anāṣṭra

 Anāṣṭra (अनाष्ट्र) is a Sanskrit adjective meaning "exempt from danger" or "free from harmful or dangerous opponents," often used in Vedic and classical texts.

Definition and Etymology

• The word anāṣṭra is formed from the prefix a- (negation) and
• the root nāṣṭra, meaning danger or opponents 

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• Grammatically, it is a masculine, feminine, and neuter adjective 
• (mfn), and it can also appear as a bahuvrīhi compound, referring 
• to someone or something characterized by the property of
• being free from danger 

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Classical References

• Vedic Literature: The term appears in the Śatapatha-brāhmaṇa
• and other Vedic texts to describe beings, objects, or circumstances
• that are safe or not subject to harm 

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• Usage in Texts: It can refer to a person who is protected from 
• enemies or harmful forces, or to a situation that is secure and 
• free from threat

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• Related forms include atināṣṭra, emphasizing a higher degree of 
• protection or exemption from danger 

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Grammatical Notes

• As an adjective, anāṣṭra agrees with the noun it qualifies in gender,
• number, and case. For example, in Sanskrit, one could describe a
• hero or a sacred object as anāṣṭra to indicate immunity from peril.
• In compounds, the word can form part of descriptive bahuvrīhi 
• compounds to signify possession of safety or invulnerability.

Summary

Key points about anāṣṭra:

• Meaning: Exempt from danger, safe, free from enemies or harmful
• influences 

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• Part of Speech: Adjective (mfn), also used in bahuvrīhi compounds.
• Etymology: a- (not) + nāṣṭra (danger, enemy).
• Classical Usage: Appears in Vedic literature (e.g., Śatapatha-brāhmaṇa)
• to describe beings or objects free from threat 

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Understanding anāṣṭra provides insight into Sanskrit literary and 

religious usage, where safety, protection, and immunity from harm 

are conceptually important. For further study, checking occurrences

in Vedic texts or Sanskrit dictionaries like Monier-Williams can 

provide concrete examples of its use 

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