Mangal

Mangal is a term used in several South Asian languages with multiple, distinct meanings. It may refer to the planet Mars in Hindu astrology and in everyday speech; in Sanskrit and related languages, Mangala (Mangal) is the name given to Mars and is associated with energy, courage, and action. In astrology, the influence of Mars is evaluated in birth charts, and conditions such as Mangal dosha or Manglik are used in matrimonial assessments.

Linguistically, mangal means auspicious, benevolent, or fortunate, and is used in names, phrases, and rituals. The root is Sanskrit mangala, with derivatives appearing in many regional languages, including Mangala, Mangalam, and Mangalar.

As a personal name and surname, Mangal is common in India, Nepal, and surrounding regions. It is used as a given name for males and, less commonly, as a surname. Notable individuals include Mangal Pandey (1827–1857), an Indian soldier associated with events leading up to the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

In geography and culture, Mangal appears in toponyms and as part of organizational and religious names across parts of South Asia. The term also occurs in literature, music, and film titles in various languages, often reflecting its connotations of auspiciousness, strength, or action.

See also Mangala, Mangalam, and Mangala (disambiguation) for related terms.