Shlokaspardha 2026

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 ‘śrī hayagrīva stōtram’, a devotional hymn composed by Sri Vedanta Deshika, a saint and a poet; dedicated to Lord Sri Hayagriva. Sri Hayagriva, who is Sri Vishnu himself, is the source of all forms of knowledge (आधारं सर्व विद्यानाम् ) and is believed to have bestowed the Vedas to Brahma at the time of creation in this form only. Here, his divine form which is sat-chit-ananda or transcendental is visioned as a beautiful white horse, as lustrous as pure sphatika maNi. In the temples, we worship him along with Mother Lakshmi who is sitting on his lap - as - Sri Lakshmi Hayagriva. Many people have the ‘aksharābhyāsa’ ceremony for their kids in front of Hayagriva with his prayers and seeking his blessings. 

It is believed that Sri Vedanta Desikacharya had ‘sākshātkāra’ of Sri Hayagriva and it is at this moment that this stotram was spurred to him.  Though these have greater depth in their meanings, efforts are taken to only give the main idea of each stotram just scratching the tip of the iceberg. 

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Details for ślōka-spardhā 2026

Date:  Children of all ages: February 7th, 9-11 AM   Adult (18+) : February 14th, 9-11AM

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 1/10/2026.

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.