Kannada, a language spoken in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, has a rich collection of words that reflect the region’s deep-rooted cultural affinity with religion and spirituality. Understanding these words can offer a glimpse into the spiritual life of Kannadigas and help anyone interested in learning the language to connect with local traditions and practices more profoundly. Here are some essential Kannada words related to religion and spirituality, along with their meanings and example sentences:

Dharm
The Kannada word for “religion” or “duty,” dharm encapsulates the idea of one’s righteous path in life according to religious or moral laws.
ನನ್ನ ಜನ್ಮಧರ್ಮ ನನ್ನನ್ನು ಒಳ್ಳೆಯ ಪಥದಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆಸುತ್ತಿದೆ. (Nanna janmadharma nannannu olleya pathadalli nadesuttide.)

Devaru
This is the Kannada term for “God” or “deity,” often used to refer to any divine figure worshipped in various religions.
ಎಲ್ಲಾ ದೇವರುಗಳು ಒಂದೇ ಸತ್ಯವನ್ನು ಬೋಧಿಸುತ್ತವೆ. (Ellā devarugaḷu ondē satyavannu bōdhisuttave.)

Puja
“Puja” refers to the act of worshipping or offering devotional homage to the gods, usually involving rituals like lighting lamps, offering flowers, and chanting.
ನಾವು ಪ್ರತಿ ದಿನವೂ ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಪೂಜೆ ಮಾಡುತ್ತೇವೆ. (Nāvu prati dinavū maneyalli pūje māḍuttēve.)

Bhakti
Bhakti means “devotion” or “spiritual love,” and is a term especially linked with devotion towards a personal god.
ಭಕ್ತಿಯ ಮೂಲಕ ಆಂತರಿಕ ಶಾಂತಿ ಸಿಗುತ್ತದೆ. (Bhaktiya mūlaka āntarika śānti siguttade.)

Yoga
While “yoga” has various dimensions, in Kannada it typically refers to the practice of physical postures and breath control for spiritual well-being.
ಯೋಗ ನನ್ನ ಮನಸ್ಸನ್ನು ಸ್ಥಿರವಾಗಿಸುತ್ತದೆ. (Yōga nanna manassannu sthiravāgisuttade.)

Atma
The concept of the “soul” or “spirit” in Kannada is atma, reflecting the eternal, true self beyond the physical body.
ಆತ್ಮವು ಸಾವಿಲ್ಲದೇ ಇರುವ ಚೈತನ್ಯ. (Ātmavu sāvilladē iruva caitanya.)

Moksha
Moksha is the ultimate spiritual goal in many Indian religions, implying liberation from the cycle of birth and death and unification with the divine.
ಮೋಕ್ಷ ಎನ್ನುವುದು ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಧರ್ಮಗಳ ಗುರಿ. (Mōkṣa ennuvudu ellā dharmagaḷa guri.)

Tapas
“Tapas” refers to asceticism or practicing self-discipline and austerity for spiritual growth or to fulfill a sacramental vow.
ಆತ ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಕಾಲ ತಪಸ್ಸು ಮಾಡಿದ. (Āta varṣagaḷa kāla tapassu māḍida.)

Mantra
A “mantra” is a sacred utterance, phonetic syllable, word, or group of words believed to have spiritual power or energy.
ಮಂತ್ರಗಳು ಧ್ಯಾನದ ಒಂದು ಭಾಗವಾಗಿವೆ. (Mantragalu dhyānada ondu bhāgavāgive.)

Vrata
A vrata is a vow or a religious practice often followed during festivals or certain periods of the year, involving fasting and prayers.
ಅವಳು ನವರಾತ್ರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ವ್ರತ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಾಳೆ. (Avaḷu navarātriyalli vrata māḍuttāḷe.)

Understanding these words and integrating them into conversations can enhance your engagement with Kannadiga culture and provide deeper insight into the spiritual practices prevalent in Karnataka. The application of these terms during language learning not only helps in vocabulary building but also in gaining a profound appreciation for the regional diversity and spiritual nuances of India.