sarvam

Sarvam is a word from Sanskrit meaning “everything” or “the whole.” It is formed from sarva, meaning “all,” with the neuter suffix -m, and is used across Indian languages in a sense of totality or completeness.

In Hindu philosophy and scripture, sarvam appears in expressions that emphasize unity of the ultimate reality. The famous line “sarvam khalvidam brahma” is traditionally cited from the Chandogya Upanishad and translates to “All this is indeed Brahman.” This maxim is associated with Advaita Vedanta and other non-dual frameworks, where the diverse universe is understood as a manifestation of a single absolute principle.

Linguistically, sarvam functions as a general term for everything in everyday language as well as devotional and literary contexts. It can appear in poetry, hymns, and philosophical discourse to convey totality or wholeness in various forms.

In contemporary media and culture, the word has been used as a title in Indian cinema. A Tamil-language film released in 2009 bore the title Sarvam, illustrating the term’s broad cultural resonance beyond its philosophical usage. The word also appears in brand names, literature, and discourse that emphasize inclusivity or universality.

See also: Sarva, the related root meaning “all”; Chandogya Upanishad, where the phrase “sarvam khalvidam brahma” is found; Advaita Vedanta, for the non-dual interpretation of ultimate reality.