About
Start with the alphabet: the vowels and consonants of the Devanagari script, arranged by where each sound is made in the mouth. Then learn to read IAST, the transliteration with marks (ā, ṣ, ṃ) used beside every shloka on The Hindu Book. After that come numbers, everyday words, simple sentences and sandhi — the joining of sounds that makes shlokas flow — and finally a guide to chanting with clarity.
For a deeper study, organisations such as Samskrita Bharati run free spoken-Sanskrit classes across India and online.
Beginner lessons
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1. Sanskrit Vowels (Svaras) स्वर
The 13 vowels of Sanskrit — short and long, with how to say them
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2. Sanskrit Consonants (Vyanjanas) व्यञ्जन
The consonants, arranged by where they are spoken in the mouth
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3. How to Read Sanskrit Transliteration (IAST) लिप्यन्तरण
A pronunciation guide to the Roman letters with marks used on this site
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5. Everyday Sanskrit Words and Greetings दैनिक संस्कृत
Namaste, dhanyavadah and other words to use every day
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7. Sandhi — Why Words Join in Shlokas सन्धि
How sounds blend where words meet, and how to read joined words
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8. How to Chant a Shloka Correctly उच्चारण
Pronunciation tips for chanting Sanskrit with clarity
Frequently asked questions
Is Sanskrit hard to learn?
Its alphabet is very regular and pronunciation follows clear rules; reading shlokas correctly can be learned in a few weeks, and simple conversation in a few months.
Where should I start?
With the vowels and consonants, then the IAST guide, so that you can pronounce any shloka on this site.
What is IAST?
The International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration — Roman letters with marks that show every Sanskrit sound exactly.