What is Artha? Why is it important?

By Dipika Mehra

Most people translate Vedic Sanskrit word Artha as Wealth. And Wealth for the majority of people around the world implies material possession and currency. This is by far a very narrow definition of Wealth.

Artha essentially signifies abundance, which is not limited to currency alone. Besides, Artha also translates to “meaning, sense, goal and purpose”, which gives it a broader perspective. Therefore, Artha can be better understood as that “meaningful wealth” which is the harbinger of abundance leading unto bliss....