also: こうがしゃ
numeric
10^52 (or 10^56)
A traditional Buddhist large number, originally meaning the number of sands of the Ganges. The exact value varies by system; in modern Japanese it is often 10^52, but some contexts use 10^56.
恒河沙は仏教の経典に出てくる大きな数の一つだ。
恒河沙 is one of the large numbers that appear in Buddhist scriptures.
noun
Figurative use meaning an extremely large, uncountable number. Rare in modern Japanese; mostly found in literary or religious contexts.
夜空には恒河沙の星が輝いていた。
In the night sky, countless stars were shining.
Irregular reading; it has irregular kana usage.
From the Sanskrit Gaṅgā (Ganges) and vālukā (sand), via Chinese 恒河沙. Originally a Buddhist term for the number of sands in the Ganges River, used as a metaphor for an uncountable multitude.