Richa

Richa (Rucha) refers to a shloka (couplet) or mantra, usually two to four sentences long, found in the Hindu religious scriptures, the Vedas. The etymological origin of Richa is the Sanskrit word, ric, which means to praise. A Sanskrit English Dictionary 2005 Deluxe Edition: Etymologically and Philologically Arranged with Special Reference to Cognate Indo-European Languages by M Monier-Williams. Richa, is therefore, one ric after the other. Other meanings of ric are splendour, worship, a hymn. Apte Sanskrit dictionary: http://aa2411s.aa.tufs.ac.jp/~tjun/sktdic/ Richa can also refer to a verbal composition of celestial sounds called "Shrutis". The Gayatri Mantra is a Richa as well.
In Marathi or in Kannada, it is pronounced as Rhucha. 
In Hindi, it is pronounced as Richa and spelt as ऋचा. 
In Sanskrit, the pronunciation varies by region and spelt as ऋचा. 
In Sanskrit (ऋचा) the pronunciation varies based on the geography and native language of the speakers. Hindi speaking populace would pronounce the Sanskrit word as "Richa" as opposed to Marathi or Kannada speaking populace. Both the 'Ru' and 'Ri' pronunciations are correct and are regional variants. In Maharashtra and Karnataka, the letter ऋ is pronounced 'Ru', whereas it is pronounced 'Ri' by speakers of Hindi. The Hindi script is identical to the Sanskrit script.
Richa is a popular given-name among females in Hindus. Notable people named Richa:
*Richa Pallod, an Indian actress
*Richa Sharma (singer), an Indian singer
*Richa Sharma (actor)
== References ==
Category:Hindu texts
Category:Indian feminine given names
Category:Hindu mantras