Raksha
/ˈrʌk.ʃə/noun
Protection, especially in the form of a protective charm, thread, or ritual observance in South Asian traditions.
Did you know?The Sanskrit root rakṣ means “to protect,” but its related form rakṣas came to mean a dangerous supernatural being—preserving an eerie link between protection and the threat it guards against.
Etymological Timeline
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
rakṣ-
“to protect, guard, or preserve”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
rakṣā
“protection, safeguarding, or a protective charm”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
rakṣas
“a harmful or hostile supernatural being; demon”
Medieval South Asia
Sanskrit/Prakrit
rakṣā
“ritual protection, including protective cords and ceremonies”
Modern English
English
raksha
“a South Asian protective charm, ritual, or observance”
Explore more surprising origins