anvartha saṁjñā

 

Definition:
अन्वर्थसञ्ज्ञ (Anvartha-saṁjñā) is a technical term in Sanskrit grammar and 

literary theory, used to denote a saṁjñā (name or designation) which

inherently conveys its own meaning. It is distinct from purely conventional

or technical names (like some grammatical terms such as ghu, liṭ)

that do not directly reveal their meaning.

Etymology:

• अन्वर्थ (Anvartha) = literally “carrying the meaning” or “following the meaning”
• सञ्ज्ञ (Saṁjñā) = “name,” “designation,” or “term”

Therefore, अन्वार्थसञ्ज्ञ = “a designation that is aptly meaningful or 

self-explanatory.”

Characteristics:

The meaning is clear upon analysis: A scholar reading the term can intuitively

understand or deduce its intended significance.

Widely applied in grammar, lexicography, and epics: Certain names of persons, 

objects, or technical processes are considered anvartha-saṁjñā.

Examples from grammar and literature:

• सर्वनामन् (Sarvanāman) – a term for pronouns; the name itself indicates 
• it refers to “all names.”
• कर्मप्रवचनीय (Karmapravacanīya) – literally “something that can be
• declared as action,” used for verbal forms.
• Proper names retaining etymological meaning, e.g.,
• दिर्घबाहु (Dīrghabāhu) = “long-armed.”

Scholarly Notes:

• Patañjali comments on such terms that their designation is meaningful
• by nature (kimartham mahatī saṁjñā kriyate? anvarthasaṁjñā yathā vijñāyeta).
• Kaiyyaṭa notes that anvartha-saṁjñā is yā sā saṁjñā, the one whose 
• meaning is transparent and directly understood.

Summary:

अन्वर्थसञ्ज्ञ serves as a self-explanatory term in Sanskrit grammar and 

literature. It highlights the harmony between name and meaning, 

emphasizing that certain designations are naturally intelligible rather

than purely conventional.

References:

• Wisdom Library, Anvarthasanjna: link
• Sanskritdictionary.com: अन्वर्थ, अन्वर्थसञ्ज्ञ
• Classical commentators: Patañjali, Kaiyyaṭa