aniṣṭa phala

 Aniṣṭa Phala (अनिष्टफल) in Sanskrit literally means “undesirable result” or “evil fruit,” referring to outcomes that are harmful, inauspicious, or unwanted.

Breakdown of the Compound

• Aniṣṭa (अनिष्ट): a negation of iṣṭa, meaning "not desired," "unfavorable,"
• or "harmful."
• Phala (फल): meaning "fruit," "result," or "outcome" in both literal
• (plant fruit) and metaphorical senses (result of actions) 

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Together, Aniṣṭa-phala forms a karmadhāraya compound 

(adjective-noun type), reflecting the outcome that is considered 

negative or harmful

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Contexts and Usage

1. Philosophical and Religious Contexts:
   • In broader Sanskrit literature, it commonly signifies the bad 
   • consequences of actions, including moral, ritual, or karmic results.
2. General Sanskrit Definition:
   • Phala alone can mean fruit, reward, outcome, or result of 
   • any action 

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     , while Aniṣṭa specifies that the outcome is 
   • negative or harmful, emphasizing its undesirability.
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Example Interpretation

• If a certain action yields unintended harm, the effect is its
• aniṣṭa-phala.
• Contrast with iṣṭa-phala (इष्टफल), which refers to favorable or 
• desired results.

In summary, Aniṣṭa-phala (अनिष्टफल) is widely used in Sanskrit texts 

to denote an unwanted, harmful, or inauspicious result, often in moral,

religious, or karmic contexts 

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