anuhrāda

 Anuhrāda (अनुह्राद) is a Sanskrit proper name appearing in ancient Indian texts, notably the Mahābhārata and Harivaṃśa, referring to individuals, often of royal or mythological lineage, with historical and Puranic significance.

Linguistic and Etymological Meaning

In Sanskrit, Anuhrāda is a compound word derived from ‘anu’

(following or subordinate) and ‘hrāda’ (related to delight, welfare, 

or a proper name based on hrād). The word is masculine in 

grammatical gender and is used in classical texts primarily as a 

proper name for people, particularly sons of notable mythological 

figures or princes

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References in Ancient Indian Literature

Mahābhārata: Anuhrāda is mentioned multiple times

(e.g., I.61.7, I.59.18, I.65) as a proper name, referring to people and 

occasionally places or settlements

1

. The Mahābhārata, an epic 

with over 100,000 ślokas, contains various instances of this name

in genealogical or narrative contexts.

Harivaṃśa: Anuhrāda is recorded as a son of Hiraṇyakaśipu, highlighting

his connection to the cosmic and divine narrations embedded in Puranic

genealogies

2

. Sometimes, in genealogical lists, alternate spellings

like Anuhlāda/ Anuḥlāda are also used, emphasizing variations in

manuscripts over time

1

.

Puranic Context: He is included in historical-Puranic listings, 

emphasizing the intricate connections between Diti, Daityas, 

and Asuras. Anuhrāda appears alongside siblings and other

mythological characters in Vaṃśa or dynastic narratives

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.

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   2 Sources
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Related Name Usage

• Alternate spellings include Anuhlāda, Anuḥlāda, used interchangeably
• in Puranic genealogies

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  .
• The name also carries connotations in astrology or horoscopy 
• when linked to Nakshatras, although Anuhrāda specifically is more
• personal in nature, unlike Anuradha (अनुराधा), which refers to a lunar
• mansion or constellation

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Summary

Anuhrāda is primarily:

• A male proper name in Sanskrit literature
• Appearing in Mahābhārata and Harivaṃśa, often as a son of
• Hiraṇyakaśipu or other mythological figures
• Highlighted in Puranic genealogies and mythological accounts
• for historical or dynastic significance
• Documented in alternate forms like Anuhlāda/Anuḥlāda depending
• on manuscript traditions
• Etymologically a compound meaning roughly "following or related
• to Hrāda," commonly interpreted as a name representing welfare,
• lineage, and divine connection

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• 

  

  2 Sources
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Thus, Anuhrāda holds importance in Sanskrit epic and Purāṇic

literature as a proper noun, reflecting both historical-mythological 

and naming traditions.