Bhagavan
/ˈbʱəɡəʋɑːn/noun
A Sanskrit title meaning a divine, revered, or supremely blessed being, especially God or a deity such as Krishna.
Did you know?In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna is addressed as Bhagavan, a title later theologians associated with six excellences: sovereignty, strength, glory, beauty, knowledge, and detachment.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bhag-
“To apportion, share, or distribute; by extension, a portion of good fortune or prosperity”
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
bhaga
“A share, portion, fortune, or divine giver of prosperity”
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
bhagavat
“Possessing bhaga—fortunate, glorious, or worthy of reverence”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
bhagavān
“The blessed or exalted one; a respectful title for a god, sage, or revered teacher”
Medieval Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Bhagavān
“A central devotional title for the supreme deity, especially Vishnu or Krishna”
Modern English
English
Bhagavan
“A Sanskrit religious title or loanword for God, a divine being, or an enlightened spiritual figure”
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