Mantra / मंत्र / మంత్రం / மந்திரம் / ಮಂತ್ರ / മന്ത്രം:
A mantra is a holy expression, a single sound, or a collection of words thought to possess psychological and spiritual abilities.
Example: Gayatri Mantra, Om, Shanti Mantra.
Shloka / श्लोक / శ్లోకం / ஸ்லோகா / ಶ್ಲೋಕಾ / ശ്ലോക:
A set of two consecutive lines of poetry, usually with rhyming patterns and equal length. Many Hindu scriptures, like Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Upanishads, are composed in the form of slokas.
Suktam / सूक्त / సుక్తం / சுக்தம் / ಸುಕ್ತಮ್ / സുക്തം:
The term “Suktam” is derived from the Sanskrit words “सु” (su) and “उक्त” (ukta), indicating something that is well-spoken or recited with precision (सुष्ठु उक्तम्).
Each Veda is organized into sections called “Mandalas,” containing hymns known as “Suktams” that are meant for various rituals. These Suktams are further composed of individual verses, known as “slokas.”
Examples of Suktams include Nasadiya Suktam, Purusha Suktam, and Shree Suktam.
Stotram / स्तोत्र / స్తోత్రం / ஸ்தோத்திரம் / ಸ್ಟೋಟ್ರಾಮ್:
A Stotram is a form of devotional writing presented in a poetic structure, expressing admiration and personal devotion to a deity. Many Stotram hymns praise aspects of the divine, such as Goddess Devi, God Shiva, or Sri Maha Vishnu.
Examples of Stotrams include Panchakshara Stotram, Sri Ram Raksha Stotram, and Saraswati Stotram.
Stuti / स्तुति / స్తుతి / ஸ்டூட்டி / ಸ್ತುತಿ:
The term “Stuti” originates from the Sanskrit root “स्तु” (stu), which means to pray or to praise. Any form of prayer offered for the purpose of praise is referred to as Stuti. This can be achieved by reciting mantras, Suktams, Stotrams, or bhajans.
Examples of Stutis include Sri Lakshmi Stuti and Shiva Stuti.