How Do You Spell MAHARI?

Pronunciation: [mahˈɑːɹi] (IPA)

The word "mahari" is spelled with four letters, but its pronunciation is not as simple. According to IPA phonetic transcription, "mahari" is pronounced as /məˈhɑri/. That means the "a" sound is pronounced as "uh," and the "i" sound is pronounced as "ee." The "h" is also silent, and the emphasis is placed on the second syllable. Despite its complexity, "mahari" is a unique and meaningful word, typically used to describe a type of traditional Indian dancer.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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MAHARI Meaning and Definition

  1. Mahari is a term that originates from the ancient Indian devadasi tradition. In this context, mahari refers to a female who is dedicated to serving a deity or temple. The term is derived from the Sanskrit words "maha," which means great, and "hari," which stands for Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. Therefore, mahari can be understood as "great servant of Vishnu."

    Historically, maharis were young girls or women who were sent to temples and offered to the deities. They were trained in various forms of art and dance, such as classical dance forms like Odissi or Bharatanatyam, as well as devotional music and singing. As part of their service, maharis would perform these arts in the temple premises during religious ceremonies and festivals, contributing to the overall spiritual ambiance.

    The role of maharis has evolved over time. In the past, they held a revered and respected position within society, and their artistry was highly regarded. However, with societal changes and the decline of the devadasi system, the position of maharis has faced challenges in recent times. Efforts have been made to preserve the cultural heritage associated with maharis, and today, the term can refer to both historical figures and contemporary artists who contribute to the performance and interpretation of traditional dance and music styles.

    Overall, mahari encompasses the concept of a female artist who is dedicated to serving a deity through the expression of classical arts, upholding cultural traditions and spiritual values.

Common Misspellings for MAHARI

Etymology of MAHARI

The word "mahari" has its origins in the Marathi language, which is one of the major regional languages spoken in the Indian state of Maharashtra. In Marathi, the term "mahārī" (महारी) is derived from the Sanskrit word "maharat" (महरत), which can be broken down into "maha" meaning "great" and "rat" meaning "charioteer".

Originally, the term "mahārī" referred to a female warrior or a woman skilled in warfare. In a historical context, these "mahārīs" were an integral part of the Maratha army, known for their exceptional skills in archery, horse-riding, and combat. Over time, the term "mahārī" came to be associated with the community and caste of these warrior women.