neuter nominative singular in composition, or accusative singular (if treated as an irregular neuter); compounds in the canon often appear in the nominative form used as a title or declaration
Analysis. Compound: maṅgala (blessing, auspiciousness) + muttama (superlative form of muṭṭha, highest, foremost). The word appears as a title in the Maṅgalasutta (Sn 5.1) where it encapsulates the Buddha's teaching that ethical conduct and wisdom are the true blessings, surpassing ritual and superstition.
Etymology. maṅgala is of uncertain origin, possibly from a Dravidian root; muttama is the superlative of muṭṭha (struck, beaten), which semantically shifts to 'foremost' or 'supreme' (the sense of being singled out). The pairing became canonical: the Maṅgalasutta defines it against false blessings (marriage rites, sacrifices, etc.).
Meanings from the Digital Pāḷi Dictionary; morphology and etymology by Claude.
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