लोक
English meaning: world, realm, plane of existence
Definition
A world, realm, or plane of existence within the cosmos. In Purāṇic cosmology the universe is divided into multiple lokas inhabited by various classes of beings.
Example
“त्रयो लोकाः सूर्येण प्रकाश्यन्ते।”
In English: “The three worlds are illuminated by the sun.”
Another example: “सूर्यः सर्वान् लोकान् प्रकाशयति।”
Usage — When, Where & How
A common term in Vedic, Purāṇic and philosophical cosmology for a world or plane of existence; in ordinary Classical usage also 'people, mankind, this world'. Very frequent, especially in compounds.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From the root √lok 'to see, behold' (related to √ruc 'to shine'); literally 'that which is seen, the visible space', hence a world or realm.
Synonyms
- भुवन
- जगत्
- लोकधातु
Related Words
Common Collocations
- त्रिलोक
- लोकपाल
- परलोक
- लोककल्याण
- भूर्भुवःस्वर्लोकाः
Word Forms
m., a-stem; nom. लोकः, acc. लोकम्, instr. लोकेन, loc. लोके
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“मन्दः कवियशः प्रार्थी गमिष्याम्युपहास्यताम्। प्रांशुलभ्ये फले लोभादुद्बाहुरिव वामनः।।”
/Mandah kaviyashah prarthhi gamishyamyupahasytam. Pramshu-labhe phale lobhadud-bahur iva vamanah./
“Feeble-minded yet aspiring to a poet's fame, I go to be ridiculed — like a dwarf reaching for high fruit.”
“रामो विग्रहवान् धर्मः साधुः सत्यपराक्रमः”
/Ramo vigrahavan dharmah sadhuh satya-parakramah/
“Rama is righteousness incarnate — virtuous and true in valour.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- संस्कृतम्
- Sanskrit
- Script
- Devanagari
- Family
- Indo-Aryan
- Speakers
- 5M