Nikanor's beam is a fictional concept from the novel "The Master and Margarita" by Mikhail Bulgakov. It refers to a mysterious and powerful beam of light that can illuminate the truth and reveal hidden realities. The beam symbolizes enlightenment and the search for deeper understanding in a world filled with deception. In the story, the beam is associated with the character Nikanor Ivanovich Bosoy, who is a minor official. His experiences with the beam highlight themes of morality, truth, and the consequences of one's actions, reflecting the broader philosophical questions posed throughout the novel.