Beforeसम् + तोष
After Sandhiसंतोष
Sanskrit Lesson
Sandhi Overview
How sounds join together in Sanskrit
Sandhi Overview
In Sanskrit grammar, sandhi refers to the phonetic changes that arise when two sounds or words come into contact. Mastering sandhi is essential for correct recitation, metre, and understanding of Sanskrit texts.
Sandhi is a technical term in Sanskrit grammar. It refers to the phonetic changes that occur when two adjacent sounds or words come together at a junction.
In Sanskrit, proper use of sandhi is essential for recitation, metrical beauty, and clarity of meaning. Understanding sandhi is therefore important for chanting, grammar, and word formation.
Key ideas to remember
- Sandhi is the phonetic change that arises when two adjacent sounds come together.
- When two words join, the final sound of the first and the initial sound of the second combine to produce a new form; this change is called sandhi.
- The transformation that takes place at the junction of two sounds or words is known as sandhi.
Examples of sandhi
Beforeदेव + इन्द्र
After Sandhiदेवेन्द्र
Beforeभानु + उदय
After Sandhiभानूदय
Examples of sandhi-viccheda
Combinedहिमालय
After Vicchedहिम + आलय
Combinedविद्यालय
After Vicchedविद्या + आलय
Combinedसज्जन
After Vicchedसत् + जन
Main types of sandhi
Svara-sandhi (Vowel Sandhi)
Changes that occur when a vowel meets another vowel.
मुनि + इन्द्र = मुनीन्द्र
VyaJjana-sandhi (Consonant Sandhi)
Changes that occur when a consonant meets another consonant or a vowel.
सत् + जन = सज्जन
Visarga-sandhi
Changes of the visarga (ः) when followed by a vowel or consonant.
मनः + अनुकूल = मनोनुकूल
Practice the Sandhi overview through 3 lessons
Complete Lessons 19–21 before continuing to Svara Sandhi.
19
20
21
