Saṃskṛt metres: rhythm and verse

Syllables as the building blocks of Saṃskṛt

Saṃskṛt verses are recited in a singing cadence. Their rhythm arises because each syllable is either heavy (guru) or light (laghu).

Pronouncing syllables in the Saṃskṛt alphabet

The Saṃskṛt alphabet is a syllabic alphabet with a clear and logical structure. This overview introduces the pronunciation of its syllables.

Guru and laghu in Saṃskṛt metre

Saṃskṛt verses are recited in a singing cadence. Their rhythm arises because each syllable is either stressed as heavy (guru) or unstressed as light (laghu).

Determining the metre of a Saṃskṛt text

Learn how to determine the metre of a Saṃskṛt text. This makes it easier to bring rhythmic harmony into your pronunciation.

An

An

Anuṣṭubh metre

Anuṣṭubh is one of the most common metres in post-Vedic teaching and wisdom texts. It is therefore often simply called śloka.

In

In

Indravajrā, Upendravajrā, and Upajāti metres

Indravajrā and Upendravajrā are popular metres for mantras. They sound very similar and also appear in combination as Upajāti.

Classical metres with 11 to 17 syllables

Śālinī, Vaiśvadevī, Mālinī, and Mandākrāntā are classical metres with 11 to 17 syllables, shaped by clear structures and harmonious sound patterns.

In

In

Indravaṃśā, Vaṃśastham, and Vaṃśamālā metres

Indravaṃśā and Vaṃśastham are popular metres for mantras. They sound very similar and also appear in combination as Vaṃśamālā.

Sr

Sr

Sragdharā metre

Sragdharā, the garland-bearer, consists of four pādas with 21 syllables each, divided into three subsections of seven syllables.

Pramāṇikā or Mattaceṣṭita metre

The Pramāṇikā metre, also called Mattaceṣṭita, consists of two pādas with 16 syllables each and a characteristic alternation of heavy and light syllables.

Śārdūlavikrīḍita metre

The Śārdūlavikrīḍita metre has 19 syllables per pāda. A complete verse consists of four pādas, each with its own rhythmic structure.