Types of Dhvani (with easy examples)

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🌟 What is Dhvani?

Dhvani means suggestion in poetry.
It is the hidden or indirect meaning — something the poet does not say directly, but we still understand it.

Types of Dhvani 

1. Vastu Dhvani (Idea Suggestion)

  • What it is: When the poet suggests an idea or fact without saying it clearly.

  • Example:
    "The lotus closed its petals, and the bees flew away."

  • What it really means:
    It’s evening time — the poet is not saying it directly, but we understand it through nature.

2. Alaṅkāra Dhvani (Figure of Speech Suggestion)

  • What it is: When the poet suggests a simile, metaphor, or other beautiful expression (figure of speech) without saying it clearly.

  • Example:
    "Her face shines brighter than the full moon."

  • What it really means:
    He is comparing her face to the moon — a metaphor or simile is suggested.

3. Rasa Dhvani (Emotion Suggestion)

  • What it is: When the poet suggests a feeling or emotion — like love, sadness, happiness — without directly saying it.

  • Example:
    "She stood at the door as the soldiers disappeared into the fog."

  • What it really means:
    It suggests sorrow or pain of separation — the woman is sad but the poet doesn’t say it openly.

📝 Summary Table (Simple)

Type of Dhvani What it suggests Easy Example Hidden Meaning
Vastu Dhvani An idea or fact Lotus closes, bee flies away It’s evening time
Alaṅkāra Dhvani A poetic device (simile) Her face is brighter than the moon A simile is suggested
Rasa Dhvani A feeling or emotion She stood at the door, soldiers left in fog Sorrow or sadness is felt

🎯 Final Point

Out of all three, Rasa Dhvani is the most important because poetry touches the heart through emotions.


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