Diksha
/ˈdɪk.ʃə/noun
A formal initiation, consecration, or spiritual transmission traditionally given by a teacher or guru.
Did you know?In Vedic ritual, dīkṣā marked the worshipper’s temporary transformation into a consecrated ritual being, often involving seclusion, fasting, special clothing, and strict vows.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European (proposed)
PIE
*deyḱ-
“A scholarly proposed root meaning “to point out” or “show”; its connection to dīkṣā remains debated rather than certain.”
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
dīkṣā
“Consecration or ritual initiation, especially the preparation of a sacrificer for a Vedic ceremony.”
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
dīkṣita
“A person who has undergone consecration and entered a ritually restricted state.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
dīkṣā
“Initiation, consecration, or admission into a religious discipline or spiritual lineage.”
20th Century
English
diksha
“A borrowed term for spiritual initiation or transmission, especially in Hindu and guru-based traditions.”