| Ka | |
|---|---|
| क | |
| Usage | |
| Writing system | Devanagari script |
| Type | Abugida |
| Language of origin | Sanskrit |
| Sound values | |
| In Unicode | U+0915 |
| History | |
| Development | 
|
| Time period | 7th century |
| Descendants |
|
| Other | |
| Writing direction | Left-to-Right |
| This article containsphonetic transcriptions in theInternational Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). For an introductory guide on IPA symbols, seeHelp:IPA. For the distinction between[ ],/ / and ⟨ ⟩, seeIPA § Brackets and transcription delimiters. | |
Ka (कk) (कवर्णkavarṇa) is the first consonant of theDevanagariabugida. It ultimately arose from theBrahmi letter 𑀓 (), after having gone through theGupta letter
. Letters that derive from it are theGujarati letterક, and theModi letter 𑘎.
In all languages, क is pronounced as[kə] or[k] when appropriate. In the following example, क implements its inherent vowel, theschwa:
In this example, कdeletes the inherent schwa for correct pronunciation:
Certain words that have been borrowed fromPersian andArabic implement thenukta to more properly approximate the original word. It is then transliterated as aq.
Aryabhata used Devanagari letters for numbers, very similar to that of the Greeks, even after the invention ofIndian numerals.The values of the different forms of क are:
क (ka) also seen as कि (ki), or के (ke). This is usually a flat, nonresonant stroke of the left hand. The heel of the hand is left on the drum, while the hand rotates to hit the drum, with the focus of the force being focused between the tips and first joints of the fingers.
के (ke) is the abbreviation used for केतु (Ketu), the descending lunar node. InHindu astrology Ketu represents karmic collections both good and bad, spirituality and supernatural influences. Ketu is associated with theMatsyaAvatar (Fish Incarnation) ofVishnu. Ketu signifies the spiritual process of the refinement of materialization to spirit and is considered both malefic and benefic, as it causes sorrow and loss, and yet at the same time turns the individual toGod. In other words, it causes material loss in order to force a more spiritual outlook in the person. Ketu is akaraka or indicator of intelligence, wisdom, non-attachment, fantasy, penetrating insight, derangement, and psychic abilities. Ketu is believed to bring prosperity to the devotee's family, removes the effects of snakebite and illness arising out of poisons. He grants good health, wealth and cattle to his devotees.