anuhārya

 “Anuhārya” (अनुहार्य) in Sanskrit primarily means “to be imitated” and also refers to monthly obsequies or ritual offerings performed on the new moon day.

Definition and Etymology

The word anuhārya is a tatpurusha compound derived from anu

(meaning “after” or “along with”) and the root hṛ (“to take” or “to carry”),

forming anu-hārya, literally meaning "to be imitated"

Wisdom Library+2

.

Grammatically, it is used as both an adjective (mfn.) and a masculine 

noun: as an adjective, it describes something worthy of imitation; as

a noun, it refers to certain rituals or observances.

Cultural and Ritual Context

Monthly obsequies: In Hindu ritual practice, anuhārya signifies the 

offerings or libations to deceased ancestors, observed primarily on 

the Darśa or new moon day. It is sometimes used interchangeably 

with anvāhārya, a longer form documented in classical Sanskrit 

texts

2

.

To be imitated: As an adjective, it connotes conduct, behavior, or 

examples that are worthy of imitation, emphasizing ethical or 

exemplary aspects in literary or philosophical texts

2

.

1. 

   

   4 Sources
2. 
   

Summary of Usage

• Adjective (mfn.): To be imitated, exemplary.
• Noun (m.): Monthly obsequies or ritual offerings on the new moon day.
• Literary sources: Found in Sanskrit dictionaries like 
• Monier-Williams and Apte, as well as classical works such as 
• Amarakoṣa

  2

  .
• 

  

  2 Sources
• 
  

In essence, anuhārya couples the spiritual observance of ancestral 

rituals with the metaphorical idea of an ideal or pattern worthy of 

emulation, demonstrating both ritual and ethical dimensions in 

Sanskrit usage

Wisdom Library+1

.