Maharshi (from Sanskrit pronounced “Mahar-Shee,” or “Mahar-shi.” Due to certain rules of conjunct in Sanskrit the “Ri” in Maharishi is not pronounced. The conjunct of the two words flows together to make the pronunciation less the “Ri” sound. ''Maha' can be translated to mean “great” both in quantity and/or quality. “Rishi,” is a seer, one with awareness. In context to the nature of this title a Mahrishi is one who has great, expanded and refined vision, including subtle forms of vision such as the third eye and intuition etc. that encompasses the entire universe and yet can still maintain precise detail in their actions and thoughts.

The term is technically a title, not a name, yet it is often used in that context, similar to that which would be used when adressing a judge or a doctor. “How are you doing today Dr.?” “It is nice to see you this afternoon your honor.” "Maharshi" may refer to any number of individuals who have had the title affixed to their name, such as Shri Ramana Maharshi, an Advaita Vedanta sage of South India, or Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of Transcendental Meditation.