anusṛ

 

In Sanskrit, “anusṛ” (अनुसृ) primarily means “to follow, 

pursue, attend, or go after,” and it can also denote conformity, 

going along with, or causing someone to follow.

Etymology and Formation

The word anusṛ is a compound of anu (अनु) meaning “after” or “along” 

and the root sṛ (सृ) meaning “to flow, go, or move.” Grammatically, it 

can function in both its basic intransitive sense (to follow) and causative

form (to cause to follow) in Sanskrit texts 

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. The term 

is related to the Prakrit word aṇusara and has alternative transliterations 

such as Anusr or Anusri in English 

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Definitions and Usage

To follow or go after: It refers to pursuing someone or something

 in a literal or figurative sense, such as following instructions, paths, 

or ideals. Example in classical literature: पूर्वोद्दिष्टामनुसर पुरीम् 

(“go after the city previously designated”) 

To attend, observe, or practice: It conveys adherence to rules, rituals, 

or moral codes in a disciplined manner 

To go over or through / to cause to follow: In its causative form, it means 

to lead forward, guide, or enable pursuit by others: वायुरनुसारयतीव माम् 

(“as if the wind causes me to follow”) 

Conformity or accordance: In philosophical or legal contexts, anusṛ 

can also signify alignment with laws, customs, or natural principles,

 representing adaptation or conformity to an established order

Related Concepts

• Anusāra (अनुसार): Often related, this derivative refers to “going after,” 
• “following the sequence,” or “in conformity with,” used in contexts 
• such as social norms, dharmic practice, or yoga philosophy 

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• Anuśara (अनुशर): Another variant, sometimes used as a proper 
• noun or denoting a type of spirit (Rākṣasa) in classical texts 

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Summary

Anusṛ is a versatile Sanskrit term encompassing the ideas 

of following, pursuing, attending, guiding, and conforming.

It appears widelyin classical literature, Hindu texts, and linguistic 

derivations to express both physical following and adherence 

to rules, sequences, or laws 

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Its understanding is enhanced by recognizing its root structure 

(anu + sṛ), causative forms, and related derivatives such 

as anusāra and anuśara.