anatikramaṇīya

 Anatikramaṇīya (अनतिक्रमणीय) is an adjective in Sanskrit meaning "not to be overstepped, transgressed, or violated"; it is considered inviolable and unavoidable.

Definition and Etymology

The word is derived from the combination of the negative prefix “an-” 

and “atikramaṇīya” from the root “atikrama”, meaning "to step across, 

go beyond, or transgress." Thus, anatikramaṇīya literally conveys

something that must not be trespassed or disregarded

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Usage in Sanskrit Literature

General Sanskrit usage: It is used as an adjective to describe actions,

rules, duties, or principles that are inviolable, inevitable, or 

unavoidable, emphasizing that they are not to be neglected or avoided 

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. Examples from classical texts include the Mahābhārata and 

plays such as Mṛcchakaṭika and Śākuntala, where moral, social, or

ritual obligations are considered anatikramaṇīya 

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Qualities of Anatikramaṇīya

• Inviolable/Unavoidable: The term often describes laws, duties, or
• principles that are mandatory and must be respected.
• Ethical and ritual significance: It carries moral weight, indicating 
• actions one cannot ethically ignore or violate.
• Applicability: Can be used in philosophical, religious, and secular 
• contexts to denote non-transgressable rules or practices

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In summary, anatikramaṇīya conveys a sense of strict adherence, 

whether in ethical conduct, ritual observances, or universal principles. 

It emphasizes what is inviolable, inevitable, and not to be transgressed,

reflecting the importance of respecting boundaries in spiritual, moral, 

and social frameworks 

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