Understanding Key Sounds in Sanskrit Pronunciation: Anuswara, Antastha and लृ

The correct pronunciation (उच्चारणम् - Uccharanam) of Sanskrit sounds is crucial, as the script itself is designed to guide how letters should be spoken. Different written forms indicate different sounds, emphasizing the need to know how each letter is pronounced. Let's explore some specific sounds and their unique characteristics as discussed in the sources.

Anunasika (Nasal Sounds) vs. Anuswara (Pure Nasal)

Some sounds in Sanskrit are described as Anunasika, meaning they involve the nose (नासिका - Nasika) in addition to the primary articulation point. For example, the letter म् (M) is an Anunasika sound. It is also described as ओष्ठ्य (Oshthya), meaning the lips are involved in its production. When pronouncing 'M', air comes out after closing and opening the lips, and simultaneously, half or partially, the air also goes through the nose. This makes 'M' a labial sound with a nasal quality.

Anuswara is different from Anunasika sounds like 'M'. The main characteristic of Anuswara is that it is pure nasal. Unlike Vyanjanas (consonants) which often involve the tongue or other parts of the oral cavity touching somewhere, Anuswara is produced with air passing completely through the nose. There is no involvement of lips or tongue touching anywhere. Anuswara naturally comes out following the preceding vowel.

Anuswara cannot stand alone; it has to be followed by something. When the sound 'M' (मकार - Makaara) is followed by letters like य, र, ल, व (which are called Antastha), its pronunciation changes to Anuswara. This is why it is written with the Anuswara symbol. The Anuswara represents this modified sound.

The Antastha Letters (य्, र्, ल्, व्)

The letters य् (Y), र् (R), ल् (L), and व् (V) are collectively called Antastha. The term 'Antastha' literally means something that is neither here nor there. One interpretation is that they are like being in limbo. This category comes after the initial 25 Vyanjana letters.

While typically classified as Vyanjanas (consonants), the source suggests that these letters are unique because they are formed using two Swaras (vowels). For example:

• य (Ya) is formed from इ (E) + अ (A).
• व (Va) is formed from उ (U) + अ (A).
• र (Ra) is formed from ऋ (R) + अ (A).
• ल (La) is formed from लृ (L) + अ (A).

This formation from two vowels is presented as the reason why they are considered 'in limbo' and are not fully Vyanjanas in the same way the first 25 are, which involve clear touching of articulation points.

Let's look at the individual pronunciation and articulation points of the Antastha letters:

• य (Ya): Is considered तालव्य (Talavya) or palatal. While typically involving tongue contact, the source suggests that when pronouncing 'Ya', the sound is like a Swara (vowel) – not touching anywhere, with only the sound changing. This adds to the idea that it's not a typical Vyanjana.
• र (Ra) (Repha): Is a मूर्धन्य (Murdhanya) sound. To pronounce it correctly, you should roll the tip of the tongue towards the crown (the roof of the mouth) inside the cavity, but do not touch it. Instead, you force the air out.
• ल (La) (Lakara): Is a दन्त्य (Dantya) sound, meaning it involves the teeth. Your tongue tip goes towards the back of your upper teeth, but it should not really touch it. It should be pronounced like a Swara, not touching. The source notes regret about the symbol for 'L', finding it unfortunate and contributing to confusion. It is stressed that 'L' should not be pronounced like 'R'. Example of a word containing the vowel लृ (L) mentioned is: क्लृप्ति (Klpti).
• व (Va): Is described as दन्त्योष्ठ्य (Dantya-oshthya), involving both teeth and lips.

The Ushmana Letters (श, ष, स, ह)

The letters श् (Sh), ष् (Sha), स् (Sa), and ह् (H) are called Ushmana. Their articulation points are:

• श् (Sh): Is तालव्य (Talavya).
• ष् (Sh): Is मूर्धन्य (Murdhanya).
• स् (S): Is दन्त्य (Dantya).
• ह् (H): Is कण्ठ्य (Kanthya).

The pronunciation of ह (Ha) involves vibration (नाद). Air should come out of the mouth without touching anywhere in the oral cavity. It's compared to how a baby serpent exhales – a very soft sound without a lot of pressure.

The Role of Script

The way a sound is written directly indicates how it should be pronounced. If the writing is different, the sound must also be different. Correct pronunciation is clearly defined for each letter in शिक्षा books.

Understanding these distinctionsis key to mastering Sanskrit pronunciation based on traditional phonetics.