An Anuvaka (अनुवाक) is a structural unit of the Vedas, specifically used to divide the Samhitas (hymn collections) and Brahmanas (prose explanations).
The word literally means “that which is spoken after” or “recitation” (from Anu meaning “after” and Vac meaning “to speak”). In the context of your study of the Sri Rudram and Chamakam, the Anuvakas are the “chapters” or “sections” that organize the mantras.
1. The Hierarchy of Vedic Structure
To understand where an Anuvaka sits, think of it like a book’s table of contents. Using the Taittiriya Samhita (where the Rudram is found) as an example:
* Kanda: The largest division (The “Volume”).
* Prapathaka: A major chapter within a Kanda (The “Book”).
* Anuvaka: A specific section or sub-chapter (The “Chapter”).
* Mantra/Rik: The individual verse or line.
2. Anuvakas in the Sri Rudram
The Sri Rudram is located in the 4th Kanda, 5th Prapathaka of the Krishna Yajur Veda. It is divided into 11 Anuvakas:
* Anuvaka 1: The “Prathama Anuvaka” contains the famous prayers to the angry (but auspicious) form of Shiva to shed his weapons and become peaceful.
* Anuvakas 2–9: These are primarily “Namakam” (the “Namaha” or “Salutations” sections), where different aspects of Rudra are saluted (e.g., as the thief, the forest-dweller, the master of soldiers).
* Anuvakas 10–11: These are the concluding prayers for protection and blessings.
3. Anuvakas in the Chamakam
The Chamakam (the “Me-cha” prayer) follows immediately after and also consists of 11 Anuvakas. Each one focuses on a different category of desires:
* Anuvaka 1: Mental and vital energies (like the Saumanasam you asked about).
* Anuvaka 4: Food and agriculture.
* Anuvaka 11: Numbers and cosmic order.
4. The Ritual Significance
In the Laghunyasam, the Anuvakas serve as markers for the Nyasa (placing of energy).
* Pradhana Nyasa: You often invoke the “Rishi” (seer), “Chhandas” (meter), and “Devata” (deity) for each Anuvaka.
* Chanting: When learning the Rudram, you don’t just learn “the hymn”; you learn it Anuvaka by Anuvaka to ensure the correct intonation (Svara) is maintained.