Pronunciation: [ˈɪʃtə] (IPA) 
The word "ishta" is spelled with four letters: i-s-h-t-a. In International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) notation, it would be transcribed as /ˈɪʃtə/. The first sound, /ɪ/, is a short "i" as in "sit." The second sound, /ʃ/, is the "sh" sound as in "shoe." The third sound, /t/, is a simple "t" sound like in "tea." And the last sound, /ə/, is the schwa sound as in the word "about." Combined, these sounds form the word "ishta."
Ishta is a Sanskrit term derived from the root word "ish," which means to desire or love intensely. In Hinduism, Ishta refers to a personal deity or a chosen form of the divine that an individual deeply admires, loves, and seeks to establish a personal connection with. It represents a unique and personal aspect of the Supreme Being that resonates with an individual on a profound level.
Ishta in Hindu philosophy embodies the idea of finding a connection with the divine through personal love and devotion. It is considered an intimate relationship between the individual and their chosen deity, where the deity becomes the very embodiment of divine love and perfection. This personal connection is cultivated through worship, devotion, meditation, and constant remembrance of the chosen Ishta. The devotee seeks to establish a profound emotional and spiritual bond with their Ishta, considering it as their ultimate guide, protector, and source of inspiration in their spiritual journey.
Ishta can take various forms, such as a specific deity from the Hindu pantheon, a guru, or a spiritual teacher who is revered and believed to embody the divine. The choice of Ishta is subjective and highly personal, as it depends on the individual's innate inclinations, preferences, and experiences. It serves as a means to transcend the boundaries of the material world and attain spiritual enlightenment, self-realization, and union with the divine.
The word "ishta" has its origin in Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language of South Asia. In Sanskrit, "iṣṭa" (इष्ट) is an adjective that means "desired", "liked", or "best". It derives from the root verb "iṣ" (इष्) which means "to desire" or "to wish". In Hindu philosophy, "ishta" refers to one's chosen deity or personal form of God that an individual feels a special connection with or worships. The term has been adopted into English and is frequently used in Hindu and Yogic traditions to describe one's preferred or cherished deity, practice, or spiritual path.
