anuvākya

 Anuvākya (अनुवाक्य) is a Sanskrit term referring to a verse recited by the Hotṛ priest during Vedic rituals to invoke the deity to partake of the offering prepared for them, literally meaning “a verse to be repeated or recited.”

Definition and Etymology

The word Anuvākya combines anu (अनु), meaning “after” or “repeated,” 

and vākya (वाक्य), meaning “sentence” or “verse.” It is an adjective or 

noun depending on grammatical usage and commonly refers to a 

Vedic hymn or formula to be recited repeatedly during rituals. 

In some contexts, it is feminine as Anuvākyā

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Ritual Significance

• Role in Vedic Rituals: The Anuvākya is a verse recited specifically 
• by the Hotṛ or Maitrāvaruṇa priest during offerings, especially
• of Havis (clarified butter or oblations). The verse makes the deity 
• aware of and invites them to accept the offering

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• Recitation Style: These verses are typically spoken in a slow or 
• drawn-out tone, distinguishing them from yājyā verses, which are 
• recited more quickly during actual oblation

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• Exclusivity: According to Mīmāṃsā texts, only the Hotṛ priest is 
• allowed to recite these Anuvākya verses in certain rituals, 
• reinforcing their sacred and procedural importance

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Examples and Sources

• Anuvākya verses appear in Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa, Taittirīya 
• Brāhmaṇa, and other Vedic texts, often in conjunction with yājyā 
• hymns.
• The terms Anuvākya-vat or Anuvākyā-vat denote that a ritual action, 
• object, or verse is furnished or accompanied by an Anuvākya

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Key Points

Grammatical Aspect: Anuvākya is either an adjective

(“to be recited/repeated”) or a feminine noun (the verse itself).

Function: Serves as an invocatory formula for deities in Vedic sacrifices.

Differentiation: Unlike other recitations, Anuvākya has specific

rules and is tied to ritual correctness and precise sounds.

Position in Ritual: It is typically subsequent to preparatory hymns

and precedes actual offering rituals, setting the stage for the deity’s

acceptance.

In summary, Anuvākya represents a sacred, ceremonial verse designed 

for recitation by Vedic priests to formally invite the deity to partake 

of offerings, highlighting its central place in Vedic liturgical

practice

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