महा
mahā
The Sanskrit word महा (mahā) corresponds to the English phrase "maha".
What does it mean word for word?
The word महा literally means great, large or mighty.
How does it change in a sentence?
While महा is a common form used in compounds, the base adjective in the nominative singular masculine or neuter form is महत्.
How do you pronounce it?
mahā
Did you know?
- The phonetic weight of 'mahā' is used in Sanskrit prosody to prolong the meter of a verse, influencing the musicality of the chant.
- In the famous epic महाभारत (Mahābhārata), the use of महा does not just mean the story is 'great', but that it is an 'all-encompassing' or 'universal' history.
- The word महा appears in the name of the 'Mahayana' school of Buddhism, where it refers to the 'Great Vehicle' of enlightenment.
Example conversation
Kavya and Vivan are discussing a historical book.
- विवान Vivaanकिम् एषः महा ग्रन्थः अस्ति?kim eṣaḥ mahā granthaḥ asti?Is this a great book?
- काव्या Kavyaआम्, एषः अति प्राचीनः अस्ति।ām, eṣaḥ ati prācīnaḥ asti.Yes, this is very ancient.
- विवान Vivaanअत्र महा कथा अस्ति।atra mahā kathā asti.There is a great story here.
- काव्या Kavyaसत्यम्, विवान।satyam, vivāna.That is true, Vivan.
