śrutvā

 The Sanskrit term "śrutvā" generally translates to 

"having heard" and is used in Hindu and 

Sanskrit texts to indicate an action that has been 

perceived through listening.

Etymology and Basic Meaning

"Śrutvā" (श्रुत्वा) is derived from the Sanskrit root śru, meaning 

“to hear”, combined with the affix -tvā indicating a completed 

action. Literally, it denotes “having heard”

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 . This 

usage reflects a participial form in Sanskrit grammar, often appearing 

in narrative or instruction to indicate that someone has listened to 

a command, teaching, or statement.

Context in Hinduism

In Hindu texts, "śrutvā" frequently appears in Puranas, epics, 

and Shakta literature to denote the act of hearing divine words, 

scriptures, or instructions. For example, in the Śivapurāṇa, it describes 

Parvati pleased upon hearing (śrutvā) Shiva’s words, emphasizing 

comprehension and devotion 

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. In Shaktism, it 

connotes attentive engagement, as in: “having heard the devotion, 

the mind responds” 

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.

Other Uses

• In Vastushastra (traditional Indian architecture), "śrutvā" refers to 
• hearing reports or observing events to determine auspicious or 
• inauspicious outcomes 

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• In Sanskrit dictionaries, it can also have translations in Chinese 
• as 聞已 (having heard) or 聽已 (already heard), reflecting its sense 
• in cross-cultural linguistic terms 

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Summary

Overall, "śrutvā" = "having heard", and is a participial form used 

to convey that an action of hearing has occurred, particularly in 

spiritual, scriptural, or narrative contexts. It emphasizes the listener’s 

receipt and understanding of spoken knowledge. Depending on 

the textual context—Hindu, Pali, or general Sanskrit—its 

use highlights attentive listening, comprehension, and the resulting 

realization or response.