Akāra and Ākāra

The Sanskrit word has two primary translations depending on the pronunciation of the initial 'A' and the context: 

Akāra (अकार, short 'a') and Ākāra (आकार, long 'ā').

1. Akāra (अकार) - The Syllable 'A'

This is the most common meaning of the short-vowel akāra and refers to the first letter and sound of the Sanskrit alphabet. 

• Significance: It holds profound spiritual significance in Hindu philosophy. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna declares, "Among letters, I am the letter A" (Akṣarāṇām akārosmi), highlighting its role as the fundamental, primordial sound from which all other sounds and creation emerge. It is a key component of the sacred syllable Oṃ (A-U-M). 

2. Ākāra (आकार) - Form, Shape, or Appearance

This is the meaning when the initial 'A' is pronounced as a long vowel (ā), and is the most common use in general language. 

• Meaning: It translates to "form," "shape," "appearance," "aspect," or "manner".
• Usage: It describes the physical manifestation of something or the outward expression of feelings or qualities. For example, sat-cit-ānanda-ākāra describes a form that is eternal, conscious, and blissful. 
  The Sanskrit words 
  Akāra (अकार, short 'a', the letter/sound 'A') and Ākāra (आकार, long 'ā', meaning "form" or "shape") are distinct words used in very different contexts in literature.
  Here are samples demonstrating the usage of both terms:
  Samples for Akāra (अकार) - The Sound or Letter "A"
  This usage is found in linguistic, grammatical, and highly spiritual/Upanishadic texts, where the letter 'A' is treated as the foundational sound of existence.
  • In the Bhagavad Gitā (Chapter 10, Verse 33):
    Lord Krishna identifies himself with the syllable 'A', emphasizing its primordial nature within the alphabet.

    akṣarāṇām akāro 'smi dvandvaḥ sāmāsikasya ca |
    aham evākṣayaḥ kālo dhātāhaṁ viśvato-mukhaḥ ||Translation: "Among letters, I am the letter A (Akāra), and of compound words I am the dual compound. I am also the inexhaustible time, and I am the creator whose face is everywhere."

  • In the Māṇḍūkya Upaniṣad (Regarding the sacred syllable Oṃ):
    The Upaniṣad breaks down the syllable Oṃ (AUM) into its constituent parts, where 'A' is the first component.

    jāgarita-sthāno vaiśvānaro 'kāraḥ prathamā mātrā...Translation: "Vaiśvānara, whose sphere is the waking state, is the A-sound (Akāra), the first component..."

  • In Grammatical Texts:
    A-kāra is the technical term used by grammarians (like Pāṇini) to refer to the vowel sound itself.
  Samples for Ākāra (आकार) - Form, Shape, or Appearance
  This usage is found in philosophical texts describing the nature of reality (whether something has form or is formless), general descriptions in poetry, and fables.
  • In Philosophical Descriptions (Describing the Divine):
    Often used to describe whether the divine has a specific shape (sākāra, with form) or is formless (nirākāra, without form).

    nirguṇa-nirākāra-brahmanTranslation: "The Brahman [Absolute Reality] which is without qualities and without form (Ākāra)."

  • In the Viṣṇu Purāṇa (Describing a physical manifestation):
    Used to describe the physical appearance of a deity or being.

    ...buddha-rūpī, parama-śānta-ākāra-dharaḥ...Translation: "...assuming the form(Ākāra) of the Buddha, maintaining a supremely peaceful appearance..."

  • In General Poetic Description:
    Used to describe the physical aspect or posture of a person.

    saumya-ākāra-yuktaḥTranslation: "[He is] endowed with a gentle appearance(or peaceful demeanor)."