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DictionarymahatmaRevered spiritual person
noun / proper noun

mahatma

muh-HAT-muh/məˈhætmə/

A person honored for spiritual wisdom or holiness.

A visitor bows respectfully before the mahatma.

A respected spiritual teacher sits quietly on a low woven mat while a visitor bows deeply before her with joined palms.
Etymology
mahSanskritgreat
+atmaSanskritsoul, principle of life

“Great” and “soul” give the literal sense “great-souled.” This description of spiritual greatness became an affectionate, respectful title for a revered person.

In context

Paul Benedict New Raja Yoga17:15
the slightest, slightest suggestion from the Mahatma is like a command to them.
Session 66 | Secrets of the Mahatma Letters

More examples

  • The biography explains why Gandhi was called Mahatma.
  • Pilgrims came to seek advice from the mahatma.
  • The title mahatma expressed the community’s reverence.

Forms

mahatma · mahatmas

Similar words

guru
A guru is a spiritual teacher; mahatma is an honorific recognizing exceptional spiritual stature.
sage
A sage is a wise person; mahatma has a particular South Asian spiritual association.