चमत्कार
camatkāra
The Sanskrit word for miracle is चमत्कार (camatkāra).
The term refers to a wonderful event that is attributed to supernatural powers.
Meaning: wonderful event attributed to supernatural powers (noun)
Which one should you use?
The word adbhuta can also be used to mean miracle.
How do you pronounce it?
camatkāra
Did you know?
- The concept of a miracle in Sanskrit is often tied to लीला (līlā), which describes the divine 'play' or 'sport' of a deity.
- In classical Indian aesthetics, adbhuta is not just a 'miracle' but one of the nine rasas or emotional essences that a work of art must evoke in the audience.
- A 'miracle' in a Sanskrit context is often seen as a manifestation of 'maya' (illusion) rather than a break in the laws of nature.
Examples in context
- देवी चमत्कारं करोति।devī camatkāraṃ karoti.The goddess performs a miracle.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a surprising recovery from an illness.
- इशान Ishanईशे, पश्य! एषः चमत्कारः अस्ति।īśe, paśya! eṣaḥ camatkāraḥ asti.Isha, look! This is a miracle.
- ईशा Ishaआम्, इशान, अहं अपि तादृशं मन्ये।ām, iśāna, ahaṃ api tādṛśaṃ manye.Yes, Ishan, I think so too.
- इशान Ishanसः स्वस्थः कथं अभवत्?saḥ svasthaḥ kathaṃ abhavat?How did he become healthy?
- ईशा Ishaएतदेव वास्तवतः चमत्कारः अस्ति।etadeva vāstavataḥ camatkāraḥ asti.This itself is truly a miracle.
