anuvṛtta

 “Anuvṛtta” in Sanskrit generally refers to ‘repetition’, ‘return’, or ‘resumption’, and is widely used in Vedic, grammatical, and literary contexts.

Meaning and Root

The term anuvṛtta (अनुव्रत्त) is derived from the prefix ‘anu-’ meaning 

‘after’ or ‘following’, and the root ‘vṛt’ (वृत्त) meaning ‘to turn, go, roll, or 

revolve’. Hence, anuvṛtta literally implies “that which follows” or “recurs”

in various contexts.

Common Usages

Vedic Usage:  In Vedic literature, anuvṛtta can refer to the repetition of 

mantras in specific rituals or as part of recitation sequences. Certain

mantras are described as anuvṛtta when they are repeated in a prescribed

manner within a verse or hymn.

Grammatical/Prosody Usage: In Sanskrit grammar and literary style, 

anuvṛtta can describe the repetition of words, rhymes, or poetic 

meters. For example, in classical poetry, repeating certain phrases 

at the beginning or end of verses can be called an anuvṛtta style.

Philosophical/Scriptural Usage: In philosophical texts, it can denote

the continuity or recurrence of a concept or action. For example, 

certain karmic or ritual cycles are sometimes referred to as anuvṛtta 

to indicate that they are “recurrent” or “followed again” in sequence 

or time.

Linguistic Description:  In Paninian grammar, the term is sometimes 

used to indicate the ‘following’ or recurring element that is carried

forward in derivation or compounding rules.

Summary

The core idea of anuvṛtta revolves around recurrence, repetition, or

continuation, whether in the sense of repeating a mantra, a poetic

phrase, or a recurring cycle of actions. Its usage depends on the

context—Vedic, grammatical, literary, or philosophical—but always 

retains the essential sense of “returning” or “that which follows”.

Examples in Context:

• In Rigvedic chanting, certain hymns have anuvṛtta words that are 
• repeated to preserve meter.
• Classical Sanskrit poets may employ anuvṛtta as a stylistic device, 
• repeating specific consonants or words for emphasis.
• Philosophical texts may discuss the anuvṛtta of duties or karmic 
• patterns, indicating continuity or recurring effect.