shuddha

Shuddha (Sanskrit: Śuddha) is an adjective meaning pure, clean, undefiled. In modern Indian languages the form shuddha or shuddh is used; śuddha is common in transliteration from Sanskrit. Etymology: from Sanskrit root śuddh- meaning "pure" with the suffix -a. It denotes purity in moral, ritual, or material senses.

In philosophy and religion, shuddha denotes purity of mind, soul, or ritual substance. Phrases include śuddha citta (pure mind) and śuddha bhakti (pure devotion). The concept plays a role in Advaita, Bhakti traditions, and Vedic rites as a criterion of right practice.

In Ayurveda and classical Indian medicine, shuddha is used to designate pure, unadulterated substances or substances purified by standard methods, as in shuddha ghṛta (pure ghee), shuddha aushadha (pure herb). Preparations labelled shuddha are meant to meet purity standards for therapeutic use.

In Indian classical music, śuddha swaras refer to natural, unaltered notes. For example, śuddha Re, śuddha Ga, śuddha Dha, and śuddha Ni denote the natural scale degrees, with other variants such as komal (flat) or teevra (sharp) used in different ragas.

In everyday language, shuddha marks purity or cleanliness, and the term appears in religious and cultural contexts describing pure substances, intentions, or character. It also occurs as a given name or part of compound names.