anuvākyā

 Anuvākyā (अनुवाक्या) refers to specific verses of the Ṛgveda recited by the priest Hotṛ, invoking a deity to partake of offerings, particularly the Havis (clarified butter).

Definition and Meaning

Anuvākyā is a feminine noun in Sanskrit, derived from the root anu 

(following, repeated) and vākyā (verse or formula), and literally means

a verse or formula to be repeated or recited

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. In

Vedic rituals, it designates verses chanted by the Hotṛ priest, whose

role is to invoke deities to accept the offerings prepared for

them

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. These verses are part of the liturgy and 

hold a specific ritual function distinct from other types of Vedic

recitations such as yājyā, which are recited quickly during actual 

offerings

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Usage in Vedic Rituals

• Recitation: Anuvākyās are recited in a deliberate, slow, and drawling 
• tone to properly invite the deity to the sacrificial offering

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• Priestly Role: Only the Hotṛ (or Maitrāvaruṇa priest in some contexts) 
• is permitted to recite these verses, as per the Mīmāṃsā tradition

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• Ritual Function: The verses formally inform or invite the deity
• regarding the Havis offering, reflecting the structured and precise 
• nature of Vedic sacrificial rites

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Grammatical and Etymological Notes

• Formed as a tatpurusha compound, where anu qualifies vākyā to
• indicate recitation or repetition

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• Adjective form: anuvākya can also appear, meaning “to be recited”
• or “repeatable”

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• This illustrates the strict linguistic shaping of Vedic prayers and
• highlights the relationship between language, ritual action, and 
• sacred function

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Key Literature References

• Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa and Taittirīya Brāhmaṇa discuss the 
• procedural use of Anuvākyās in rituals

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• They are frequently paired with yājyā hymns but are distinct in 
• recitation style and ritual timing

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• Similar terms: puronuvākyā, yājyānuvākyā indicate subtypes or
• contextual variations of anuvākyā recitations

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In summary, anuvākyā denotes ritually significant Vedic verses

recited to invite deities to partake in offerings, forming a foundational

element of Vedic sacrificial practices, with precise rules on who may

recite them and how they are chanted

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