Shiksha (Śikṣā)

Category: Shiksha | Author : THT | Date : 24 October 2025 13:21

Shiksha (Śikṣā) – The Science of Phonetics and Pronunciation

Purpose: To preserve the exact pronunciation, accent, and intonation of the Vedic mantras. The Vedas are considered Śruti (“that which is heard”), and their power was believed to reside in their sound. A single mispronunciation could render a mantra ineffective or even harmful.

Core Content: Rules for sound production, pitch (swara), quantity (mātra), and force (bala).

Modern Utility: Shiksha forms the foundation of linguistics and phonetics in India. Its principles ensured the flawless oral transmission of the Vedas for thousands of years and serve as the precursor to the study of precise spoken language today.