anuvāka

 Anuvāka (अनुवाक) is a Sanskrit term meaning ‘saying after’ or ‘recitation’, used to denote a chapter, section, or subdivision of the Vedas.

Meaning and Etymology

The word anuvāka is derived from the root anu-vac, meaning “to recite,

repeat, or say after”

Wiktionary

. Literally, it signifies ‘saying after’ 

or ‘following the teacher’s recitation’, highlighting its oral transmission 

in Vedic practice

Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia

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Usage in Vedic Literature

In the context of the Vedas, an anuvāka refers to:

• A structural unit or section of the Veda, specifically used in the
• Samhitas (collections of hymns) and Brahmanas (prose 
• explanations) to organize content

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• A subdivision of the Ṛgveda or Yajurveda, often comprising a 
• series of suktas (hymns) or mantras

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• Each maṇḍala (book) of the Ṛgveda can contain multiple 
• anuvākas; for example, the Ṛgveda has 85 anuvākas

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• It may also denote a compilation or selection of Vedic sayings
• and can be used in Jain philosophical texts in a similar structural 
• sense

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Literary Significance

• Each anuvāka provides a manageable portion of Vedic text for 
• recitation, memorization, and instruction.
• It maintains liturgical and pedagogical structure, enabling teachers 
• and students to organize training in the oral tradition of the Vedas

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• In practical terms, the term also implies reciting or reading aloud, 
• emphasizing verbal performance rather than mere written text

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Summary

• Definition: Saying after, reciting, repeating, reading; a chapter, 
• section, or Vedic subdivision.
• Root: Derived from anu-vac (“to speak after, repeat”).
• Application: Used in Vedic texts (Ṛgveda, Yajurveda) as a structural
• unit, and sometimes in related religious literature.
• Purpose: Facilitates oral recitation, study, and understanding of 
• sacred texts.

Thus, anuvāka is both a practical and technical term in Sanskrit, 

deeply associated with the organization and recitation of 

Vedic literature

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