In Sanskrit, “āstām” generally means “let it be,”
“let it remain,” or denotes a past state such as
“there were” or “were born,” depending on context.
Literal Meaning and Usage
- Let it be / let it remain – used in statements suggesting
- permission, continuation, or endurance (e.g., SB 10.14.33; SB 10.56.45)
- Should remain – implying an expectation or instruction
- (SB 10.57.38-39)
- There were / were / were born – past tense usage, indicating
- existence or occurrence in historical or narrative context
- (SB 10.10.24; SB 9.11.12; SB 4.1.35)
- Go live there and occupy the place – a directive sense in
- certain passages (SB 8.22.32)
Grammatical Notes
"āstām" is derived from the Sanskrit verbal root “as”, meaning
“to be.” Depending on vibhakti (case) and context, it functions as:
- Past tense or perfect tense form of “to be” for third-person
- plural or dual forms
- A form expressing continuity, permanence, or establishment
- 2 Sources
Contextual Significance
In classical texts, “āstām” is flexible, and its meaning is inferred
from the surrounding text:
- In narrative passages, it usually indicates that certain entities
- “existed” or “were born.”
- In imperative or devotional contexts, it can convey “let remain”
- or “may it remain,” highlighting continuity, preservation, or blessing.
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