anuṣṭu

 Anuṣṭu (अनुष्टु) in Sanskrit primarily means "to praise" or "that which is to be praised," derived from the root √stu, commonly appearing in Vedic texts like the Ṛgveda.

Etymology and Composition

The term "anuṣṭu" is a compound of "anu" (अनु) and 

"stu" (स्तु)

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. Here, "stu" is a verbal root (√stu) meaning

to praise, laud, or glorify, often used in the context of hymns or devotional 

expressions. The prefix "anu-" can imply accompaniment or continuation, 

so the resulting compound suggests ongoing or repeated praise. In

some contexts, it can also represent something performed in a ritual 

or devotional sense.

Usage in Vedic and Sanskrit Literature

In the Vedic corpus, especially the Ṛgveda, anuṣṭu occurs as an 

imperative or indicative of ritual or poetic praise, directing humans or 

deities to be praised

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. It may appear in mantras, hymns, 

or stotras as a verbal form exhorting reverence and laudation. 

Grammatically, it connects to the verbal root √stu and belongs to

forms that convey commendation or ritual recitation.

Related Terms and Variants

• Anushtubh (अनुष्टुप्): A closely related term referring to the standard
• Vedic or classical meter of four quarters (padas) used in Sanskrit 
• shlokas, showing the literary extension of the root √stu in prosody.
• Stu: The verbal root meaning "praise" from which anuṣṭu derives

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• Anustu / Anushtu: Alternative transliterations used in Sanskrit 
• dictionaries

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Summary

Anuṣṭu is fundamentally a term of praise, rooted in ancient Sanskrit 

grammar and Vedic literature. It carries both linguistic significance

(deriving from √stu) and cultural-religious importance, appearing in 

hymns, mantras, and ritual literature to denote reverence, commendation, 

or glorification

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. Its study provides insight into

the devotional and poetic practices of ancient Hindu traditions.