Exploring Chandas:
A Deep Dive into the Rhythmic Structure of Ancient Sanskrit Poetry
Upcoming Webinar: Sunday, June 29, 2025, 5 pm PT / 8 pm ET / 5:30 am IST (June 30)

About the Webinar:
Welcome to the fascinating world of Chandas – the science of Sanskrit poetic meter. In this introductory webinar, we’ll explore how the ancient sages structured verses with mathematical precision and spiritual intention. Chandas reveal the pulse of traditional knowledge, guiding how shlokas are chanted, memorized, and understood.
Definition of Chanda:
In Sanskrit literature, Chanda refers to the meter or rhythm of a verse. It dictates the pattern of syllables, long and short, in a poetic line. The word Chanda itself is derived from the root chad meaning to cover or to envelop, symbolizing the way rhythm envelops a poem.
Importance:
Chandas are central to Vedic, classical, and epic Sanskrit poetry, influencing its musical quality and memorability.
Structure of Verses:
Sanskrit poetry is traditionally based on fixed metrical patterns, where the length and type of syllables (short or long) determine the meter.
Sound and Meaning:
The use of Chanda not only creates a pleasing sound but often reinforces the meaning or emotional tone of the poem.
Rhetorical Impact:
The sound patterns in the meters add depth to the meaning.
Aesthetic Role:
The meter enhances the aesthetic experience of the poem, creating a sense of harmony and flow that aligns with the philosophical themes.
Enduring Relevance:
Understanding Chanda allows us to appreciate the beauty, complexity, and legacy of ancient Sanskrit literature.
Whether you’re a student of Sanskrit, a seeker of Vedic wisdom, or simply curious about the intersection of language, rhythm, and meaning, this webinar is your invitation to step into a deeper dimension of sound and scripture.
Get to Know panelist
Dr. Suryanarayana Nanda
Dr. Suryanarayana Nanda has devoted his life to studying Vedic texts and Classical Sanskrit literature. He holds a Ph.D. in Sanskrit from Utkal University in Bhubaneswar, as well as an M.A. and M.Phil. from Delhi University, and Sahityācārya from S. Jagannatha Sanskrit Visvavidyalaya, Puri.
Course Offered by Panelist
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Exploring Chandas
SAN2002 – This course offers an in-depth study of Sanskrit prosody (छन्दः), focusing on both Vedic and laukika meters. Students will examine the characteristic features (laksana) and practical applications (prayoga) of these poetic structures. The curriculum covers the principles of laghu (light) and guru (heavy) syllables and introduces key concepts such as Gaṇa parichaya—the patterns of light and heavy syllables in sequences. Additionally, the course explores three forms of verse: syllabic (akṣara-vṛtta), syllabo- quantitative (varṇa-vṛtta), and quantitative (mātrā-vṛtta). This systematic approach enhances linguistic skills, aids memorization, and deepens understanding of the literary and aesthetic dimensions of Sanskrit poetry.
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