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Learn Sanskrit Shlokas Online — Pronunciation, Meaning and Recitation

Learn Shlokas, Stotras and Subhāṣitas with correct pronunciation and word-by-word meaning, so that you understand what you recite.

All levelsAll ages · No prior SanskritLive online
Teacher
Shastri-qualified Sanskrit teacher
Type
Live online classes
Subject
Shlokas and Subhāṣitas
Level
All levels
Language
Sanskrit, explained in English or Hindi
Format
One-to-one / Small group
Duration
Planned with you
No. of classes
Planned with you

Course overview

Many of us can recite a few Shlokas from memory and could not say what a single word in them means. This course closes that gap. You learn to pronounce each verse correctly, and you learn exactly what it says.

The selection includes short daily verses, Subhāṣitas — the well-loved 'good sayings' of Sanskrit literature — and Stotras. Verses are chosen with the learner: a child, a family learning together and an adult exploring Sanskrit literature will each follow a different path.

Schedule of classes

Flexible start

One-to-one classes can begin at any time. Days and timings are agreed with you, around school hours, work and your time zone. Small-group batches are formed as learners at the same level enrol; tell us your preferred days and we will let you know the next batch.

  • Start date: any time (one-to-one)
  • Days and time: chosen with you
  • Number of classes: planned in the free counselling session
Ask about the next batch

Who is this course for?

  • Children and teenagers learning Shlokas with understanding
  • Adults who recite regularly and want to know the meaning
  • Families abroad who want their children to stay connected with Sanskrit
  • Learners of Sanskrit who want to begin reading verse

What are the prerequisites?

  • No previous Sanskrit is needed
  • Reading Devanagari is helpful. Learners who do not yet read it can begin with transliteration and learn the script alongside

What you will learn

  • Clear pronunciation: vowel length, aspirated consonants, anusvāra and visarga
  • How to break a line into words (padaccheda) and read it in prose order (anvaya)
  • The meaning of each word and of the verse as a whole
  • Recitation with a steady rhythm in common metres such as anuṣṭubh
  • The source and setting of each verse

Curriculum

  1. Foundations of recitation

    • Sounds that are often mispronounced
    • Short and long syllables
    • Where to pause in a line
  2. Daily Shlokas

    • Short verses for morning, study and mealtimes
    • Verses in praise of knowledge and the teacher
    • Peace verses
  3. Subhāṣitas

    • Verses on learning, effort, friendship and conduct
    • Reading for meaning: padaccheda and anvaya
    • Discussing what the verse teaches
  4. Stotras

    • Stotras chosen with the learner or family
    • Line-by-line pronunciation
    • Meaning and background
  5. Reciting with understanding

    • Reciting from memory
    • Explaining a verse in your own words
    • Reading a new verse independently

Verses are selected with each learner. Tell us which Shlokas or Stotras you would like to learn, and they can be included.

A sample lesson

Every verse is taught like this: text, meanings, each word, pronunciation and context.

विद्या ददाति विनयं विनयाद्याति पात्रताम्।पात्रत्वाद्धनमाप्नोति धनाद्धर्मं ततः सुखम्॥

vidyā dadāti vinayaṃ vinayād yāti pātratām |pātratvād dhanam āpnoti dhanād dharmaṃ tataḥ sukham ||

Hitopadeśa

Hindi meaning
विद्या विनय देती है, विनय से पात्रता (योग्यता) आती है। पात्रता से धन प्राप्त होता है, धन से धर्म और उससे सुख मिलता है।
English meaning
Knowledge gives humility; from humility comes worthiness. From worthiness one obtains wealth; from wealth, right conduct; and from that, happiness.

What will you gain from this course?

  • You recite the verses you have learnt accurately and with confidence
  • You can explain each of them word by word
  • You know where each verse comes from
  • You can approach a new verse and begin to work out its meaning

What materials and support do you get?

  • Live classes with line-by-line recitation and correction.
  • For every verse: the Sanskrit text, Hindi and English meaning, word-by-word meaning, pronunciation guidance and context.
  • Regular revision so that verses stay in memory.
  • Verses chosen with you; requests are welcome.
  • Doubts answered on WhatsApp between classes.

How is progress assessed?

  • Recitation of each verse, checked for pronunciation.
  • Explaining a verse in your own words.
  • There is no written examination.

What effort is required?

The total number of classes is planned with you. As a guide, learners progress best with regular live classes each week and a short period of practice on most days — reading aloud, revising forms or reciting. The weekly plan is agreed in the counselling session.

How we teach

  • The teacher recites; you repeat line by line and are corrected until it is right.
  • Every verse is then split into words and explained in Hindi or English.
  • Grammar is introduced lightly, only as far as it helps you see the meaning.
  • Earlier verses are revised regularly so that they stay in memory.
  • Children's classes are shorter, with more repetition and simple stories for context.

What every lesson includes

  • The original Sanskrit text in Devanagari
  • Meaning in Hindi and in English
  • Word-by-word meaning
  • Pronunciation guidance, line by line
  • Explanation and context: where the verse comes from and what it is saying

Class format

  • One-to-one

    Private classes at your own pace, scheduled around you.

  • Small group

    A small batch that follows a structured plan together.

Duration

Planned with you in the free counselling session, according to your current level and goal.

Fees

Fees depend on the course and on whether you choose one-to-one or small-group classes. Please contact us for current fees.

  • Individual class

    A single one-to-one class, booked as you need it.

    Contact for fees

  • Monthly individual coaching

    Regular one-to-one classes at a fixed weekly rhythm.

    Contact for fees

  • Monthly group classes

    Small-group classes that follow a structured plan.

    Contact for fees

  • Course package

    A complete course or examination-preparation programme.

    Contact for fees

Frequently asked questions

Can children join the Shloka classes?

Yes. Children learn pronunciation quickly, and simple explanations help them remember what the verses mean. A parent or guardian makes the enquiry.

I cannot read Devanagari. Can I still learn Shlokas?

Yes. You can begin with transliteration and by listening and repeating. We encourage learning the script alongside, as it makes pronunciation more exact.

Can I request particular Shlokas or Stotras?

Yes. Tell us what you would like to learn, and the teacher will plan the lessons around it.

Do you teach the meaning or only recitation?

Both, always. Every verse is taught with pronunciation, word-by-word meaning and context.

Enquire about this course

Tell us a little about the learner. We reply on WhatsApp or email to arrange a free counselling session.

Who is the learner?

For learners under 18, a parent or guardian should make the enquiry. We do not ask for the child's name or contact details at this stage.

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॥ विद्या ददाति विनयम् ॥

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