Shlokaspardha 2027

Welcome to SamskritaBharati's annual Samskritam Recitation Competition (shlōka-spardhā). We have conducted several recitation competitions over the last several years, selecting verses from samkṣhepa-rāmāyaṇam, yōgasūtras of patanjali, bhartṛhari's nItishatakam, ādityahṛdayaṃ, śri rāma-rakṣhā stōtram, and others. Our primary goal for conducting a shloka recitation competition is to introduce original Samskritam literature texts to children (and their parents). What better way to instill these samskritam-shlōkās in our children (and adults) than a fun-filled event with a small dose of competition! 

This year, we introduce ‘viduranītiḥ’. This is a timeless compilation of moral, ethical, and political wisdom from the ancient Indian epic - the Mahābhāratam - also considered as itihāsa-grantha. Spanning eight chapters (33 to 40) of the Udyoga-parva, it consists of 588 verses containing a dialogue between the wise prime minister Vidura and King Dhritarashtra. This section, treated as a subsection of the Udyoga-parva is also known as Prajāgara-upaparva, hinting, Dhritarashtra being awake the whole light due to restlessness.

This discourse takes place before the Kurukshetra battle. Sanjaya had been sent to the Pandavas bearing a message - that they are virtuous men who honor the counsel of their elders, and that in the spirit of preserving the family from needless slaughter and bloodshed, they ought to forsake the path of battle and withdraw to the forest. Having delivered this message, Sanjaya returned to the palace, and Dhritarashtra, restless with anticipation, waited anxiously to learn how the Pandavas had responded. Sanjaya mentions that he would announce the details the next day - which made Dhritarashtra further anxious, sleepless and conflicted over the impending battle between his sons and his nephews - the Pandavas. He summons Vidura (his half-brother, prime minister and counselor), seeks clarity and confesses his mind. Vidura - who was the incarnation of Dharma-devatā delivers direct, unfiltered counsel regarding duty, leadership and human behavior.

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Details for ślōka-spardhā 2027

Date:  Children of all ages: January 23, 9-11 AM   Adult (18+) : January 30, 9-10:30 AM

Venue: L-Quad, De Anza College, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014

Participation is mandatory for all our saṃskṛta-kendram students.  Please register here at your earliest convenience, no later than 12/01/2026.

If you have any questions, please visit our FAQ page here.

Please note: This event is open to all (whether you attend saṃskṛtam classes or not).  Register soon and help spread the word with your friends and relatives who may be interested in learning  saṃskṛta-ślōkāḥ.

You can find the audios and pdfs of each respective gaNa linked below.