वर्षाऋतु
varṣārtu
The Sanskrit word for monsoon is वर्षाऋतु (varṣārtu).
This term refers to the tropical rainy season. While वर्षाऋतु specifically denotes the season, the related form वर्षा can be used independently to mean either 'rain' or 'the rainy season'.
Meaning: tropical rainy season (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
वर्षाऋतु is a compound formed by combining varṣā, meaning 'rain' or 'raining' and ṛtu, meaning 'season'.
How do you pronounce it?
varṣārtu
Did you know?
- In classical Sanskrit literature, the arrival of वर्षाऋतु is often linked to the theme of 'viraha' or the longing of lovers separated by distance.
- The Sanskrit seasonal cycle is structured around a specific 'six seasons' system, placing वर्षाऋतु in a pivotal, central position within that cycle.
- While वर्षाऋतु is the formal term, classical poets frequently use the word मेघ, meaning 'cloud', as a metonymy to represent the entire experience of the monsoon season.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing the weather.
- अनन्या Ananyaइशान, वर्षाऋतुः आरभता।Iśāna, varṣāṛtuḥ ārabhatā.Ishan, the monsoon season has started.
- इशान Ishanआम्, सर्वत्र जलम् अस्ति।ām, sarvatra jalam asti.Yes, there is water everywhere.
- अनन्या Ananyaकिं त्वं वर्षाऋतुं इच्छसि?kiṃ tvaṃ varṣāṛtuṃ icchasi?Do you like the monsoon season?
- इशान Ishanआम्, इयं ऋतुः सुन्दरी अस्ति।ām, iyaṃ ṛtuḥ sundarī asti.Yes, this season is beautiful.
