Vyanjana in Dhwani Theory
In Anandavardhana’s Dhwani Theory, Vyanjana refers to the suggestive power of language.
It is the process by which words convey a meaning beyond their direct (literal) sense, leading to deeper emotional and aesthetic effects.
Through Vyanjana, poetry achieves its highest form by subtly evoking rasa (emotions) in the reader or listener.
Three Levels of Meaning in Dhwani Theory:
Abhidha – Literal (denotative) meaning
Lakshana – Indicative (secondary) meaning
Vyanjana – Suggestive (implied) meaning (most important in poetry)
According to Anandavardhana, the true beauty of poetry lies in Vyanjana, where the words suggest something deeper than their surface meaning.
