Dhriti

What does Dhriti mean?

Dhriti means ‘firmness’, ‘constancy’ or ‘resolve’ in Sanskrit. Wiktionary and Monier-Williams connect dhṛti with a root meaning ‘to hold’ or ‘support’. The meanings move naturally from holding something steady to resolution or fortitude. These are established senses of the Sanskrit noun, which is used as a name. Its religious personification is an additional cultural connection, rather than the only way to understand the word.

Source: Wiktionary, धृति. How we use sources.

Spelling and pronunciation

धृति is approximately dhri-ti, in two syllables. Dhruti reflects a regional ru-like reading of the vowel written ऋ, while Dhrithi uses th for a t made near the teeth. The opening dh is a d released with breath. The final i is short in the Sanskrit form.

Also spelled Dhruti, Dhrithi.

Dhriti in tradition and story

The Manusmriti lists dhṛti among the qualities of dharma. Monier-Williams also records Dhriti as a personified figure, a daughter of Daksha and wife of Dharma in epic and Puranic literature. This gives the abstract noun a role in religious narrative.