dharmaḥ

 The Sanskrit word "dharmaḥ" (धर्मः) broadly signifies 

duty, righteousness, moral law, or the principle that 

upholds and sustains the universe and society 

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Fundamental Meaning

Etymologically, "dharma" comes from the root dhṛ, which means 

to hold, sustain, or support. It refers to that which upholds the 

order of the world, the social structure, and the well-being of 

all beings

Dharmawiki

 . In this sense, dharma is both a cosmic 

and social principle that maintains harmony and stability. Every 

living being has its own dharma, corresponding to its nature, role 

in life, and societal duties 

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Ethical and Moral Dimensions

Dharma is often translated as righteousness, moral duty, virtue, 

or ethical conduct. Classical texts like the Manusmriti provide 

guidelines for dharma, emphasizing qualities such as non-violence 

(ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), honesty (asteya), purity (śauca), 

and self-control (indriya-nigraha)

Dharmawiki

 . Following dharma 

involves performing one's duties according to one's position in life, 

stage of life (āśrama), and social context (varna) 

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Scriptural Context

In the Mahabharata, dharma is described as that which sustains 

and uplifts humanity: “That which supports, that which holds 

together society and ensures the well-being of living beings is 

surely dharma” 

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. The famous shloka Yato 

Dharmastato Jayaḥ (Where there is dharma, there is victory) 

emphasizes that ethical conduct aligns with ultimate success 

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In the Bhagavad Gita (3.35), dharma is highlighted as one’s 

own prescribed duties (svadharma) appropriate to an individual’s 

nature and role in society. It suggests it is better to follow one’s 

own imperfect duty than to perform another’s duties perfectly, 

emphasizing the alignment of action with natural and moral law 

Bhagavad Gita, The Song of God

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Spiritual and Philosophical Aspect

Dharma also encompasses spiritual dimensions. Activities aligned 

with dharma lead to progress of consciousness, knowledge, 

and spiritual fulfillment, while adharma (unrighteousness) 

obstructs it 

Online Vedabase

. In devotional contexts, dharma 

integrates personal duties with devotion to God and the divine 

principles that govern cosmic order 

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Summary

Dharmaḥ (धर्मः) is a multi-dimensional concept encompassing:

• Moral duty and ethical conduct (righteousness, virtue)
• Social and universal order (that which sustains society)
• Spiritual law (alignment with divine and cosmic principles)
• Individual duty (actions appropriate to one’s position, profession, 
• and nature)

Dharma is complex and context-sensitive, often resisting a single 

English equivalent. Words like “righteousness,” “duty,” “law,” and 

“virtue” capture aspects of the meaning, but the full connotation 

includes ethical, social, spiritual, and cosmic dimensions 

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