anu kampita

 “Anu kampita” (अनुकम्पित) in Sanskrit means ‘pitied’, ‘compassionated’, or having a ‘compassionate spirit’, reflecting empathy or mercy towards others.

Etymology and Linguistic Roots

The term is formed from the prefix “anu-” meaning along with or following, 

and the root √kamp meaning to tremble or to be moved. Together, it 

conveys the idea of trembling along with someone, or being emotionally

affected by another's suffering

hindutone.com+1

 . The feminine form

anukampā (अनुकम्पा) denotes compassion, tenderness,

or sympathy

Wisdom Library+1

 .

Definitions and Usage

• Literal Meaning: Pitied, compassionated, commiserated, or 
• having a merciful or tender-hearted nature 

  2

  .
• Sanskrit Literature: Used to describe one who acts out of 
• compassion or mercy, often towards devotees, living beings, or
• those in distress. For example, anukampita-atma (अनुकम्पितात्मा)
• refers to a soul with a compassionate spirit

  1

   .
• Philosophical Context: In Jainism and Hindu ethics, anukampā
• represents a moral virtue, signifying empathy towards all living
• beings and leading to acts of kindness and alleviation of suffering 

  1

  . 
• 
  

Examples in Literature

• Bhagavad Gita: Lord Krishna speaks of acting “out of anukampā” 
• to uplift his devotees and remove their ignorance 

  1

  .
• Jain Texts: Tattvārthasūtra and Hemacandra’s works list anukampā 
• as one of the key virtues in cultivating right belief and tenderness
• towards others 

  1

  .
• Devotional Texts: Expressions like nija-jana-anukampita-hrdayah
• mean whose heart is always filled with mercy for his devotees

  1

   .
• 

  

  3 Sources
• 
  

Broader Connotation

Beyond literal pity, anukampita encompasses a responsive and 

empathetic quality, signaling not just passive sympathy but an 

active inclination to help others in distress. It is used across 

Sanskrit, Prakrit, Pali and Hindu texts to denote compassion or 

mercy as a central ethical value 

Wisdom Library+2

.

Summary

• Term: Anu Kampita (अनुकम्पित / अनुकम्पा)
• Part of Speech: Adjective / participial form; feminine noun for
• compassion (anukampā)
• Meaning: Pitied, compassionated, tender-hearted, empathetic, 
• merciful
• Usage: Ethical, philosophical, literarily devotional, and religious 
• contexts in Hinduism
• Root Concept: Emotional resonance with suffering, leading to
• kindness and action toward others 

  3

  .
• 

  

  3 Sources
• 
  

In essence, anu-kampita expresses deep, active compassion towards 

others, beyond mere pity, reflecting sensitivity, empathy, and the 

moral impulse to alleviate suffering.