Last Updated on February 11, 2025 by
~~OM~~
Meanings of Sanskrit
Sanskrit is often referred to as “संस्कृतम्” (Saṁskṛtam), which means “refined,” “purified,” or “perfected.” The word is derived from:
- “Sam” (सम्) meaning “together” or “completely”
- “Kṛta” (कृत) meaning “done” or “made”
Hence, “Saṁskṛtam” literally translates to “well-formed” or “well-composed.”
In the Vedic context, Sanskrit is considered the language of the gods (देववाणी, Devavāṇī) because it is the medium through which sacred knowledge (Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas) was revealed and preserved. It’s believed to be a vibrational language, where the sound itself carries spiritual power, making it integral to mantras and rituals.
What are the seven levels of meaning of Sanskrit?
Swamiji Says:
Every syllable of Sanskrit has seven levels of meanings:
- vach artha ⇒ dictionary meaning
- bhava artha ⇒ meaning according to an attitude of awareness
- guru artha ⇒ meaning according to your guru
- darshan shashtra artha ⇒ meaning according to your school of philosophy
- sampradaya artha ⇒ meaning according to your tribe of sadhus
- svadaya artha ⇒ meaning according to your own level of realization
- gupta artha ⇒ hidden meaning