dhara

Dhara is a term found in Sanskrit and several Indian languages, referring to notions of flow or bearing. Etymologically, it derives from the Sanskrit root dhar- meaning to hold, bear, or support, and in noun form it is used for streams, rivers, or flowing substances, as well as in various compounds.

In cultural and religious contexts, dhara appears in literature and ritual to denote streams or the act of pouring. In Ayurveda, the term is associated with Shirodhara, a traditional therapy that involves a continuous flow of warm oil over the forehead to calm the senses.

Geography and onomastics note that the name Dhara is used as a place name in several countries and as a personal given name in India and Nepal. When used as a given name, it is often interpretation-linked to meanings such as earth or flow, reflecting its linguistic roots.

Variants and related forms include Dhar and Dharā, and the term appears in a range of compound words across Indian languages. Dhara functions as a versatile word in linguistic, cultural, medical, and onomastic contexts, illustrating how a single term can travel across domains while retaining a core sense of movement or support.