parikīrtitā

 Parikīrtitā (परिकीर्तिता) means "declared to be," "proclaimed," 

or "said to be," and is used in Sanskrit texts to indicate that 

something is publicly stated, renowned, or reported.

Literal Meaning

The word parikīrtitā is derived from the prefix pari- (around, fully) 

and kīrtitā, related to "kīrti" (fame, proclamation). Grammatically, 

it is a past passive participle, which conveys the sense of something 

that has been proclaimed, announced, celebrated, or named

Sanskrit Dictionary+1

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In Sanskrit dictionaries, meanings include:

• Declared, pronounced, stated, or announced
• Celebrated, praised, or renowned
• Named or called

This form is often used adjectivally to describe a person, deity, object, 

or observance as recognized or acclaimed in a community or scripture.

Contextual Usage

Religious and Philosophical Texts:

In Hinduism (e.g., Shakta, Shaiva traditions), parikīrtitā often appears 

to indicate that a quality, observance, or deity is “said to be” or acknowledged 

for its spiritual significance 

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. For instance, certain esteemed rituals 

or divine aspects are referred to as parikīrtitā to signify their recognized 

importance among practitioners.

Epic and Purāṇic Literature: 

In texts like the Śivapurāṇa, the term is applied to highly virtuous 

individuals or idealized types, such as chaste wives or noble sages, 

to denote that their qualities are celebrated and recognized in traditional 

accounts 

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. For example, “uttamā sā parikīrtitā” means she 

is proclaimed the noblest of all.

General Literatures: 

Beyond religious texts, parikīrtitā also appears in Sanskrit poetry and 

prose as a descriptor for renowned persons, achievements, or acts, 

emphasizing that they are widely known or famous due to their merit 

or praise.

Summary

• Grammatical role: Past passive participle in Sanskrit
• Meaning: Declared, proclaimed, said to be, celebrated, or named
• Usage: Applied to persons, deities, rituals, or qualities that are publicly 
• acknowledged, praised, or renowned in classical, religious, and literary 
• contexts 

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  2 Sources

In essence, parikīrtitā is a versatile term denoting something that is 

recognized and proclaimed, often emphasizing cultural, spiritual, or 

moral acclaim. Its use conveys authority, reverence, or acknowledgment 

within the Sanskrit literary and religious tradition.