genealogy, a specific role in ritual or philosophy, and often a counterpart that completes its meaning. Many of the major Hindu darśanas (Sāṅkhya, Yoga, Vedānta, Mīmāṃsā, Nyāya, Vaiśeṣika) refined their vocabulary over centuries; the same Sanskrit term can carry different shades in different schools.
Akshara sits within a cluster of related concepts — om, matrika, varna. Reading these together gives you the actual texture of the idea, rather than treating it as an isolated definition. Each Sanskrit term in this glossary is cross-linked to the others it presupposes.
Where useful we cite the primary scriptural source — the Upaniṣad, sūtra, or smṛti passage where the term is given its classical sense — alongside trusted modern dictionaries (Monier-Williams, V.S. Apte, Sanskrit Heritage). For practical questions about usage in pūjā or daily life, ask a paṇḍita in your tradition.
The Pranava; the primordial sound and seed of all mantras. Composed of A (Vishnu/waking), U (Shiva/dream), M (Brahma/deep sleep), and the silent ardhamatra (turiya — pure consciousness).
'Little mother'; the 50/51 phonemes of Sanskrit personified as goddesses. Matrika-nyasa places these letter-energies on the body during tantric sadhana.
Class; the four classical social classes — Brahmana (priest/scholar), Kshatriya (warrior/ruler), Vaishya (merchant/farmer), Shudra (servant/labourer). Originally defined by guna and karma, later became hereditary in jati system.
Meter; one of the six Vedangas. Common Vedic meters: Gayatri (24 syllables), Anushtubh (32), Trishtubh (44), Jagati (48). Pingala's Chandas Sutra is the foundation.
'Little mother'; the 50/51 phonemes of Sanskrit personified as goddesses. Matrika-nyasa places these letter-energies on the body during tantric sadhana.
Phonetic combination of adjacent sounds in Sanskrit (vowel sandhi, consonant sandhi, visarga sandhi). Mastery is essential for accurate Sanskrit recitation.
Grammar; one of the six Vedangas. Panini's Ashtadhyayi (c. 4th C BCE) is the definitive Sanskrit grammar — 4,000 sutras of recursive elegance.
Awaiting paṇḍita verification before final publication. If you spot an inaccuracy in the Sanskrit, IAST, or interpretation, please write to us.