vandanam

Vandanam, also rendered as vandanā or vandhana, is a Sanskrit-derived term that denotes reverence, salutation, or obeisance. The root vand- means to bow or to show respect, and vandana or vandhanā refers to the act of offering or performing that reverence.

In Hindu practice, vandanam is an act of greeting or paying homage to a deity, guru, or elder. It is typically performed with folded hands held together in Anjali Mudra and may include bowing or prostration, accompanied by prayers or mantras. The gesture and ritual are common during puja, temple rites, and daily prayers, and it often serves as an invocation or acknowledgment at the outset of a ceremony.

In the performing arts, vandanam figures as an invocational component in classical music and dance. Performers commonly begin with a vandana to the guru and to deities such as Saraswati or Ganesha, signaling the formal start of the performance and honoring lineage and divine inspiration.

Across Indian languages, the term appears in various forms while retaining its core meaning. Variants include vandanā, vandanam, and vandana, reflecting regional pronunciations while preserving the concept of reverence and salutation. In everyday usage, vandanam is also employed to show respect to elders, teachers, and others deserving of honor.