Introduction
Learning Sanskrit vowels can be a headache for English speakers but we have to simplify it. We know that vowels, alphabets, etc are the backbone of any language so we have to learn and memorize it.
We also posted in in Roman language so that it will be easier for readers. In this article, we provide the basic vowels and consonants of Sanskrit which helps you to learn the sasnskrit language easily.
Sanskrit Vowels
Sanskrit vowels are the independent sound that can be pronounced without any support of consonants. They form a vibration in words mantras and shlokas. In total sanskrita has 13 vowels but some also have 14. Correct length is very important while pronouncing, otherwise it can give a different meaning. Sanskrit always have a strict rule for this
- Short vowels: अ, इ, उ, ऋ, ऌ
- Long vowels: आ, ई, ऊ, ॠ, ए, ऐ, ओ, औ
Importance of Sanskrit Vowels
- Vowel make a core sound in every sanskrit quotes
- It should be correct while chanting
- Vowels can influence meaning of the words
- You should master vowels to learn sanskrit
Sanskrit Consonants
Consonants always require the support of a vowel in Sanskrit to pronounce correctly. As a default every consonant carries the vowel “A”. Sanskritam have total 33 main consonants and they are divided in to five main groups.
Total Number of Sanskrit Alphabets
- Vowels: 13
- Consonants: 33
Total Sanskrit letters: 46
Most Confusing Term In Sanskrit
- श (Sa), ष (Sha) and स (Saha) Sound like same but they are different alphabets.
- व and ब seems like same.
- ख and रव seem like same.
- न (Na) and ण (Na) sounds like same.
- घ and ध are also looks equal.
- म भ are not same word.
- च and ज seems same.
Place Of Aticulation
Nasal Consonants(अनुनासिक): From Nose
ञ (Auu), ङ (Na), म (Ma), ण (Na), न (Na)
Dental Consonants(दन्त्य): From Teeth & Tounge
ऌ(Lrim) , त (Ta), थ (Tha), द (Da) , ध (Dha) ,न(Na), ल (LA) , स (Saha)
Cerebrals Consonants(मुर्धन्य): From tounge tip on hard plate
ऋ, ट (Ta) ,ठ (Tha), ड (Daha), ढ (Dhaha) ,ण (Na), र (Ra) ,ष (Sha)
Palatals Consonants(तालव्य): From tounge on soft palate
इ ,ई च (Cha) ,छ (chha) ,ज (Ja) ,झ (Jha) ,ञ (Auu),य (Yah), श (Sa)
Labials Consonants(ओस्टय ): From Lips
उ ,ऊ,प (Pa) ,फ (Fa), ब (Ba),भ (Bha),म (Ma)
Gutturals Consonants(कण्ठय): From Throat
अ ,आ ,क, (Ka) ,ख (Kha) ,ग (Ga) ,घ (Gha) , ह (Ha)
Importance of Learning Sanskrit Alphabets
Learning Sanskrit vowels and consonants helps in:
- To read Sanskrit.
- Chant four vedas, ramayana currently.
- To understand the basics of Sanskrit grammar.
- To improve pronunciation in nepali and hindi
Conclusion:
Learn and memorize it carefully, and try to read and pronounce it correctly. If your pronunciation is false then it will provide the incorrect meaning. Learning Sanskrit is like a meditation you have to dive into. Don’t try to escape from it without knowing properly.
