What is the sanskrit word for sin?

There isn't one single Sanskrit word that directly translates to "sin" in the same way it's understood in Abrahamic religions. The concept of sin, as a transgression against a divine law, isn't as prominent in classical Hindu thought.

However, several Sanskrit words convey related concepts, depending on the specific aspect of "sin" you're referring to:

* Pāpa (पाप): This is a common word for "sin" or "evil deed," often associated with negative karma. It refers to actions that bring harm to oneself or others and can lead to suffering in this life or future rebirths.

* Dosa (दोष): This word means "fault" or "blemish" and refers to moral shortcomings or flaws in character. It can be related to actions or to inherent tendencies that lead to negative outcomes.

* Anrta (अनृत): This word means "falsehood" or "untruth" and is often used to describe actions that violate truth and righteousness.

* Adharma (अधर्म): This is the opposite of dharma (righteousness) and encompasses actions that go against moral principles and societal norms. It can include various forms of wrongdoing, including lying, cheating, stealing, and violence.

It's important to understand that the concept of sin in Hinduism is nuanced and doesn't solely focus on breaking divine laws. It's more about the impact of actions on oneself and others, leading to karmic consequences.

Instead of a singular word for "sin," there are various words that describe different aspects of moral transgression, highlighting the complexity of the concept in the Hindu context.