anta kāla

 Anta kāla (अन्तकाल) in Sanskrit literally means "time of death" or "final period" and refers to the concluding phase of life or existence in philosophical and literary contexts

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Linguistic Breakdown

The term anta kāla is a compound (tatpurusha) of two Sanskrit words:

• anta (अन्त) — end, conclusion, final part
• kāla (काल) — time, period, hour
  Thus, anta kāla literally translates to “end-time” or "hour of death"

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Definitions Across Languages and Traditions

• Sanskrit: In classical and scriptural texts, anta kāla denotes the moment of death, the transition from life to death, and is sometimes discussed in contexts of liberation or spiritual release (e.g., Bhagavad Gītā mentions attaining Brahman even at the concluding time)

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• Marathi: Refers similarly to the hour of death or final period in human life, emphasizing the concreteness of the last phase

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• Nepali: Used to denote the last moment or dying time akin to its Sanskrit meaning

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Philosophical and Scriptural Context

In Hindu philosophy and yogic texts, anta kāla is more than a mere timestamp of death. It symbolizes:

• The ultimate transition of the soul from the physical body
• The spiritual opportunity for liberation or moksha, if consciousness is maintained properly at that moment

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• Found in texts like the Bhagavad Gītā (2.72) and the Bṛhadāranyaka Upaniṣad (4.3.38) as a pivotal moment for spiritual realization

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Summary

Anta kāla encapsulates both the literal and philosophical sense of “final hour,” “time of death,” or the “last period of life.” It is used across Sanskrit, Marathi, Nepali, and Pali languages, appearing in religious, literary, and philosophical contexts to denote mortality as well as the spiritual significance of life’s conclusion

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It is a key concept in discussions about death, dharma, and liberation, highlighting the importance of mindfulness and spiritual readiness during the last moments of life.