Exploring the Use and Relevance of Anu??up Chanda? in Ayurveda's Classical Canon

Dr. Vineetha V, Sanjay Joshi, Dr. Deeja C Radhakrishnan, Dr. Arathi Hariharan

Abstract: It is fascinating to observe how the Anustup Chandah, often regarded as a simple metrical pattern in Sanskrit literature, has silently shaped the way ancient Indian knowledge was preserved and passed on. In my view, its balanced structure-just thirty-two syllables arranged in four neat quarters-offers more than poetic beauty; it provides a practical framework that made memorization and oral transmission both achievable and reliable. This suggests that the sages and scholars who composed monumental works like the Astanga Hrdaya and Astanga Sangraha deliberately chose this meter not only for its rhythmic appeal but also for its pedagogical value. What stands out is the adaptability of this meter, which comfortably accommodates scientific descriptions alongside philosophical insights, particularly in Ayurveda. That said, the classical refinement of Anustup, with its subtle syllabic rules in later literature, reflects an evolving awareness of sound, flow, and learning efficiency. It is evident that this metrical form played a vital role in shaping the literary and scientific legacy of India, turning complex medical theories into verses that could live on in the minds of generations. The practical elegance of Anustup Chandah remains a testament to how literary art can serve as a vehicle for scientific wisdom.

Keywords: Anustup meter, Ayurveda literature, Sanskrit poetry, oral tradition, Astanga Hrdaya, Astanga Sangraha

How to Cite?: Dr. Vineetha V, Sanjay Joshi, Dr. Deeja C Radhakrishnan, Dr. Arathi Hariharan, "Exploring the Use and Relevance of Anu??up Chanda? in Ayurveda's Classical Canon", Volume 14 Issue 5, May 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1146-1147, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25516113728, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25516113728