Gītā Śrōtā
A traditional study of the Bhagavadgītā for a deeper understanding of life, action and our true nature
- Dr. Vigneshwar Bhat
- Live online classes. Level 1, Śravaṇa & Pāṭha: the traditional chanting of all 18 chapters
- Starting November 23 · Mondays, 6:30–7:30pm IST (1:00–2:00pm UK), ongoing
- Online, worldwide · An ongoing study in three levels, beginning with Level 1
The Pandava and Kaurava armies face each other (detail) · Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Gītā Śrōtā is designed as a progressive journey into the Bhagavadgītā, bringing together traditional chanting, Sanskrit understanding and philosophical inquiry.
The study unfolds through three levels, moving from the sound of the text to its language, meaning and deeper philosophical teachings.
We begin with Level 1: learning to chant the Bhagavadgītā. This first course offers a foundation for those who wish to develop a closer relationship with the text through its sound and traditional recitation.
Starting November 23 · Mondays, ongoing · 6:30–7:30pm IST
Levels 2 and 3 will extend this study into the Sanskrit language, the meaning of the verses and the philosophical vision of the Gītā.
Learn to hear and chant the Gītā
Learn the traditional chanting of all 18 chapters of the Bhagavadgītā, with emphasis on:
- Correct Sanskrit pronunciation
- Proper svara, rhythm and intonation
- Traditional style of recitation
- Clarity and accuracy of each śloka
- Developing confidence in Sanskrit chanting
Before the teaching begins, the field fills with sound. Kṛṣṇa sounds his conch, Pāñcajanya, and Arjuna sounds Devadatta.
The Pandava and Kaurava armies face each other · Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Three levels of study
Each level opens a deeper way to engage with the Bhagavadgītā.
First course available
Chanting
Learn to hear and chant the Gītā, developing familiarity with its sound, pronunciation and traditional recitation.
The objective is not simply to memorise verses, but to become familiar with the sound, rhythm and traditional oral transmission of the Gītā.
Through this practice, students begin to develop a closer relationship with the text, establishing a foundation for deeper study and understanding.
A later stage of study
Sanskrit and meaning
Explore the structure, language and meaning of the verses through the study of Sanskrit, grammar and syntax.
A later stage of study
Philosophy and inquiry
Study traditional commentaries and investigate the philosophical teachings of the Bhagavadgītā.
About Dr. Vigneshwar Bhat
Dr. Vigneshwar Bhat is a scholar of Sanskrit and Indian philosophy, trained in the traditional gurukula system. His work spans Vedic chanting and mantraśāstra, Mīmāṁsā and Dharmaśāstra.
He teaches at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham in Mysuru. His books include The Splendor of Mantra and Nāda Brahma, a guide to Sanskrit chanting and phonetics.
Tara Mitra has studied with him privately every week for more than twelve years, including the Bhagavadgītā twice. He co-leads the Tara Mitra Yoga Mentorship Programme.
Questions
Do I need to know Sanskrit?
Not for Level 1. You learn the text through its sound: pronunciation, svara, rhythm and intonation are taught as you chant. The study of Sanskrit language, grammar and syntax comes in Level 2.
What does Level 1 cover?
The traditional chanting of all 18 chapters of the Bhagavadgītā, with emphasis on correct pronunciation, svara, rhythm and intonation, the traditional style of recitation, and the clarity and accuracy of each śloka.
When are the classes?
Live online every Monday, 6:30–7:30pm IST, starting November 23. In the UK that is 1:00–2:00pm, and 2:00–3:00pm once the clocks go forward on March 28.
Is there an end date?
No. Gītā Śrōtā is an ongoing study, beginning with Level 1.
What comes after Level 1?
Level 2, Padaccheda, Anvaya & Artha, explores the structure, language and meaning of the verses through Sanskrit, grammar and syntax. Level 3, Darśana, Bhāṣya & Vicāra, studies the traditional commentaries and the philosophical teachings of the Gītā.
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Learn to hear and chant the Gītā
Level 1 begins November 23. Mondays, 6:30–7:30pm IST, online and ongoing.