akhila

The Sanskrit word 

अखिल (akhila), a masculine or neuter adjective, translates to "whole," "entire," "complete," or "all-encompassing". 

Etymology

The word is derived from the following components:

• अ- (a-): A negative prefix, meaning "not" or "without".
• खिल (khila): Meaning "fallow," "uncultivated land," or "gap/residue". 

Thus, akhila literally means "without a gap" or "nothing left over," leading to the meaning of "whole" or "complete". 

Significance and Usage

Akhila is a common and positive term used frequently in philosophy, mythology, and as a personal name.

• Philosophical Context: It often refers to the concepts of totality, unity, and the universal spirit or the entire universe itself.
• Divine Epithet: The feminine form, Akhilā, is a name for the consort of Lord Shiva, often seen as the divine mother who embodies the completeness of the universe (Akhilandeśwarī).
• Literary Usage: It is used as an adjective in scriptures to emphasize completeness, such as when describing "all" planetary systems or "every" blessing. 

For more definitions and usage examples, you can consult online Sanskrit dictionaries like the Sanskrit Dictionary at sanskritdictionary.com or the Wisdom Library.

also

The Sanskrit word 

अखिल (akhila), meaning "whole," "entire," or "all-encompassing," is widely used in spiritual texts, hymns, and classical poetry to emphasize totality, often in reference to the universe or the divine presence within it.

Here are samples of akhila used in various Sanskrit texts:

1. In the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam (1.5.20)

This verse describes the all-pervading nature of the Supreme Being, emphasizing that the entire universe exists within the divine.

• Sanskrit:

  akhila-śruti-mauliratna-mālā-dyotitājñāpana-dūta-dakṣam |

• Translation:

  "[The sage Vyāsadeva] was perfectly able to deliver the message of the Lord that awards all prosperity and is the crest jewel of all Vedic revelation (akhila śruti = allthe Vedas)."

• Sanskrit (SB 10.38.16):

  yasminn akhila-sattvānāṁ ātmā dṛśyate
  "In whom the Supersoul of all living entities is seen..."

2. In Devotional Hymns and Stotras (Prayers)

The term is frequently used as an epithet for deities who are considered the masters of the entire creation.

• Sanskrit: ...akhila-loka-nātha...
• Translation: "...the Lord of the entire universe (world system)..."
• Sanskrit: Akhilāṇḍeśvarī (A famous name of the Goddess Parvati)
• Translation: "The Sovereign Goddess of the Entire Universe" (a-khila-aṇḍa-īśvarī).

3. In the Mahābhārata and Legal Texts

Akhila is also used in a general sense in narratives and legal descriptions to denote the entirety of something, such as wealth or a kingdom.

• Sanskrit: ...akhilaṃ dhanaṃ...
• Translation: "...the entire wealth..."
• Sanskrit: ...akhila-kāryāṇi...
• Translation: "...all activities/duties..."

4. In the Viṣṇu Purāṇa

Used to describe the totality of existence or the complete body of scriptures.

• Sanskrit: ...vedāntārtha-vid akhilam...
• Translation: "...one who knows the purpose of all Vedanta [scriptures] (all or entirepurpose)..."