anustotra

 Anustotra (अनुस्तोत्र) in Sanskrit literally means "praising after" and refers to a hymn or treatise associated with ritual or devotional recitation, particularly linked to the Sāma-veda.

Etymology and Composition

The term Anustotra is a compound of two Sanskrit words:

• anu (अनु) — meaning "after" or "following"
• stotra (स्तोत्र) — meaning "praise" or "hymn"

Together, Anustotra translates to "praising after," indicating a composition

meant to be recited after a primary ritual or chant

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Usage in Literature

In historical texts and catalogs such as Aufrecht’s Catalogus 

Catalogorum, Anustotra is recognized as the name of a work 

associated with the Sāma-veda, one of the four Vedas of

Hinduism

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. These texts were often structured 

as hymns or songs intended for devotional chanting, learning, or 

liturgical purposes.

Related Forms

The singular Anustotram (अनुस्तोत्रम्) is the grammatical derivative 

often used when referring to an individual hymn or treatise. The 

concept of Anustotra aligns with stotras, which are devotional 

poems or songs praising deities, but it specifically denotes

recitation performed after a main chant or ritual sequence.

Summary

• Language: Sanskrit
• Literal Meaning: "Praising after"
• Function: Hymn or text for recitation after main rituals
• Associated Vedic Text: Sāma-veda
• Related Terms: Anustotram (singular form), stotra (praise)

Anustotra thus occupies a specific space in Vedic and devotional

practice, bridging ritual observance and devotional singing,

capturing both ritual sequencing and expressions 

of praise

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