anuṣvadham

 Anuṣvadham (अनुष्वधम्) in Sanskrit means "according to one's will" or "voluntarily," referring to actions done willingly or freely

Wisdom Library+2

.

Definition and Usage

The term anu-ṣvadham is an adverb derived from the roots anu (after, according to) and sva-dhā (one’s own will or choice). It describes actions performed voluntarily, willingly, or in accordance with personal intent. In Vedic Sanskrit, it appears in the Rigveda and other Vedic texts, conveying the sense of performing an act freely rather than under compulsion

Wisdom Library+1

.

Contextual Example

• In Rigveda, the word is used to describe offerings or actions that are performed willingly by individuals, emphasizing voluntary participation in rituals or duties

  1

  .
• It carries a connotation of personal initiative in classical Sanskrit literature and is often opposed to acts done unwillingly or by obligation.
• 

  1 Source
• 
  

Pronunciation & Transliteration

• IAST: anuṣvadham
• Devanagari: अनुष्वधम्
• Also transliterated as Anushvadham or Anusvadham for ease in Latin script

  2

  .
• 

  

  2 Sources
• 
  

Etymology

• anu = according to, after
• sva = one’s own, self
• dhā = to place, to perform
  The combination implies placing or performing something according to one’s own will, hence "voluntarily" or "freely"

  2

  .
• 

  

  2 Sources
• 
  

Summary

Anuṣvadham emphasizes the voluntary nature of an action, especially in the context of ritualistic, ethical, or personal decisions, highlighting freedom of choice and willingness in Vedic and classical Sanskrit usage. It is primarily found in early Vedic texts like the Rigveda, illustrating the philosophical and moral undertones of actions done of one’s own accord

Wisdom Library+2

.