Śikṣā: Phonetics of the Gods
शीक्षा Śikṣā (Phonetics) is one of the Vedāngas - a discipline that focuses on the correct pronunciation, accentuation, and phonetics of the Vedic texts. It ensures that the hymns and mantras are recited accurately, preserving their intended sound and meaning. Taittiriya Upanishad states right at the beginning: ॐ शीक्षां व्याख्यास्यामः । वर्णः स्वरः । मात्रा बलम् । साम सन्तानः । इत्युक्तः शीक्षाध्यायः ॥ oṃ śīkṣāṃ vyākhyāsyāmaḥ । varṇaḥ svaraḥ | mātrā balam । sāma santānaḥ | ityuktaḥ śīkṣādhyāyaḥ sāma santānaḥ | ityuktaḥ śīkṣādhyāyaḥ ॥ Om! We shall treat of the phonetics: sound, rhythm, quantity, strength, modulation, union. Thus has been declared the lesson on phonetics (Translation by A. Mahadev Sastri) One of the important texts for this v edānga is the Pāṇinīya Śikṣā ( पाणिनीयशिक्षा). I have selected shlokas from this text that I use as a basis for honing my own chanting skills. This is a living document and I...