Chandas (poetry)

Chandas is a Sanskrit word referring to poetic meter. It is one of the six Vedangas, auxiliary disciplines traditionally associated with the study and preservation of the Vedas. The other five are Shiksha (phonetics), Kalpa (ritual), Vyakarana (grammar), Nirukta (etymology), and Jyotisha (astronomy).

Chandas deals with the structure of Vedic hymns and classical Sanskrit poetry, specifically focusing on the number of syllables in a verse (pada) and their arrangement. The study of Chandas provides the rules for composing metrically correct verses, ensuring the accurate transmission and recitation of sacred texts. A violation of Chandas is considered a serious error, as it can alter the meaning and efficacy of the mantras.

The earliest known treatise on Chandas is the Chandahsutra of Pingala, which is dated to around the 3rd century BCE. This text systematically outlines the various meters used in Vedic and classical Sanskrit poetry.

The concept of Chandas extends beyond a simple count of syllables. It also considers the length of vowels (short/laghu and long/guru) and their arrangement within a verse. Certain meters require specific sequences of long and short syllables. There are different types of meters depending on the total number of syllables in each pada, the most common of which include Gayatri, Anushtubh, Trishtubh, and Jagati. Each of these meters then has variations depending on the specific arrangement of long and short syllables.

Understanding Chandas is crucial for scholars studying the Vedas, Puranas, and other classical Sanskrit texts. It provides insights into the structure, aesthetics, and meaning of these works.