Hi, it’s Junko from Japan! If you’re curious about Gaara’s meaning in Naruto, you’ve come to the right place!
Gaara’s name has intrigued many fans, largely because its kanji symbols can be interpreted in two intriguing ways. Is it ‘a demon who loves himself’ or ‘a demon whom I love’?
Let’s unravel this mystery together and discover the true Gaara’s name meaning!
Gaara’s Kanji Meaning in Japanese
GA = I, myself
A = love
RA = god of war
The last symbol RA originally represents “thin cloth”, but it’s used as a part of the word SHURA in the NARUTO’s story. I mean, Gaara’s RA is Shura’s RA.
The word Shura comes from a Buddhism god ASHURA who governs the world of war. Ashura originally lived in heaven but was thrown out and built his own world.
Here’s the picture of the Ashura statue in the Kohfukuji National Treasure Museum in Japan.
Those who dwell in his world keep fighting each other and there’s no end to the conflicts. This is called “the way of Shura” and means “to live only to fight and kill others.” It reminds us of the childhood age of Gaara, doesn’t it?
The False Meaning of Gaara
When Gaara was little, Yashamaru tried to kill him and told him that Gaara’s mother Karura named him GAARA to represent “a kid who walks the way of Shura, fights only for himself, and loves only himself.”
Little Gaara got despaired to know the fact and carved the LOVE symbol on his forehead.
The Mother’s Love Embedded in the Sand
However, it’s revealed in NARUTO part 2 that what Yashamal told Gaara was completely opposite. Karura truly loved him. The name Gaara does not mean “Shura who loves himself” but “Shura whom I love.”
Also, his ability of “absolute defense” was given by her strong will to guard him, not come from the one-tailed beast’s power.
The meaning of Gaara’s name changes depending on who is the GA (I, myself) symbol shows. Gaara had believed that his name meant a “lonely demon”, but its true meaning was “my beloved son.”
Check out another post to learn more about what his unique “love” symbol stands for!
The Meaning of Gaara’s Symbol on His Forehead. 2 Secrets behind His Tattoo
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Read More: Naruto Characters Names: A Guide to Meanings and Origins
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